Porringer, circa 1730

Porringers have many uses. They could be used to mix or serve food. People ate meals or drank wine, beer or other beverages from porringers. These small bowls have a flat decorative handle -- sometimes two; and were made from pewter, cast iron, pottery, or like this one, silver. These versatile bowls served the needs of many 18th and 19th-century American households.