Porringer
West Bromwich, England
1810-1850
Maker
Archibald Kenrick foundry (established 1791)
Measurements
1-3/8 in x 6-3/8 in x 4-5/8 in (dia)
Materials
Iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.3616
Inscription
"Half Pint” is cast into the underside of the handle.
Condition Notes
The surface has some pitting.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
This cast iron porringer, marked on the underside as being of a half pint capacity, has a pierced “palmette”-design handle, a narrow rim molding, and a narrow foot ring. A casting dam (where molten iron was poured into the mold) is on the outside bottom. Other porringers of similar (perhaps identical) size and design have the Kenrick foundry name cast into the bottom, but it is absent on this example. Archibald Kenrick (1760-1835) established the foundry in 1791, later ran it with his sons, and it continues in operation. In Kenrick's time, the foundry made a variety of kitchen and related wares. This porringer is significantly more durable than those made of pewter at the same time.
For another marked cast iron porringer made by the William Bullock & Company, also of West Bromwich and established 1791, see accession no. 1959.3665.
