Metals
Israel Trask (Maker)
Beverly, Essex, Massachusetts, New England, United States, North America
1813-1856
Britannia metal
Cast
1952.0115
Object Number1952.0115 |
Sander (Pounce pot)
Metals
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Israel Trask (Maker)
10/24/1786-1867
Brother of Oliver Trask.
Laughin states that Isreal Trask was apprenticed to John W. Ellingwood, a silversmith. Trask bought out Ellingwood's stock in trade in 1807. He was one of the first to begin working with britannia, in 1813 (Laughlin edits his own and Kerfoot's earlier date of 1825 for the beginning of britannia manufacture in volume 3, p.192). Trask's training as a silversmith are apparent in designs and decorations on his pewter. Trask might also be associated with Philip Lee (Laughlin, Pewter in America, 1981, vol.2, pp.114-115; vol.3, pp.191-193). Trask is particularly known for his so-called "lighthouse" teapots. He may have trained his younger brother, Oliver.
For more on Israel Trask's marks, see Carl Jacobs, Guide to American Pewter (1957), pp.169-171; C. Jordan Thorn, Handbook of American Silver and Pewter Marks (1949), p.280; Ebert, Collecting American Pewter (1973), p.143; and Montgomery, History of American Pewter (1973), p.227. See also J.B. Kerfoot, American Pewter (1942), pp.148-150.
Beverly, Essex, Massachusetts, New England, United States, North America
1813-1856
1. Mark; Underside, center; "I·TRASK" in a rectangle, stamped.
Britannia metal
Cast
2.375 (H) , 2.4 (Diam)
6.032 (H) , 6.096 (Diam)
the diameter is of the upper rim.
Text available soon.
[Book] Montgomery, Charles F. 1973 A History of American Pewter.
• Published: fig. 12-13, p. 198