COLONIAL TRADESSilversmith

Madyson MetrikMrs. Wilson

January 8, 2013

How a Silversmith Does His Job

Melts sterling in a graphite and clay crucible to

2000 degrees. She/he pours liquid silver into tallow-greased,

sooted cast-iron mold making an ingot. She/he would melt the ingot into a thick

sheet. Using tools, she/he would strech the silver

into a thinner piece. Finally, she/he would hammer it on an anvil

to make a bowl!

Tools & Materials of the Trade

Graver: used to engrave creative designs on a

silver piece. Hammer: used for working silver. Ladle: used to handle melted silver. Refining Furnace: used for melting coins

intosilver. Shears: used to cut silver plates. Tongs: used to hold silver during reheat.

The Silversmith’s Product/Purpose

Teapots Porringers Bowls Candlesticks Spoons Cups Mugs Inkstands TankardsLater, Coffeepots Teapots Strainers

Interesting Facts

One of the most famous silversmiths was Paul

Revere of Boston , Massachusetts.

Resources

http://www.pocanticohills.org/tradesmen/silversmith.htm

http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradesil.cfm