Tankard 1795 - 1796

Editor: Here we have a silver Tankard, by Samuel Godbehere. Its simple design is deceiving, I think. What can you tell me about its societal function? Curator: Well, think about the rise of silver as a status symbol. Owning something like this tankard spoke volumes about one's place in society, didn't it? Who do you think would have owned such an item? Editor: Someone wealthy, definitely, wanting to display their affluence and taste, perhaps? It's interesting how an object like this can communicate so much about social standing. Curator: Precisely! These pieces become historical documents in their own right, reflecting the values and power structures of their time. I always learn new things when studying such items!