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Punch Ladle
1765-1790
Myer Myers (1723-1795)
USA: New York, New York City
Silver
overall: 14 1/4 in x 3 3/4 in x 1 1/2 in
Gift of Ira and Samuel Seskin in memory of Joel A. and Celia S. Seskin
2006.014

Silver punch ladle with round bowl. Handle tapers from the end. End of handle is rounded and engraved with initials, "T [or J] B S." The initials have a vine design. Back of the handle is ribbed at top. Towards the bowl on the back of the handle is a maker's mark, "Myers / Myers," each is in a separate rectangle.


Jewish silversmith Myer Myers (1723-1795) was born in New York City in 1723, the son of shopkeeper Solomon Myers (c. 1699-1743) and Judith (1696-1773). Solomon immigrated to America, possibly from Holland, but not conclusive. Myer Myers served his apprenticeship in New York City and opened his own shop around 1750. He was very productive and used innovative ways to build his business. He was the first NYC silversmith to use a surname mark. He was also the first NYC silversmith to form a partnership with another silversmith (Benjamin Halsted). Myers is often compared to his contemporary, Paul Revere. Both were accomplished craftsmen and had Masonic ties. During the Revolution, Myers actively supported the American patriots, but did not fight in the Revolution himself. He moved his family to Norwalk, Connecticut where he could continue his trade to provide for them. After the War, the family returned to NYC. Myers became a Mason in NYC in the 1760s, part of King David's Lodge. His brother-in-law, Moses Michael Hays, was Grand Master of the Massachusetts (Independent) Grand Lodge from 1788-1792. Myers was active at his NYC synagogue, Congregation Shearith Israel. Myers married his first wife, Elkaleh (c. 1730-1765) between 1750 and 1752; they had five children. He married his second wife, Joyce Mears (1737-1824) in 1767 and they had eight children. Myer Myers died in New York City in 1795.