Spittoon
Pewter was used in America from as early as 1630 through the end of the nineteenth century, reaching the height of its popularity during the late 1700s, when pewterers existed in most of the major settlements along the eastern seaboard. An alloy consisting principally of tin, pewter can be grouped into two broad categories: flatware, consisting of pewter cast in one piece (plates, basins, etc.), and hollow-ware, or pewter cast in several parts (teapots, tankards, etc.). Along with the more popular types of flat-and hollow-ware (primarily vessels and utensils for eating and drinking), pewterers also produced a great variety of objects intended for other purposes, both utilitarian and decorative, an example being the present spittoon, made by William Savage of Middletown, Connecticut. Savage, who for a time was partners with another pewterer named Graham, seems to have been active only for the four-year period 1837–40.
Artwork Details
- Title: Spittoon
- Maker: William Savage (British, Howden, Yorkshire 1770–1843 London)
- Date: 1837–40
- Geography: Made in Middletown, Connecticut, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Pewter
- Dimensions: H. 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm); Diam. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Stephen S. FitzGerald, 1962
- Object Number: 62.89.15a, b
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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