Porringer, tableware

Porringer with a single ear in the form of an escutcheon, flanked by dolphins flanked by a ropework suspension loop. The escutcheon is stamped with ownership initials ‘M’ and ‘B’. There is a touch mark in a beaded circle underneath the base with the letters ‘I’ and’ K’ with mullets above and below by John Kenton, London, OP2720.

Kenton obtained his freedom in 1675 and might have been working up to his death in 1722. Date: c.1675-1722. A porringer with ‘dolphin’ ears of similar type was recovered from the wreck of a late 17th century vessel off the coast of Quebec (Anse aux Bouleaux) in 2004. Other examples have been recovered from excavations in Virginia (Davies, 2003 cat.. 182).