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 American Silver before sterling
 Jacob Leonard, silversmith
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| Author | Topic: Jacob Leonard, silversmith |
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farare Posts: 4 |
posted 12-22-2004 12:10 PM
  
I am no silver expert, but I find myself researching the work of Jacob Leonard, a silversmith active in Washington, DC, 1810-1825. But that, tragically, is all I know about him. If anyone can share more info or direct me to appropriate resources, I would be eternally grateful. IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2260 |
posted 12-22-2004 01:01 PM
He evidently moved to Fredericksburg, VA, as a man by the same name advertised on Aug 12, 1828 that he had begun a clock and watchmaking business, and that he bought old gold and silver (a sign that he was also a silversmith). His shop was on Main St., opposite the Post Office. the dates are close enough so that these are probably the same person. IP: Logged |
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wev Moderator Posts: 2629 |
posted 12-22-2004 03:26 PM
He made 4 silver gilt treaty skippets in 1819. Presumably, like those of Masi and Burnett, they are in the State Department collection. IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2260 |
posted 12-22-2004 03:39 PM
Mr. Elliott, who is a Curator in the U.S. House of Representatives has replied to a query by email, which is quoted below, with his permission:
quote: Early American silver inkstands major objects, uncommon survivors and important in the history of American silversmithing. Any information about this or any other J. Leonard silversmith / clock and watchmaker would help to clarify the origin of this object, and contribute to the knowledge of its maker. Given the provenance of this stand, it would also be a contribution to our national heritage. [This message has been edited by swarter (edited 12-22-2004).] IP: Logged |
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labarbedor Posts: 353 |
posted 12-22-2004 04:02 PM
Here is a photo of his mark. Besides the pieces mentioned there is a ladle belonging to me and 6 teaspoons pictured and discussed some years ago in The Magazine Antiques. I believe this may be one of the few clear marks.  IP: Logged |
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labarbedor Posts: 353 |
posted 12-22-2004 04:48 PM
I found the reference the July 1977 Magazine Antiques p.85 article shows 5 spoons, a beake and a pair of tongs. IP: Logged |
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wev Moderator Posts: 2629 |
posted 12-22-2004 05:06 PM
Quimby's American Silver at Winterthur records that Jacob Leonard, watchmaker, was working for the silversmith Seriphim Masi in 1827. Fale's Early American Silver notes that Samuel Williamson of Philadelphia supplied a name punch to Leonard in 1812. IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2260 |
posted 12-22-2004 06:57 PM
The article Maurice has provided contains original information on Leonard. There was an original published description of the inkstand in Antiques Magazine for Oct 1972 pp 684-685, and a follow-up article with more information on Leonard and several pieces of his work in their Collector's Notes column for July, 1977, pp.84-5. In that last article, it indicates the Virginia man is the same one. In 1810, he took over George W. Riggs' shop in Georgetown; in December, 1817, he moved from Georgetown to Washington. In 1827 he was working with or for Seraphim Masi, and in 1828 moved to Fredericksburg. This article is the source of the mentions in Quimby and in Fales that wev has cited. The Collector's Notes were monthly columns, and the columns were not titled individually, and so could be easily missed. IP: Logged |
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akgdc Posts: 289 |
posted 12-22-2004 07:10 PM
I wonder if he was related to Samuel Leonard, who was a silversmith in Chestertown, Maryland during the early decades of the 19th century. IP: Logged |
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wev Moderator Posts: 2629 |
posted 12-23-2004 01:00 AM
Here is the ladle: and a very interesting piece it is. [This message has been edited by wev (edited 12-23-2004).] IP: Logged |
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farare Posts: 4 |
posted 12-27-2004 12:01 PM
Many thanks to all who added their information to this thread. I appreciate your help in expanding our knowledge of the House Collection. Again, thank you all for your assistance. IP: Logged |
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akgdc Posts: 289 |
posted 02-10-2005 06:33 PM
Earlier this week, I found an answer to my own question (see above) about a possible connection between Jacob Leonard and the Eastern Shore silversmith Samuel Leonard. Samuel, then in business in Chestertown, advertised in the Easton (Md.) Star in 1810 that any parties with debts outstanding to Jacob should pay him as Jacob's agent. This suggests that Jacob had recently left the Eastern Shore (presumably to set up shop in D.C.). Samuel seems to have taken over his kinsman's Chestertown business, which he continued until his death in 1848. According to one knowledgable dealer I consulted who has researched the Leonards, Jacob may have been Samuel's uncle. There is still an extensive and deep-rooted Leonard clan on the Eastern Shore, especially in the region of Talbot County (just across the Chesapeake from Washington, D.C.). [This message has been edited by akgdc (edited 02-10-2005).] IP: Logged |
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bascall Posts: 606 |
posted 05-14-2008 12:21 AM
This is a revived post. "The Washington Directory, 1827." S.A. Elliot, 1827 lists Seraphim Masi jeweller, silversmith, and watchmaker North Side Pennsylvania Avenue beween 4 1/2 and 6 West. Jacob Leonard watchmaker Masi's. Boards Mrs Franzoni's opposite new Masonic Hall. Robert Lanphier engraver and jeweller Masi's. Boards North side of Pennsylvania Avenue between 12 and 13 West. Also in the same directory and located on Pennsylvania Avenue were Charles Pryse, gold and silversmith; Greenbury Gaither, watchmaker and silversmith; James Galt, watchmaker; Robert Keyworth, watchmaker and jeweller; John Latruite, watchmaker and jeweller; Thomas Rigden, watchmaker; and William Sawkins, watchmaker. IP: Logged |
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