Silver Spoons

Silver spoons made by John Bernard Woltz

Unknown, but possibly around 1810, when Woltz was known to be living in Shepherdstown.

Because raw materials were not readily available, silverware was often made from melted down coins — “silver coin” referred to silver made from coins and containing about 10% copper to strengthen it. John Woltz was also a clockmaker, and one of his clocks is in the Museum. According to Eric Jenkins, an expert on silver made in this area, “Clocks had a very limited market because they were made primarily for the wealthy.  The maker therefore had to diversify to make ends meet.  Things like silver spoons, though still a high priced item, were given as wedding gifts or for other special occasions and had a slightly larger market.” Read more in the Historic Shepherdstown & Museum blog.

Purchased by Historic Shepherdstown & Museum