Caster
Paul Revere, Jr.
(American, 1734–1818)
1787
Object PlaceBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/TechniqueSilver
DimensionsOverall: 15.4 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm, 0.12 kg (6 1/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in., 0.26 lb.)
Credit LineFrank B. Remis Fund
Accession number1983.129
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSilver hollowware
Collections
This unmarked caster is thought to have been owned originally by William and Hannah Carter Smith of Boston and made at the time of their marriage in 1787. A teapot and stand in the Museum’s collection, marked by Revere, has the same history (see cat. nos. 165 and 172 for related pieces owned in the same family).
Only three other Revere casters are known in this same form. The piece is also related to the small, unmarked gold urn made by Revere for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1799 to hold a lock of George Washington’s hair.
This text has been adapted from "Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000," edited by Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward, published in 2008 by the MFA. Complete references can be found in that publication.
ProvenanceOriginally owned by William and Hannah (Carter) Smith; see also cat. no. 172. Descended to their son Thomas Carter Smith in 1831; to his son William Vincent Smith in 1877; he m. Alice Parkman in 1878 (and changed his name to William Smith Carter in 1880); to his son Theodore P. Carter. Purchased from the latter by noted collector Mark Bortman and placed on loan to the Museum from 1948 to 1966. By descent to his daughter Jane Bortman Larus. Purchased from William Core Duffy, New Haven, Connecticut, in 1983.
Paul Revere, Jr.
