17th – 18th Century Redware Porringer Bowl, as in museum

This is another unique piece being offered, it is a Colonial era porringer bowl, circa 1690 - 1740. It stands 2 ¾” high, a diameter of 4” on the top, and the handle extends 1”. There are a couple of tiny chips on the upper rim, and a small hairline crack on the top rim that doesn’t go through all the way.

Historically used in the 17th and 18th centuries as an all-purpose bowl, the redware porringer would be used for soup, porridge, stew, etc. They were made from various materials like silver, pewter, and pottery, and were prevalent in both Britain and the American colonies. While British porringers evolved to include two handles and lids, American porringers largely remained single-handled and open.

This is a beautiful looking piece with soft tone colors of green and tan. In the Colonial Williamsburg Museum collection there is a very similar example (see pictures). Being a prevalent eating bowl, they were used by both civilians and soldiers. Shards of these bowls are recovered at Revolutionary War sites attest to their extended use (see pictures). This would be a nice touch to any Colonial or Revolutionary War collection.