American silver tankard, probably Thomas Milner, Boston, dated 1714

tapered cylindrical with molded base band, the scroll handle partly-fluted and with shield-form terminal, cover with shaped lip and later engraved Ellerton Pratt Whitney from HAW Aug 21 1870, scroll thumbpiece, base applied with a disc engraved New N.C. Octo 20 1714

New North Church, Boston, MA, 1714-1868, sold
Bigelow Kennard & Co., Boston
Henry Austin Whitney (1826-1889), Boston, MA

John Eliot, A Sermon, Delivered Before the Members of the New North Religious Society, "An Account of the Communion Plate Belonging to the New North Church. Taken November 6, 1775, by Dr. A. Eliot", Boston, 1804, p. 32

minor creases to body and some dings to handle, 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.

This tankard is one of two engraved with the date of the founding of the New North Church in 1714. The church was dissolved around 1868 and the silver disposed through the Boston silversmith’s firm of Bigelow Kennard & Co., from whom the tankard was probably purchased by Henry Austin Whitney, as a 12th birthday present for his son Ellerton Pratt Whitney, born August 21, 1858 (who later married Ellen Cushman Sargent on June 5, 1901), The inscription, probably put on by Bigelow, records this gift. The silversmith Thomas Milner became a member of New North Church in 1724.