Annapolis, Maryland, c. 19th century
Maker: Unknown
Medium: Pencil, Ink, Paint on Paper
Anonymous Donation
European settlers brought coats of arms to this country and used them on commemorative objects. Medieval knights were the first individuals to have a coat of arms, which served to identify them on the field of battle. By the 15th century many distinguished European families had arms. While the coats of arms have historic origins, they are still widely popular today. Some American families use a coat of arms on commemorative items like plaques. In Europe strict rules still govern the proper use of a coat of arms, but on both sides of the Atlantic coats of arms can be found decorating a variety of items, everything from wall plaques to door knockers, glasses, and even sox.
This coat of arms belonged to the Pinkney family of Annapolis, who were very well known in the early 19th century and included politicians, bishops, and surgeons. This small, treasured drawing was kept in a place of honor in the Pinkney household. Ninian Pinkney and his family resided in the Hammond-Harwood House. Ninian was the son of Jonathan Pinkney (1732-1804), an English-born merchant in Annapolis, whose property was confiscated during the American Revolution because he was a loyalist. Ironically, Ninian and his two brothers Jonathan and William, though children at the time, were in favor of American independence, and all three worked in government roles as adults. In 1806 Ninian Pinkney (1771-1824), Clerk of the Executive Council for the State of Maryland, began renting the Hammond-Harwood House with his new bride Amelia, three step-children, and three enslaved individuals. Their family increased by three more Pinkney children, Mary Amelia in 1807, William in 1810, and Ninian Jr. in 1811. They purchased the house for just one year in 1810 and sold it in 1811 to move to a smaller cottage (now demolished) near the grounds of the present Naval Academy Chapel. Ninian Jr. (1811-1877) later became a surgeon in the United States Navy and had an illustrious career.
