Tankard
Robert Sanderson, Sr.
(American (born in England), 1608–1693)
Robert Sanderson, Jr.
(1652–1714)
about 1690
Object PlaceBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/TechniqueSilver
DimensionsOther (Overall; in Buhler): 16.8 x 20.8 cm (6 5/8 x 8 3/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of John S. Ames and Mary Ames Frothingham
Accession number37.263
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver hollowware
Collections
Commodious tankards were drinking vessels passed from hand to hand. This early example was made in the shop of Robert Sanderson and his son, a partnership formed after the death of John Hull. It is particularly notable for the whorl of naturalistic flowers engraved on its lid. The initials suggest that it was made for Isaac and Mary Vergoose, of Boston.
InscriptionsPricked on handle in three circules IMV.ProvenanceIsaac (1637-1710) and Mary (Balston) Vergoose (1648-1690), Boston, m. about 1668; to their daughter Anna (d. 1774); her nephew William Fleet (d. 1784); his sister-in-law (d. 1827). By 1911, owned in 1911 by Mrs. Alexander Fairfield Wadsworth, Boston; 1911, lent by Mrs.Fairfield to MFA; 1912, returned to Mrs. Fairfield; 1930, re-lent by Mrs. Fairfield; 1930, returned; 1935, re-lent by Mrs. Fairfield; 1937, bought by MFA for $15,000 with a gift of John S Ames and Mary Ames Frothingham. (Accession date: March 4, 1937)
