American Colonial Period Silver Tankard by Paul Revere
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Discover the opulence encapsulated in the 'American Colonial Period Silver Tankard by Paul Revere', a striking testament to an era where artistry met utility. This lidded silver vessel isn’t merely a drinking apparatus; it's a relic of colonial sophistication, echoing the legacy of famed silversmith Paul Revere.
This piece hails from the cusp of the 18th century, a span marked by American upheaval and aspiration. Crafted in sterling silver, it bears the celebrated hallmarks of Georgian silver artistry, identifiable by its distinctive 'REVERE' maker’s mark near the handle's joint—a testament to its creator and a symbol of its historic significance.
The tankard’s sterling silver composition embodies the craftsmanship of its time. Each hammer divot and the subtle patination across its surface narrates tales of meticulous hand-forging, heralding an authenticity crafted by skilled colonial hands.
In very good condition, the tankard exhibits minor surface wear consistent with age, yet remains free of significant damage or repairs. Its intact scroll handle and thumb piece further reaffirm its standing as a well-preserved artifact.
Authenticity hovers at a cautious 65%, a reflection of the discerning eye required for verification amidst a market known for high-quality reproductions. As a true Revere creation, its auction value may oscillate between $100,000 and $400,000—if verifiable. For collectors, it embodies the intrigue of Revere himself, a patriot whose legacy transcends material bounds.
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Item Report
American Colonial Period Silver Tankard by Paul Revere
By:Paul Revere
Style:Colonial American / Georgian Silver
Origin:United States
Materials:Sterling silver
Age:circa 1770-1790
Condition:Very Good (minor expected surface wear, handle and thumb piece intact, no visible dents or repairs from the images supplied)
Value:$100,000–$400,000 (if authentic and by Paul Revere, auction estimate)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Stamped 'REVERE' near the handle joint on the body of the tankard.
Date:2025-07-03 19:58:59.942559
Description:
This is a classic lidded silver tankard characteristic of late 18th-century American Colonial silverwork. It features a domed lid with a stylized finial, a double midband, a thumb piece, and a large scroll handle. Most importantly, it bears the clear stamped maker's mark 'REVERE', identifying it as the work of Paul Revere, one of the most significant American silversmiths of the era. Such tankards were both status items and utilitarian drinking vessels during the colonial period, often crafted in sterling silver for prominent clients.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
An exemplary specimen of late 18th-century American silver by Paul Revere, highly collectible and of significant historic value if authentic. The tankard's form, proportion, finial, and especially the clear 'REVERE' punch mark are all consistent with documented Revere pieces. These are rare and command strong results at auction due to their association with an iconic American patriot and craftsman. A word about fakes: the market for Paul Revere silver is plagued by high-quality forgeries and reproductions, and authentication requires rigorous analysis, including metallurgical testing and provenance research.
Individual Images:
The detail image shows the REVERE mark clearly stamped
which is consistent with original Paul Revere works
though this mark has been copied by later forgers. The thumb piece
hinge
and scroll handle appear original with typical tool marks visible. No obvious repairs are visible at the handle joint
lid
or thumb piece. Silver surface shows expected hammering and patination indicative of hand forging. No personalized inscriptions are evident from these angles. The tankard's proportions and decorative form suggest authentic period craftsmanship.
Provenance:
No provenance documents are visible in the supplied images.
Condition:
Very Good (minor expected surface wear, handle and thumb piece intact, no visible dents or repairs from the images supplied)
Identification Score: 98%
The object's form, decoration, craftsmanship, and clearly punched 'REVERE' maker's mark precisely match known Paul Revere tankards. The overall style aligns with American colonial and Georgian silver. Identification is nearly certain, with only a small margin for high-quality reproductions.
Authenticity Score: 65%
While the piece exhibits proper form, wear, and authentic-looking details, forgeries of the 'REVERE' mark and form are common. Without metallurgical analysis, solid provenance, or more detailed close-up images of interior soldering and wear, it is not possible to assign a higher authenticity score. The visible aspects are highly promising, but caution is warranted.
Image Memory Note
The primary image shows a large, well-crafted silver tankard with a domed, finial-topped lid and a robust C-shaped handle with a thumb rest. The tankard features a double incised midband and a raised foot. Its lid opens on a solidly hinged mechanism. A close-up image shows a clear, rectangular punch mark stamped 'REVERE' in uppercase serif letters near the juncture of the handle and the body. No other hallmarks, engravings, or inscriptions are visible. Silver surface shows slight hammering marks and gentle wear, consistent with 18th-century fabrication. The tankard is free of any large dents, cracks, or visible repairs. There is a decorative finial of pinecone shape atop the lid, and no monogram or presentation engraving is seen.
Keywords
Paul Revere, Colonial American silver, Georgian silver, tankard, sterling, American Revolution, United States, 18th century, lidded tankard, antique silver
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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