An Unmarked Pewter Taster Porringer by Richard Lee - SOLD

Although unmarked this porringer can be assigned to the shops of the Lees with confidence. Richard Lee Sr. and Jr. are both considered to be Vermont pewterers. Lee Sr. was in Grafton, NH from, 1788-1790, Ashfield, MA 1791-1793, Lanesboro, MA 1794-1802 and Springfield, VT from 1802-1823. Lee Jr. was in Springfield, VT from 1795-1815 and Beverly, MA from 1816-1820.

As to which Lee made this and where is unknown. The handle or “ear” on this porringer is a modified Old English Handle. It is interesting to note that Samuel Pierce of Greenfield, MA also made a taster porringer with this same style handle. They can be easily distinguished due to the fact that the Pierce handle has a “bump” on the back of the bracket while the Lee bracket is smooth.

Note the fact that the "ear" is mounted on the bowl at an angle. This was due to the fact that the handle mold wasn't properly positioned when the handle (ear) was cast in place.