Important Philadelphia three piece pewter communion service attributed to William Will to include a flagon with flame finial, the spout whimsically engraved to simulate a serpent's head with eyes and teeth, over a bulbous body engraved "Vor Die Evangelische Gemein in Heidelberg 1767", the chalice (7 3/4" h.) and paten (6 1/4" dia.) bearing the same inscription and zigzag engraving as the flagon (12 3/4" h.). Donald Herr notes that the wrigglemark decoration on the lid at the base of the finial, lid, rim, spout, and base (of flagon) is similar to that on other William Will pewter. Although the flagon is the only one of these three pieces consistent with known forms by Will, the fact that the same hand engraved and decorated all three pieces adds strength to the attribution. Solidifying the attribution to Will is a tankard marked by Will now in the collection of Dr. Melvyn and Bette Wolf. It exhibits an engraved floral device on its lid clearly executed by the same hand that decorated this paten. The tankard is illustrated in their book
An American Pewter Collection, fig. 653. All three of these pieces are illustrated and discussed in Donald Herr,
Pewter in Pennsylvania German Churches. These three pieces have been examined by Winterthur using X-ray, fluorescence spectroscopy. Not only do the three pieces match in their compositions, but they also conform to the known high standards for American ecclesiastical pewter.
Condition
Chalice - repair to top of stem. Paten - slight warp. Flagon - repair where tumbpiece and lid connect.