Three-handled quart cann

1800-1850

Measurements

6-3/4 in x 8-1/2 in x 7-1/4 in (dia of top 4-1/2 in)

Materials

Pewter

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.793

Inscription

“QUART” and crown-over-flower touchmarks are stamped into the top of one side of the body near a handle.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner.

Comments

This baluster-shaped drinking vessel, called a cann, has three handles rather than the normal one or occasional two.  Each of the double C scroll handles has pronounced thumb-piece scroll.  The body stands on a molded foot.

The three handles encourage passing this mug or cann from person to person.  The quart touchmark labels its capacity.  In combination, those features suggests this cann was made for use in a tavern or public house.  Despite its ownership by Mrs. Warner, it most likely was not owned and used by earlier Corbit or Wilson family members.  Instead, she likely acquired it. 

The user of the touchmark has not been identified.  It differs from most, which have crowns over roses.  This flower looks more like a zinnia or related flower.  The English language "quart" indicates that this cann was not made elsewhere, although other countries used similar rose-and-crown marks.