Indian Trade Silver

[omarick1948]

About 15 years ago or so, there were several reputable and excellent Early American Silversmiths, who were producing beautiful Indian Trade Silver reproductions for the Buckskinners and others, to adorn and wear on their period clothing and other possibles. Not to go into the history of Trade Silver here, these items included, but were not limited to, ear bobs, brooches, gorgets, animal pin tokens etc.

These silver items were more common in the Great Lakes and eastern part of our country back in the 18th Century, but still very popular in the 1980's.

For any of you who might not understand what I'm talking about, you can see many examples and some good information in the "Book of Buckskinning" series.

I guess my main question is: Does anybody here wear or craft Indian Trade Silver?

Was it just a passing thing or is it still popular in other area's of the country today with re-enactors?

Rick

 

[BillinOregon]

Rick: I have fooled with this stuff in a very limited way, learning to use a jewelers saw and needle files. I've given away all the pieces I made, but still have some silver quarters and half-dollars from the coin shop to flatten for more stock. My inspiration was the article in "The Book of Buckskinning IV," which you cited. It is an excellent introduction to the subject.

 

[T.C.Albert]

Saw some of the best stuff Ive ever seen was at the CLA show in Lexington this summer past...

yes, its still being done, and very very well by at least a few...including p/c "brass" jesuit rings, which were pretty hard to find in years past.Some of the reenactors are going back into the late 17th century, the trade goods and even the muskets are beginning to reflect and cater to that era.Maybe its just the Jamestown effect, or maybe its a new wave?
T.Albert

 

[LRB]

As far as 18th c., few whites wore trade silver. It was for the most part, an INDN thing, and had religous aspects to the wearing of it. Whites that spent time with the INDN's may have worn some, but it is doubtful that the common frontiersman did. Much would depend on your chosen persona.

 

[triphammer]

you boys need to get a hold of( google this now
!)COUSIN DAVE SILVERSMITH hes making the best stuff out there right now good prices and hes a great guy to boot tell him the capn sent ya i aint kiddin he got the stuff you want, captain trip

 

[mazo kid]

Plus one for Cousin Dave! I've called him friend for several years now; usually buy something from him every time we meet. He makes things in silver and German silver and at good prices. Contact me for his info. Emery

 

[ameling]

The NAVC (North American Voyageur Council) 31st annual Fall Conference November 2-4 had another "hands-on make-it-yourself" trade silver class. Taught by Tim "Otter" Timmerman and his son Christian. The class was filled almost immediately when sign-up started - the official hands-on positions. But many people stopped by to just watch and learn without physically making their own item.

Check out the NAVC web site. The photo gallery has a bunch of pictures from this years Conference - including from the silversmithing class. NAVC

So the interest is still there. Of course, we are mostly talking about voyageurs in the Northern areas of the Great Lakes, the Hudson Bay and Northwest Company.

Mikey - that grumpy ol' German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands

 

[BillinOregon]

Mike: Thanks for the NAVC link. Sure looks like a wonderful gathering. I'd love to take a trade silver class.

 

[omarick1948]

I'm glad to see that the craft is alive and well!

I enjoyed doing a little of it long ago and Leonard was one of my favorite Slversmiths. It's not really that hard to do, but like anything else you have to be totally interested and dedicated to the craft to gain your skill level!

Rick