A George III Silver Tankard of American Interest, William Grundy, London, 1761

of baluster form on spreading circular foot, the body applied with rid-rib, stepped domed cover with openwork bracket finial, underside engraved with block initials P/I*R

The engraved block initials on the base P/I*R are those of John Potts and his wife Ruth Savage, founders of Pottsgrove (now Pottstown), PA.

John Potts and Ruth Savage Potts, to their son
Samuel Potts and Joannah Holland Potts, to their daughter
Sarah May Potts Hobart and Robert G. Hobart, to their son
Nathaniel Potts Hobart, to his son
John Potts Hobart
S & G Gump, San Francisco

lower body with dent but not through, clear marks
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.

John Potts was born in Philadelphia in 1770, and married Ruth Savage in 1734.  Potts was a successful ironmaster, and owned operating mines, forges and furnaces in both Pennsylvania and Virginia. For many years he was the largest and most profitable ironmaster in the American Colonies. 

In 1752 he purchased 1,000 acres upon which he laid out the town of Pottsgrove.  Around this time he built a brick mansion in Georgian taste for his wife and his thirteen children.  The Pott's family home, Pottsgrove manor, was added tot he National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and is currently open to the public.

According to Potts family tradition, this tankard was used as a communion cup in the old church of Pottsgrove (now Pottstown), PA, in the years before the Parish was able to purchase a chalice.