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Treasures of the White House: Adams' Tea or Coffee Urn

Treasures of the White House: Adams' Tea or Coffee Urn

Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bortman and Jane Bortman Larus, 1964

Treasures of the White House: Adams' Tea or Coffee Urn

This Sheffield silverplate urn, made in England, circa 1785-88, was once owned by John and Abigail Adams, the first occupant of the President's House in 1800. This neoclassical vase-shaped urn, a type popular in England circa 1770-1800, was possibly acquired when Adams was American minister to England (1785-88). The front is engraved with the cypher "JAA" in a form found on some family silver documented in the inventory taken at Adams' death in 1826. It descended in the Adams family until it was sold in 1946.

Office of the Curator, The White House

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