Miniature hot water urn

1875-1925

Measurements

7 in x 5-1/4 in x 3-1/2 in

Materials

Pewter and brass

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hugh R. and Bayard Sharp

Accession Number

1977.558

Inscription

"J.M. & S." is incorporated in relief in a maker's touchmark stamped into the center of the underside.

Condition Notes

A crack in the lid was repaired in 1983.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This miniature, baluster- or vase-shaped hot water urn stands on three cabriole legs that end in upwardly turned feet mounted on balls.  A domed lid has an acorn-like finial.  A working C-scroll handle is opposite a brass spigot that is set into the body and soldered in place.  

Because it is so small, the urn has no apparent function at a dinner table or for entertaining.  It was likely made as a conversation piece decades or generations later than the models from which it is derived.  The maker's marks have not been identified.