A cherished symbol of our national heritage, this historic bowl is unquestionably this nation's most highly prized and widely reproduced piece of early American silver. The original bowl was handcrafted in 1768 by revolutionary patriot and silversmith Paul Revere for the Sons of Liberty, a secret 15-member Colonial organization formed in opposition to the English Crown. Appropriately entitled the "Liberty Bowl," this national treasure marks the dawn of independence in America.

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In 1765, the British Parliament began a series of measures aimed at repressing self-government in the Colonies. These measures, taking the form of duties on such staples as tea, glass and paper goods, were violently opposed by the colonists. The Massachusetts Bay House of Representatives in particular, felt compelled to circulate among the Colonies a letter not only protesting against the British Ministry, but also suggesting a united front against their policy of "taxation without representation." The Ministry, in return, ordered the members of the House of Representative to either "recind" the letter or dissolve their Assembly.

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On June 30, 1768, this imperious ruling of the Crown was read, considered, and voted upon by the 109 members of the Massachusetts Assembly. They boldly resolved, by a vote of 92-17, to disobey the King's order, thereby, strengthening their stand and bringing the colonists one step closer to the fight for independence.

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To commemorate this momentous act of the courageous 92 who voted in opposition, the fifteen Sons of Liberty commissioned their friend, Paul Revere, to hammer up a silver bowl that could be suitably engraved with names of these men. Also to be engraved on this bowl were Liberty caps, wreaths and other symbols evoking the Libertarian spirit of the day, and, most importantly, the following inscription.

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"To the Memory of the glorious Ninety-Two: members of the Hon'bl House of Representative of the Massachusetts Bay, undaunted by the insolent menace of Villains in Power, from a strict Regard to conscience, and the Liberties of their constituents; on the 30th of June 1768, voted Not To Recind."

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The ownership of the silver bowl was shared jointly by 15 Sons of Liberty who commissioned it, until one of the men William Mackay, bought out the interest of the others. The bowl remained in Mackay's Family until 1948, when it was purchased by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. It stands there today, proud symbol of our great heritage.

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Boardman Silversmiths' reproductions of Paul Revere's classic "Liberty Bowl" have been prized possessions of American families for many generations, and are available in many sizes in pewter and sterling.