Vintage Solid Brass Porringer by Virginia Metalcrafters for Colonial Williamsburg Weighs Over 2 Lbs.

HISTORY (from online sources): The Betty Lamp Logo, hallmark of Virginia Metalcrafters, reflects in its design the ingenuity of the Colonial Artisans.  In it tallow or whale oil was burned by means of a wick projecting from the spout.  Widely used throughout the Colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, the versatile Betty Lamp may be hung from its hook from a shelf or by driving its spike into a board or beam.  Turned on its swivel the Betty Lamp will point in the desired direction.

The Colonial Williamsburg logo is the hallmark of Williamsburg Restoration, Incorporated.  It has an obscure origin in Early American and Medieval English History.  It is known, however, to have been a mark indicating the highest quality.  Only the approved reproductions and adaptations made by specific licensed manufacturers under the supervision of Williamsburg Restoration, Incorporated, bear this seal of approval.

Porringer.  What is a porringer?  Good question!  The porringer is a shallow bowl, between 4 and 6 inches (100 to 150mm) in diameter, and 1½” to 3″ (40 to 80mm) deep; the form originated in the medieval period in Europe and was made in wood, ceramic, pewter, cast iron and silver.  They had flat, horizontal handles.  The precise purpose of porringers, or écuelles, as they are known in France, is in dispute; but it is thought that they were used to hold broth or gruel.  Colonial porringers tended to have one handle, whereas European ones tended to have two handles on opposite sides, on which the owner’s initials were sometimes engraved, and they occasionally came with a lid. Porringers resembled the smaller quaich, a Scottish drinking vessel.  The most famous colonial porringers are probably those made by Paul Revere.

SHIPPING: $10 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes.  For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.

A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

Thank you for shopping at AlegriaCollection–and please visit the rest of my shop here:

https://www.vintage-keepers.com/shops/alegriacollection/