Woodward & Grosjean (attr.) Jones, Ball & Poor Coin Silver Milk Jug, Boston, MA, 1848-51

This rare milk jug is a wonderful example of Boston coin silver. The pear-shaped, body is decorated with repousséd foliage and scroll designs against a very fine textured background of circles. The cast handle has a leaf thumb-piece and hinge to the domed cover with floral finial. Gadrooning forms the edge of the cover and matches the larger version on the edge of the pedestal base. A cast spout of separating leaves with ruffled edges is quite lovely. On one side, a cartouche is monogrammed 'L. McC' in Gothic lettering.

Jones, Ball & Poor was Boston's leading jeweler during this period, the partnership ultimately becoming Shreve, Crump and Low in 1869. Silver bearing the Jones, Ball and Poor mark and the maker's marks is very uncommon. Boston items of the early 19th century are rarely found with makers marks on them. It was traditional with both silver and furniture for only the retailer to mark the item - this is why attributions of furniture and silver from this period can be so difficult. Woodward & Grosjean was one of their main suppliers and almost certainly the maker of this piece.

This stunning and rare jug is marked 'JONES, BALL & POOR/ BOSTON/PURE COIN.' It measures 6 inches long across the handle and spout by 7 inches high, weighs 14.85 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition.