Paul Revere
Paul Revere (1735-1818) was an American silversmith who learned the art of goldsmithing yet is most well known for his roll as an American patriot. Revere learned goldsmithing as well as silversmithing and took commissions around 1760. This is when he began to not only make pieces but also sell them as well. As his skills increased he even began making Masonic jewelry. When the American Revolution began Revere was making silverware and engraving prints for use. His role in making masonic jewelry was exemplified upon the death of George Washington. This is when the Free Masons of Massachusetts commissioned him to make a gold urn to hold a lock of the president’s hair. At the conclusion of the revolutionary war, Revere decided to open a hardware type store and dabble in foundry work with casting. This lead him to start a brass and iron foundry which consequentially made the first church bell in Boston. His iron work skills improved greatly and the foundry produced over 900 bells. His craftsmanship in metal evolved away from jewelry however he continued to make objects for ships and even began the first copper mill in the United States.
