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.

This Andrew Tyler tankard is an exceptional example of early 18th-century American silver. The 1732 engraving dedicated to the Brattle Street Church places it squarely within the 'Golden Age' of Boston silversmithing. Based on visual inspection, the form is correct for the 1730s, featuring the characteristic tapered body and stepped base molding. The weight of 800 grams indicates a substantial gauge of metal, typical for ecclesiastical commissions. The engraving quality—particularly the soul effigy and copperplate script—appears consistent with period work, showing appropriate wear patterns within the cuts that suggest authenticity rather than a later addition. The patina is rich, with expected micro-scratching consistent with centuries of handling. However, authentication via images alone has strict limitations. To confirm this valuation, I would require physical inspection to verify Andrew Tyler's maker's mark (usually 'AT' with a crown or similar variation) and check for master repairs or alterations to the handle or hinge, which often suffer stress over three centuries. I must also verify the provenance through Brattle Street Church inventories, as many such pieces were deaccessioned in the 19th or early 20th centuries. Provenance is the primary value driver here; ecclesiastical silver with a direct link to a major Boston institution commands a significant premium over domestic pieces. Similar works by contemporaries like Paul Revere Sr. or Jacob Hurd have achieved six-figure sums at auction, though the market has softened slightly from its mid-2000s peak. Assuming the marks are genuine and the provenance holds, this is a museum-quality object.