Early American Coin Silver Tankard By Andrew Tyler For Brattle Street Church Appraisal

Early American Coin Silver Tankard by Andrew Tyler for Brattle Street Church

This is a significant early 18th-century American silver tankard, crafted by the renowned Boston silversmith Andrew Tyler (1692–1741). The vessel is constructed of heavy-gauge coin or sterling silver, weighing approximately 800 grams. It features a tapered cylindrical body with a stepped base molding. The face of the tankard is expertly engraved in a period copperplate script with the provenance: 'This Belongs to The Church in Brattle Street 1732.' Above the inscription is a detailed winged cherub or 'soul effigy' common in colonial iconography, framed by elegant acanthus leaf and floral scrollwork. The engraving is deep and exhibits the stylistic flourishes typical of high-quality Boston metalwork from the 1730s. The surface shows a rich, authentic patina with minor surface abrasions, micro-scratching, and some visible tarnishing consistent with age and liturgical use. The craftsmanship reflects the superior skill of Tyler, who was a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts. The historical association with the Brattle Street Church (founded in Boston in 1698) adds exceptional provenance and cultural value to this piece of colonial ecclesiastical silver. The overall condition appears excellent for its age, retaining sharp definition in the engraved decorative elements.