On February 4, 1774 the surviving son of Martha Washington -- John "Jacky" Parke Custis -- married Eleanor Calvert, uniting two of the most well-connected and wealthy families in colonial America. Although young (nineteen and sixteen respectively), the couple recognized the importance of surrounding themselves with fine goods that spoke of their fortune, taste, and gentility. They assembled an impressive array of silver hollow and flatware imported from England such as this salver. It is one of four that originally graced the Custises' dinner table; three are now at Mount Vernon.

See also hot water urn, W-107, cruet stand, W-484, salvers, W-2516 and W-2760, bread basket, W-2519, punch strainer, W-2527, ladle, W-2554, and candlesticks, W-2521/A.1-D.2.