Title
A Sander or Pounce Pot
Object Type
Creator
Date
1790-1810
Description
A sander or pounce pot (American, Newport, 1790-1810, Newport) of tapered cylindrical form with a flared ring base, the top is pierced with holes (from which pounce would be sprinkled), and the exterior is incised with shallow rings. Adhered to the underside is a paper label which reads “SOLD BY / William R. Wilder / Thames-Street / Newport.”
Sanders or pounce pots were part of the desk equipment in the 18th century, they were filled with a powder which was sprinkled on paper to prevent ink from bleeding across the page while writing. This powder, called pounce, could be made from dried fish bones or from gum sandarac, which was often shortened to 'sand', and exported from Morocco.
William R. Wilder, whom the label refers too, had a shop on Thames Street in Newport, and he is referred to in the ‘Annals of Trinity Church’ as leasing in 1804 lots, Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9 on the south end of Thames Street. He also subscribed $2 for a new bell in March, 1805.
Sanders or pounce pots were part of the desk equipment in the 18th century, they were filled with a powder which was sprinkled on paper to prevent ink from bleeding across the page while writing. This powder, called pounce, could be made from dried fish bones or from gum sandarac, which was often shortened to 'sand', and exported from Morocco.
William R. Wilder, whom the label refers too, had a shop on Thames Street in Newport, and he is referred to in the ‘Annals of Trinity Church’ as leasing in 1804 lots, Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9 on the south end of Thames Street. He also subscribed $2 for a new bell in March, 1805.
Cultural Origin
American, Newport
Medium
wood
Collection
Source
Gift of Mr. David Stockwell.
Identifier
PSNC.2334
Related Materials
Published in "The Arts and Crafts of Newport Rhode Island 1640-1820" by Ralph E. Carpenter, Jr. on page 108.
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.