George Christian Gebelein: the craft and business of a "modern Paul Revere"
Date
1995
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
This study re-examines the craft and business practices of George Christian Gebelein (1878-1945), the Boston silversmith. As a young man, Gebelein trained under elder silversmiths who instilled the value of fine, handcrafted silver in their apprentice. Working during the early twentieth century, Gebelein participated in the arts and crafts movement, a powerful aesthetic movement that advocated a return to handcraftsmanship. In 1909, Gebelein opened his own shop and began developing a "business-like method" that allowed him to create the handcrafted silver he valued while still maintaining a profitable business. By incorporating antiques and silver produced by other silver companies into his inventory and selectively employing industrial production techniques, Gebelein was able to run a money-making business for over thirty years. His mystique as a craftsman, expert, and scholar of silver and metal objects drew customers, collectors, craftsmen, and curators to his shop and won him the title, "the modern Paul Revere."
Description
"Copyrighted materials in this document have not been filmed at the request of the author. They are available for consultation, however, in the author's university library. Pages 61-74 [Appendix: Illustrations]"--Unnumbered page inserted by UMI after page 60.