Pitcher
Made by Robert Shepherd (1781-1852) and William Boyd (1774-1840)
Albany, New York
1828
Much of the silver that was used at Hyde Hall came from either Albany or New York City, and was engraved with the family crest. George Clarke (1768-1835) purchased fine silver over a number of years, eventually acquiring a full tea set, serving utensils, flatware, and various serving dishes. Since the individual pieces were purchased over 20 years, they were not all in the same style. He purchased this pitcher on March 27, 1828 for $35.00, and had the Hyde crest engraved on one side for $1.50. A tea kettle with a similar finial was purchased at the same time.
Urn and Swag Wooden Molds
Made by Joseph Shepley (w.1830-1838)
Cooperstown, New York
1831
The urn and swag design was taken directly from Asher Benjamin’s “The American Builders Companion,” first published in 1806. It appears in the frieze of the drawing room ceiling at Hyde Hall. Another plate in the book was used for the design of the interior fanlights in the family dining room at Hyde Hall, Springfield, NY.
Teapot
Made by Robert Shepherd (1781-1852) and William Boyd (1774-1840)
Albany, New York
1826
This teapot was purchased by George Clarke (1768-1840) from Shepherd and Boyd on October 31, 1826. Robert Shepherd (1781-1853) and William Boyd (1774-1840) were prominent silversmiths at 136 Market Street, Albany NY. Engraved on the side is a pheon, the Hyde family crest, a medieval point or javelin, meaning dexterity and the readiness for battle. Engraved on the same side is the eagle, the Clarke family crest.