Cann c. 1765

This silver cann was crafted in Boston by Benjamin Burt, a prominent silversmith, likely in the late 18th century. Objects like these were potent symbols of status and wealth in colonial American society. Silver, a valuable and durable material, signaled affluence, but it also had symbolic weight. The cann, likely used for serving beverages, played a role in social rituals, reinforcing community bonds and hierarchies. Boston was a thriving port city with a growing merchant class at this time. The intricate engraving on the side—perhaps a family crest—speaks to the importance of lineage and social standing. These details offer insights into the values and aspirations of the family who owned it. Understanding the social history of objects like this cann requires us to examine probate records, merchant's papers, and other documents that illuminate the lives of those who commissioned and used such items. By doing so, we can begin to understand the material culture of early America.