Name/Title
Ship's KitchenEntry/Object ID
2015.03.01Description
Ship's kitchen, tin. Black with colorful flower stencil patterns. Contains six spice jars, a coffee scoop, and another small container. Has three sliding drawers, a central warming enclosure (proving drawer), a container for hot water, and two large storage containers on either side.
The description gifted with the object reads as follows:
"TIN KITCHEN CABINET
"This cabinet is unique in that it is one of the first of its kind. William and Edgar Pattison, first known tinsmiths in the new world, fabricated it as early as 1738. The Pattisons immigrated from Ireland and established a shop in Berlin, Connecticut. Tinware is created by means of dipping thin sheets of steel or iron in molten tin.
"This ingenious creation was originally designed and built for use in the galley of a ship, but has found its place in other kitchens. It contains two bins, the left for sugar or flour, and the right for coffee. The right bin served as a storage area and included a grinder; notice the crank handle on the outside.
"The circular section in the middle near the top provides storage for removable, cynlindrical spice tins. Each tin has a sliding mechanism to open and close the shaker holes at the bottom.
"The region in the center just below the spice tins can be used for storage or, more interestingly, to warm or heat its contents; it is surrounded by a water jacket which can be filled from the top of the cabinet (screw-off cap) with heated water. This feature was often used for providing the heat necessary for bread dough to rise.
"Across the bottom are three separate storage compartments with access provided by three sliding drawers.
"Notice the painted designs embellishing many of the suraces indicate a reverance for the functional."
Another piece of paper says the following:
"PLEASE DON'T TOUCH
1738 - William & Edgar Pattison - skilled tinsmith
First known tinsmiths in the New World
Established a shop in Berlin, Conn.
They were from Ireland.
Tin Ware - thin sheets of steel or iron dipped in molten tin.
* This is most likely a coffee grinder that they made"Collection
Steppingstone CollectionCondition
Overall Condition
GoodDate Examined
Mar 14, 2015Examined By
Michelle Kenner