Early American Silver

"Early American Silver" is an authoritative exploration of the craftsmanship and evolution of silverware in the American colonies and the early republic. This work provides a comprehensive survey of the styles, techniques, and regional variations that defined American silversmithing from the seventeenth century through the early nineteenth century. The text examines the social and economic significance of silver as both a functional commodity and a symbol of status among early American settlers, providing a window into the domestic life of the era.

Readers will find detailed accounts of the master craftsmen who shaped this tradition, including the legendary Paul Revere and other notable smiths from centers of production such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. The work traces the transition from heavy Baroque designs to the elegant simplicity of the Federal period, highlighting how European influences were adapted to meet the unique tastes and needs of the New World. With its focus on hallmark identification, stylistic developments, and the historical context of domestic metalwork, "Early American Silver" remains an essential resource for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of American heritage and the decorative arts.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.