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Primary sourceArtifact1783

Silver Cann, 1783

Paul Revere · 1783

A silver drinking vessel made by Paul Revere in 1783, showing his work as a silversmith after the Revolutionary War.

Made by Revere himself, this cann shows his ongoing silversmith trade after the Revolution.

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Photograph of a silver cann (tankard) on a grey background. It has a bulbous body, a flared rim, a scroll handle, and a stepped circular foot. Engraved floral and scrollwork with a cartouche decorates one side.
Paul Revere, Silver Cann, 1783.

About this source

What it is

This is a silver cann, a type of drinking vessel with a handle, made by Paul Revere in 1783. It has a bulbous body, flared rim, scroll handle, and a footed base, decorated with engraved floral and scrollwork around a cartouche.

Why it matters

Revere was a skilled silversmith long before and after his famous ride during the American Revolution. This piece shows his craft continuing into the postwar years, reminding us that his fame as a Patriot was only part of his life — he also ran a successful workshop producing fine household silver.

Look closer

  • What details in the engraving suggest skill and care in the making of this object?
  • Why might someone in 1783 want a decorated silver cann rather than a plain one?
  • What does this object tell us about Revere's life beyond politics and war?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Paul Revere on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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