Silver Presentation Pitcher

Date1851

Mediumsilver

Dimensions17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm)

Donor credit lineGift of Dunbar Lockwood

Object number1995.66.2

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionThis large silver urn form pitcher is one of a pair (with 1995.66.2) and matched to a salver as a set (1995.66.3). It is finely decorated with beading at the mouth, neck, base, and foot, and has a scroll handle with foliate overlay and a circular pedestal foot. It is engraved with a decorative program of grasses, wheat chafes and African violets at the shoulder and foot. The body of this pitcher is engraved with a detailed inscription: "Presented to the Hon. John Avery Parker by the Proprietors of the Merchants Bank New Bedford ..." The underside of the foot is stamped: "Bigelow Bros. & Kennard"/ "Boston"/ "Pure Coin Silver."

John Avery Parker (1769-1853) was involved in mercantile, whaling, and shipbuilding affairs at New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1803-1853. Born in Plympton, Massachusetts, he joined with Lemuel Milke in 1795 to build ships at the head of the East Branch of the Westport (then Noquochoke) River in Westport, Massachusetts. The partnership was dissolved in 1803, although Parker continued to have his vessels built at Westport. Parker then moved to New Bedford that same year and began doing business, probably as a grocer, at Middle and Bridge Streets where he established his counting house in the Parker Block, a block of brick buildings he built in 1833. While in New Bedford, Parker engaged in building ships for merchant service and whaling voyages.

As was common in the consolidating days of American whaling (ca. 1790-1840) where merchants like Parker controlled many of the most vital components necessary to the success of the trade, he was president and owner of Lionet Iron Mills in Wareham. He also owned and actively supervised a cotton mill in Plympton. In 1825, Parker founded the Merchants Bank of New Bedford and became its first president, remaining in that position until his death. Parker also acted as an agent for several whaling vessels. His son, Frederick Parker (1806-1861), was a partner in Parker's whaling ventures and continued in business as a merchant after his father's death in 1853.

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