Blackinton "Chippendale" Large & Heavy Sterling Silver Porringer

Inspired by English and European antecedents, porringers were a favored form long produced by American silver and pewter manufacturers.

Consequently there is an ample inventory available in the antique and resale environment, with many offerings largely undistinguished, quite in contrast to this exceptional, solid silver item made by R. Blackinton & Co.

Large, the round bowl has a diameter of 4 7/8", a maximum span of 6 7/8" to the end of the "Chippendale" style handle, stands 1 5/8" high to the rim, and weighs a remarkably heavy 11.0 T. oz.

It sits on a flat, slightly raised, base and has an applied, splayed rim to which the handle is applied.

Never monogrammed, it remains in choice estate condition. It is without bends, dents, or nicks, and retains a mirror like finish on the exterior, with a somewhat muted surface on the interior.

Likely dating from the early decades of the 20th century, it is stamped on the underside with the Blackinton "R, B pierced by a sword, Co." emblem, "Sterling," model number "A210," and an "H," which may be a weight designation.

A note about the firm: Founded in 1862, Blackinton was located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, nearby to Providence, Rhode Island, a major 19th and 20th century silver manufacturing center, and offered an extensive array of flatware patterns, dresser items, holloware, and notions until 1967. Richard Ross Blackinton, the recently deceased son of the last owner of the firm, founded "New England Sterling" subsequent to the sale of Blackinton, and in 1975 gained the commission to produce the annual Kentucky Derby trophy. That commission remains with his daughter who continues the family silversmithing tradition, and, in addition to the trophy, produces a jewelry line, mint julep cups, and baby gifts under the name "S.R. Blackinton."