A Near Mint David Melville Pewter Basin - SOLD

This 8 7/8" Pewter Basin was made by David Melville of Newport Rhode Island working from 1755-1793. Without question this is the finest example of a basin by this maker we have ever had the pleasure to offer for sale.






The basin shows all the lathe marks along with lathe chatter and "standing waves" due to the fact that Melville didn't have this piece squarely mounted on the chuck of the lathe. There is virtually no wear on this piece, which makes me think it spent its life likely being used as a baptismal bowl in some New England Church.

The turnings on the rim a different than the standard cove and bead seen on most basins. There is a shallow cove toward the inside followed by a distinctive bead followed by a "flat" at the outer edge. The edge is squared off and not rounded like most basins.

This is a truly remarkable specimen. The touch is mint as struck. $650.00