An American Silver Tankard, Benjamin Burt, Boston, 1761

tapered cylindrical with molded baseband, rim and girdle, stepped domed cover, writhen urn finial, scroll thumbpiece, S-Scroll handle applied with a baluster above engraved initial L over GE, oval convex shield terminal, the front engraved with coat of arms and supporters, the base engraved G Leonard Iunr. / 1761, marked twice BENJAMIN BURT in cartouche shaped punch (Kane mark A) left and right of handle

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, 27 June 1985, lot 52

Kane, Patricia E., Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, 1998, p. 242

lower handle terminal very slightly pushed in, overall good, good 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.

The coat of arms are those of Leonard

The inscription on the base "G. Leonard Iunr. 1761" presumably refers to George Leonard (1698-1778), Colonel and judge of the Probate and Common Pleas Court.  His property in Norton, near Taunton, was on the the largest landed estates in New England.  The initials on the handle L/GE are those of the Hon. George Leonard (1729-1819) and his wife Experience, daughter of the Hon. Samuel White of Taunton, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.  This George Leonard also became a lawyer and judge and was a representative in the First Congress of the United States.  His daugher, Peddy, married the Hon. Jabez Bowen, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island.

A cann by Benjamin Burt, engraved with the same arms in similar style, is in the collection of The Heritage Foundation, Deerfield, Mass. catalogue p. 91 illus. no. 73.