An American Silver Tankard, John Brevoort, New York, circa 1770

tapered cylindrical with molded baseband and rim, flat-domed cover with shaped peak, scroll thumbpiece, the double-scroll handle applied with baluster and ending in a scroll-drop terminal, the front engraved with arms within a foliate mantle of scrolled acanthus and husk swags

as noted re later engraving, otherwise good
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 arms are those of Hicks for Whitehead Hicks, born in 1728 at Bayside, Long Island (now Queens), the son of Judge Thomas Hicks and Deborah Whitehead, daughter of a major Flushing landowner.  Whitehead studied law under William Smith and was admitted to practice in 1750.  He served as clerk of Queens Country from 1757 until 1770.

He married in 1757 Charlotte Brevoort, only child of the silversmith John (Johannes) Brevoort, the maker of this tankard, and his wife Louisa Abigail (Private) Kocherthal.  A gold and white enamel mourning ring by Brevoort commemorates his grandson and godchild, John Brevoort Hickes, who died in 1761, aged two and a half (Yale University Art Gallery); the name was reused for another son born in 1765.

In 1766 Whitehead Hickes became the 42nd and last Royal Mayor of New York.  He served for ten years, resigning in 1776 as the position became untenaable.  He became instead a Judge of the Supreme Court, but retired shortly thereafter to Jamaica, Long Island; on the death of his father-in-law in 1775, Hickes had received a considerable inheritence.  Whitehead Hickes died on the property where he was born, in Bayside, in 1780.