Porringer

American or English
ca. 1740 – 1780

Porringers were used during meals or to sample food or drinks. It is said that they were also used for shaving and resembled "blood catchers." Colonial porringers often had one handle, whereas European porringers generally had two handles. This bowl was excavated outside of Valley Forge.

Pewter. H 4.5, D 12.7 cm
The George C. Neumann Collection
Valley Forge National Historical Park, VAFO 1195