Cann 1755 - 1785

This Cann was crafted in Philadelphia by John Bayly, a silversmith active in the mid-18th century. The simple form and refined craftsmanship of this object speaks to the burgeoning wealth and social aspirations of colonial Philadelphia's elite. The inscription indicates it was likely commissioned by or for a member of the Kinsey family, prominent figures in the city's political and economic life. Silver objects like this one were not merely functional, they were potent symbols of status and taste, reflecting the owner's position within the social hierarchy. The Cann’s creation also speaks to the skilled artisan class that flourished in Philadelphia, providing luxury goods to a growing market. Examining surviving business records, wills, and inventories can provide insight into the circulation of such objects and their role in the social rituals of the time. Appreciating it as a product of a specific time and place enables us to understand how material culture shapes and reflects social values.