AN AMERICAN SILVER TANKARD, ANDREW TYLER, BOSTON, DATED 1721

with almost straight sides, stepped cover, and cherub terminal to handle, the front engraved The Gift of the Honourable John Burrill Esqr. To the First Church in Lynn December the 10th 1721.

First Church of Christ in Lynn (Massachusetts), Congregational, c. 1721-1992
Sotheby's New York, June 19, 1992, lot 82

Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, 1909-1929
Church Silver 1911, no. 971
Lynn, MA. Lynn Historical Society, circa 1955-May 1967

John Albree & Ellen Burrill, "The Old Communion Service and its Donors," published in the 275th Anniversary Book, 1907
Jones 1913, p. 253
Kane 1998, p. 943

Some scratches and corrosion inside base from leaving dregs of wine and attempting to remove, otherwise excellent.
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.

John Burrill (1657-1721) was the eldest son of lieutenant John and Lois Ivory Burill, and grandson of George Burrill, one of the first settlers of Lynn.  He married July 28, 1680, Mary Stower (1654-1728), daughter of Richard Stower.  John fought in the Indian wars and served the town of Lynn as clerk, selectman, treasurer, assessor, and judge.  He was a member of the House of Representatives for 21 years, serving as speaker for 10 of these, and was a member of the Governor's Council under the province's charter.  He was closely involved with the church, supporting the efforts of Rev. Jeremiah Shepard, minister from 1679 to 1720, in openly opposing English rule.

John Burrill bequeathed £40 in his will of December 6, 1721 (four days before his death from smallpox) for the purchase of plate: "I give to the Church of Christ in Lynn fourti pounds towards the furnishing the table of the Lord thear and to Bee paid within two years after my Deseas." 

The composition of the bequest - a tankard, a beaker, a beaker-shaped cup with a handle, and a mug - duplicated the forms purchased with the bequest of John Henry Burchsted of Lynn in April of 1721, also made by Andrew Tyler. These differing shapes, used by different levels of congregants, show the social stratification observed by some status-conscious New England churches.