Tankard
1 of 4
Object Label
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.
Caption
American; Simeon Soumaine (American, baptized 1685–ca. 1750). Tankard, ca. 1715. Silver, 7 x 8 1/4 in. (17.8 x 21 cm) Base diameter: 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Samuel E. Haslett, 20.793. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Maker
Title
Tankard
Date
ca. 1715
Geography
Place made: United States
Medium
Silver
Classification
Dimensions
7 x 8 1/4 in. (17.8 x 21 cm) Base diameter: 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
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"
Markings
On handle, "SS" [for Simeon Soumaine, maker]
Credit Line
Bequest of Samuel E. Haslett
Accession Number
20.793
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