Porringer

1805-1845

Maker

Archibald Kenrick foundry (established 1791)

Measurements

1-3/8 in x 6-3/8 in x 4-5/8 in (dia)

Materials

Iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3616

Inscription

"Kenrick / “Half Pint” is cast into the underside of the handle.

Condition Notes

The surface has some pitting.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This cast iron porringer, marked on the underside as being of a half pint capacity, has a pierced “palmette”-design handle, a narrow rim molding, and a narrow foot ring.  A casting dam (where molten iron was poured into the mold) is on the outside bottom.  Cast into the bottom is the the Kenrick foundry name and porringer size.  Archibald Kenrick (1760-1835) established the foundry in 1791, later ran it with his sons, and it continues in operation.  In Kenrick's time, the foundry made a variety of kitchen and related wares.  This porringer is significantly more durable than those made of pewter at the same time.

For another marked cast iron porringer made by the William Bullock & Company, also of West Bromwich and established 1791, see accession no. 1959.3665.