A Bermuda Silver Tankard, Thomas Savage Sr., Bermuda, circa 1710

tapered cylindrical with molded foot rim, the flat-domed cover with corkscrew thumbpiece and shaped peak with pricked decoration, hinge applied with wrigglework, the scroll handle springing from a pointed drop and ending in a cartouche terminal, cut-card work at lower handle terminal, the handle engraved with contemporary block initials I/IM, marked on base, left of handle and cover TS above star in heart (Kane mark A)

Hyde, Bryden Bordley. Bermuda's Antique Furniture & Silver, p. 178-179, described as engraved "I/FM".
Kane, Patricia E. Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, p. 888, described as engraved "I/FM".

137: repaired rim splits mostly visible inside, one dent in front near base band, nice patina, a rare object
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The initials are probably those of John Jennings (d. 1733) and Mary Stowe (d. after 1742) of Bermuda.  John was second generation Bermudian, his grandfather, Richard Jennings, having come to Bermuda sometime in the mid 17th century "on a party of pleasure merely to see the Beautious Isle."  The Bermudian branch of the Jennings family had become extensive by the mid eighteenth century, with many family members making frequent trips to South Carolina where the family owned land.  The branch of the Jennings family through which this tankard descends married into the Butterfield famil of Butterfield's Bank in 1836.

A 1705 Savage porringer engraved with the same initials is in the Garvan Collection in the Yale University Art Gallery (see Buhler/Hood. American Silver, Garvan and Other Collection in the Yale University Art Gallery, pgs. 47-48).