USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Paul Revere melted sterling silver in a crucible at temperatures reaching 2, 000 degrees and then poured the molten metal into a cast iron mold. The silver bars produced from such molds were the raw material that the master silversmith would shape at the anvil.

Detailed explanation-2: -Paul Revere was a silversmith. He created beautiful and usable plates, bowls, teapots, spoons, and many other household items from silver. He is considered one of colonial America’s most important silversmiths.

Detailed explanation-3: -In addition to making silver objects, Paul Revere’s work as an engraver also played an important and lucrative role in shop operations. At his customer’s request, Revere engraved decorations on the silver such as monograms or family crests, for which he charged extra.

Detailed explanation-4: -Silversmiths saw or cut specific shapes from sterling and fine silver sheet metal and bar stock, and then use hammers to form the metal over anvils and stakes. Silver is hammered cold (at room temperature). As the metal is hammered, bent, and worked, it ‘work-hardens’.

Detailed explanation-5: -After volunteering for a summer of service in the French and Indian War in 1756, Paul returned to run the family shop at the Clark’s Wharf location where he produced most of his work in silver, as gold was very expensive.