Dish 1750 - 1770

This dish was created by Myer Myers, a prominent silversmith working in New York during the 18th century. It is made from Sterling Silver. Note the hammered texture across the bowl's surface; this wasn't just decoration, but a key part of how the dish was formed. A silversmith like Myers would have started with a flat sheet of silver, then used hammers and specialized stakes to gradually coax the metal into this elegant, curved form. The scalloped rim adds a touch of refinement, showing a mastery of technique. The weight of the material speaks to the value placed on silver at the time. Silver wasn't just for eating; it was a store of wealth, a symbol of status, and an indication of one's participation in the mercantile networks of the colonial period. By appreciating the silversmith's labor and the inherent value of the materials, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic context in which this dish was created, and a richer sense of its meaning.