Christopher Hughes
Cann
c. 1775
Physical Qualities
Silver, 5 3/8 × 4 × 5 1/2 in. (13.7 × 10.2 × 14 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Virginia P.B. White, Baltimore
Object Number
1933.54.57
A maker’s mark is the most reliable means of identifying this cann’s maker and its place of origin. Without marks it could easily be mistaken for an Irish or British object or a piece made in another American city. Working in Baltimore, Irish-born Christopher Hughes stamped his initials on the underside of the bottom three times. The pear-shaped vessel with its splayed foot and acanthus scroll handle is as beautiful as the work by Paul Revere shown nearby. However, a collector would pay a premium for the Revere cann because of its maker’s prominence in American history.
Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1933; Virginia Purviance Bonsal White (1869-1955), Baltimore, MD
Goldsborough, Jennifer Faulds. "Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Maryland Silver in the Collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art." Baltimore: The Baltimore Museum of Art, 1975. p. 42, ill.
Inscribed: Etched onto bottom: "201 VW" Etched onto bottom edge: "Oj XIII=XIII"
Markings: Stamped on bottom:"CH" (3 stamps"
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Chestertown Hallway/Case 2
