Description:
The son of Rev. Eliphalet and Lydia Adams of New London, Pygan Adams was referred to by contemporaries as both a goldsmith and merchant. He was active in the local militia, served in the General Assembly from 1753-1765, deacon in the First Church of New London in 1758, colony auditor, an overseer of the Mohegan Indians, and involved in the building of the New London lighthouse in 1760. It is likely that he abandoned silversmithing midway in his career to pursue other interests since few examples of his work survive. Wrought silver cream pot, made by silversmith Pygan Adams (1712-1776), New London, CT, engraved "P/L K," c. 1760. Cream pot has broad flaring lip soldered to pot, scalloped-shaped upper rim, pot has a swollen belly shape, and an incurving base, attached to a circular molded, stepped foot, handle is composed of an s-scroll with a c-scroll with a small bead at the lower tip, cream pot is engraved in block letters on side "P/L + K" on opposite side there is a minor dent, on bottom of pot is the stamped mark, "PA" in a square for Pygan Adams. Made for Luke Perkins, Esqr. (1696-1777) of Groton, CT and Kezia Green, (d. c.1792) of New London, CT, who married April 15, 1760. Condition: minor dent on side of pot
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2015.18 |
