A Near Mint 8" Pewter Basin by Nathaniel Austin - SOLD

Nathaniel Austin was active in the pewter trade from 1763-1807and his touch marks are essentially a history of the progression of the march toward independence of the country.

His first touch mark was a rampant lion in gateway paying respect to the fact that we were a British Colony. This touch certainly originated at the beginning of his career, however when the British attacked Charlestown and Austin’s home and shop were burned down he appears to have had a change of allegiance as he moved to Lunenburg, MA where he apparently adopted a scrolled name touch. His last touch with a heraldic eagle was likely adopted at the end of the Revolution when he moved back to Charlestown and this touch was used until the end of his career.

This basin bears a nearly perfect impression of the eagle touch. The metal on this basin is in nearly new condition with a few minor surface blemishes. All the lathe marks on the inside and back of the basin show very clearly. This is without question the absolute finest Nathaniel Austin basin that we have ever offered for sale. This piece is 8” diameter.