Originally belonging to Reverend William Walter of Boston, Mass. (1739-1800). The barrel form beaker is engraved with Rev. Walter's initials "WSW" and also inscribed "Doctor Nathaniel Smith / to his Wife / Mrs. Mary Lynde Smith / Oct. 3rd 1820." William Walter was a 1756 graduate of Harvard and rector of Trinity Church, Boston prior to the Revolution. He was also a firm loyalist whose lands, buildings, and belongings on South Street W. in Boston were confiscated and sold to Samuel Quincy and others. He and his family first fled to Halifax, Nova Scotia and embarked for England in 1776. They returned shortly to America where he served as a Chaplain for a British regiment in New York. By 1791 he and his family were back in Boston, and he was chosen Rector of Christ Church (Old North Church) in 1792. Upon his death in 1800, William Walter was fondly remembered by many, despite his political leanings in a decidedly trying time. Additional research indicates that Nathaniel Smith married Mary Lynde Walter (1773-1847) on November 28, 1797, with her father, Rev. William Walter presiding. Also interesting to note is that Mary Lynde's mother and William Walter's wife, Lydia Lynde, was painted by John Singleton Copley circa 1764 and her portrait is in the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, CT.

4 troy ozs.

3 5/8 x 3.25 in

Denting throughout.

$600 - 900