Brooklyn Museum: Decorative Arts: Tankard

Tankard

A tankard made out of valuable material was part of its owner's capital. In the eighteenth century, a tankard might cost more than the annual income of most workers. The tankard was used communally, passed around filled with beer or ale. It helped to cement social bonds while it enhanced the status of the owner. The silver coin on this example's lid underscores that the tankard is made from the same material as money.

Culture: American
Medium: Silver
Place Made: USA
Dates: ca. 1715
Dimensions: 7 x 8 1/4 in. (17.8 x 21 cm) Base diameter: 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
Markings: On handle, "SS" [for Simeon Soumaine, maker]
Inscriptions: Incised on the tankard as noted in description: "LEOPOLDUS D. G. ARCHIDUX AUSTRIAE"; "DUZ BRGUNDI COMES TIROLIS"; and on the handle, the initials "V K / A G"
Collections: Decorative Arts
Museum Location: This item is on view in American Identities: A New Look, 5th floor
Accession Number: 20.793
Credit Line: Bequest of Samuel E. Haslett
Image: Overall, 20.793_acetate_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

Catalogue Description: Large cylindrical tankard is larger in diameter at the base than at the rim. There are narrow bands of molding around the base, and above it, a border of saw tooth-edged leaf motifs. There is a round cover with projecting edge serrated in the front. A silver medal is inset into the center of the cover. On one side is the bust of a duke in armor, crowned and holding a scepter and globe. At the right is the date 1632. Around him is an inscription: "LEOPOLDUS D. G. ARCHIDUX AUSTRIAE." On the other side is a blazoned a shield surmounted by a crown and encircled with the inscription: "DUZ BRUGUNDI COMES TIROLIS." There is a corkscrew thumb-piece and hinge fastened to the heavy silver handle. The initials "V K A G" are found beneath. There is a cherub's head on the handle as well as on the tip. Condition: Good

Collections: Decorative Arts: Tankard