Large deep plate or deep dish

1784-1802

Maker

John Townsend and Thomas Compton (working 1784-1802)

Measurements

2-1/4 in x 14-5/8 in (dia)

Materials

Pewter

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3653

Inscription

The touch- and hallmarks say "TOWNSEND / & COMPTON" and "MADE IN / LONDON" and "T&C."

Condition Notes

Some scratches and wear are visible on this plate.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

This large plate with a deep bowl bears the marks of London pewterers John Townsend and Thomas Compton, who exported large amounts of pewter to America.  This plate shows clearly their hammering marks around the booge (the curved edge of the plate bottom), which was done to compress and strengthen the cast pewter.  The attached image shows clearly their rhythmic strikes of the hammer.  Another image of this plate shows faint concentric rings that happen to be just inside the single bead around the outside of the plate rim.  The rings are skimming marks, made when the pewterer removed the plate from the mold and smoothed the surface on a lathe.  The marks are relatively clear, although impacted by some wear.