RARE, ALMOST CERTAINLY UNIQUE AMERICAN PEWTER PITCHER,Late 18th/early 19th century, Richard Lee, VT, MA and RI, 1788-1822. Engraved with owner's initials and dated 1814. Maker RICHARD LEE, 1788-1822, Springfield, VT., Beverly, MA and RI. The rare, indeed unique, nature of this LEE design is supported by the creation and existence of the sinuous and attenuated numerous twist and turns in the greatly elongated and highly modified LEE version of a D- handle. At most, this handle was cast from a soapstone or other form of a quickly generated (and destroyed) mold, such as a sand cast, which cannot be used to make a piece identical to this pitcher, unless the pitcher itself was retained for this purpose by LEE, which was highly unlikely. Thus, the curious, but delightful twists and turns and the elaborate top or finial were parts that could not be replicated to generate another handle that manifested the highly original modified the D-shape form, that is affixed to the body of the pitcher. In addition, the scalloped nature of the rim of the body, was achieved by LEE's cutting these scallops with shears or tin snips from what was large beaker or a small mug, and then smoothing such cuts by an abrasive/polishing, which would make it extremely difficult for LEE to fashion other identical versions of this pitcher. Touchmark - 4 3/4 in. high. Estimate $2,500-7,000
See "Collecting American Pewter" by Katherine Ebert, mark 168
PROVENANCE: Acquired in upstate New York approximately 40 years ago.
