Mount Vernon Griffin Wine Stopper

The decoration on the top of this pewter wine stopper is a three dimensional "griffin" adapted from silver serving pieces used by George and Martha Washington. The Washington family coat-of-arms is surmounted by a "flying griffin," a mythological creature that was featured on the family crest for generations. George Washington placed the crest, a winged lion's body with a bird's head, on many of his most important possessions, including his bookplate, silver plate, and presidential coach. In 1757 Washington acquired a mahogany version of his coat-of-arms, which he placed in the front parlor, "the best room in my house."
The pewter griffin is approximately 1 ¾" tall and the stopper measures approximately 4 ½" overall.
By Salisbury Pewter.