American Sterling Silver Porringer

• Massachusetts, circa 1960 by Webster Company
• Dimensions: 1 1/4 inches height, 5 3/4 inches diameter

The porringer can be traced back to the 1600’s where it evolved from its predecessor – the silver posset cup. These two items are very similar in styles. The main difference though is that porringers generally do not have covers while posset cups do. This is due to the function of each article. The posset cup was used at that time for a late-night beverage made from curled milk with wine. Porringers were primarily intended for holding solid food.

Beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries, porringers were often given as wonderful gifts for birthdays, christenings, and baby showers. The main purpose for porringers is that they were used for children’s food. With their handles, porringers make it very easy for little children to hold the dish that they were eating out of. Also, porringers were frequently given as a gift to newlyweds. The bowl of the porringer was seen as a ‘charm’ for the couple’s future in having children together.

Sterling Silver Porringers are quite special and some of them can include wonderful detail work. Sea life, historical stories, and animals are some of the popular designs that are often used on porringers. Our American 20th century Sterling Silver Porringer is quite whimsical and delightful. It has a wonderful handle showing a rabbit eating his food and is definitely intended for little children. Our 20th century American Sterling Silver Porringer can be engraved on the side, or inside the bowl which creates a gift that can be passed down and cherished for years to come.