Tankard
Unmarked
about 1620
Object PlaceEngland or Germany
Medium/TechniqueSerpentine with silver mounts
DimensionsH. 13.5 cm (5 5/16 in.); W. 12.4 cm (4 7/8 in.); Diameter (of foot) 8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.)
Credit LineTheodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession number59.718
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver
Collections
Ranging in color from green to red and black, the stone known as serpentine was mined from India to Germany. Like rhinoceros horns in Asia, it was believed to detect poison and to have healing properties. This example was turned on a lathe before it was mounted with silver.
InscriptionsArmorials: Engraved on cover, the arms of Sebastian Harvey (about 1552–1620-21) of London and Walton in Stone, Staffordshire.
Inscriptions: Engraved on underside of foot rim, Sir Sebastian Harvey, came to be Lord Maior 1618ProvenanceSebastian Harvey (b. about 1552 - d. 1620/1), London [see note 1]. John Hewett, London; probably sold by Hewett to John Hunt, Dublin and London; 1959, sold by Hunt to the MFA for £135. (Accession Date: November 12, 1959)NOTES:
[1] The engraved arms are those of Sebastian Harvey. An inscription on the underside of the foot rim reads "Sir Sebastian Harvey, came to be Lord Maior 1618."
