Boardman Colonial Pewter Tankard / Hollowware Form
Hollowware (Tankard / Mug) · Boardman (J. Boardman & Son or related Boardman pewterers), a prominent American pewter-making family lineage with roots extending back to 19th-century Hartford, Connecticut, known for high-quality traditional colonial reproductions.
Pattern: Colonial Pewter reproduction line, featuring traditional early American tavern styles, highly popular among collectors of Americana and colonial revival pieces.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard / Mug)
Maker
Boardman (J. Boardman & Son or related Boardman pewterers), a prominent American pewter-making family lineage with roots extending back to 19th-century Hartford, Connecticut, known for high-quality traditional colonial reproductions.
Material
Pewter (an alloy primarily composed of tin, with copper, antimony, and bismuth for hardness; no actual silver content, though often collected alongside silver as part of white metal hollowware).
Dimensions
Standard individual tankard size, approximately 4 to 5 inches in height with a base diameter of roughly 3 to 4 inches; weight is consistent with traditional heavy-gauge pewter hollowware.
Description
This piece is a classic example of American colonial revival hollowware, presenting the bottom interior view of a pewter tankard. Produced by Boardman, a revered name in American metalwork, the base features crisp manufacturer stampings including the brand name, eagle hallmark, and mold number 360. The surface exhibits characteristic concentric lathe rings from spinning, and the metal has a soft, warm gray pewter patina.
Key Features
Clear 'Colonial Pewter by Boardman' maker stamp, traditional eagle touchmark, mold number 360, and classic lathe-turned interior base rings.
Material & Composition
Pewter (an alloy primarily composed of tin, with copper, antimony, and bismuth for hardness; no actual silver content, though often collected alongside silver as part of white metal hollowware).
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed metallic finish with concentric circular lathe-turning rings visible on the interior base; unadorned utilitarian colonial revival aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped text reading 'COLONIAL / PEWTER / BY / BOARDMAN' above an eagle touchmark enclosing initials 'JB' or 'WB' and the mold number '360' stamped below.
Construction Details
Machine-spun and lathe-finished body with applied base rim and stepped interior bottom, typical of mid-20th-century American pewter manufacturing traditions.
Functional Features
Designed as a drinking vessel or decorative display tankard featuring a stable stepped circular base and wide cylindrical body for beverages.
Handle & Grip Details
Designed to accommodate a side handle (not fully visible in the base angle shot), typical of traditional scrolled pewter handle attachments soldered directly to the body.
Craftsmanship Details
Combination of traditional metal spinning techniques and clean commercial stamping, reflecting reliable mid-century American craftsmanship adhering to historical aesthetic standards.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Boardman manufacturer touchmarks and style stamps are deeply and cleanly struck into the base metal, consistent with genuine mid-century American pewter production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States (likely Connecticut), continuing the rich historical tradition of American pewter smithing.
Era & Period
Colonial Revival Period (mid-20th century, circa 1930s-1960s), mimicking 18th-century American forms.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1940-1965, based on the specific sans-serif/serif stamp typography and modern manufacturer touchmarks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American fascination with early colonial heritage and traditional tavern culture, making functional art accessible to home collectors.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface scuffs, light oxidation spots, and slight rim wear consistent with age and gentle handling. No major structural cracks or deep gouges.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $80 USD depending on the presence of the handle, overall exterior condition, and local demand for vintage American pewter.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive metal polishes designed for silver, as pewter requires a softer touch to preserve its matte finish.
Similar Pieces
Pewter tankards and mugs by makers such as Reed & Barton, Stieff, and International Silver Co. under their respective colonial reproduction lines.
Interesting Facts
The Boardman family legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of American pewter, having produced some of the most sought-after antique American pewter pieces before transitioning into popular colonial revival reproductions in the 20th century.