William C. Hunneman (1769-1856): Boston coppersmith, brass founder, and entrepreneur

Abstract

This study of William C. Hunneman, a Boston coppersmith, brass founder, and entrepreneur working from c. 1793 to 1846, helps to fill a gap in the history of the early American craftsman. There have been few, if any, in-depth studies of the craftsmen who produced goods from copper and its alloys during this period. These products played an important role in the households, businesses, and manufactories of America, as well as being vital to the operation of the new United States Navy. Hunneman was involved in extensive business and social networks connecting his local communities with far flung cities and towns. As a producer of early patented fire engines, Hunneman also illuminates the business side of innovative technology. ☐ This thesis relies on evidence from two extant day books, one brief ledger, and a large number of surviving Hunneman products, in addition to other primary and secondary sources. The day books were entered into a database which enabled sorting and quantification of information by customer; date; credits and debits; form, quantity, description, and price. It also recorded all other information including weights, method of payment, and Hunneman’s miscellaneous notes. ☐ As many surviving objects as possible were located and examined in person. Almost as many more were identified and studied through published and unpublished photographs. These Hunneman products were compared to objects and photographs of objects in the Winterthur Museum, the Decorative Arts Photographic Collection at Winterthur, and many publications. Such comparisons reveal regional characteristics and strengthen our understanding of business ties among craftsmen producing similar goods. ☐ William C. Hunneman was a skilled craftsman and a successful businessman. He produced and sold large numbers of household items such as andirons, wholesale items such as sleigh bells, industrial kettles, ship fittings and supplies, fire engines, and unfinished goods such as clock parts. In addition, Hunneman served as a wholesale supplier of raw materials for other metal workers. Hunneman’s ability to expand his market from traditional manufactures to serve this wide range of public and private customers illustrates the business acumen and artisanal versatility necessary for success during this period of early industrial expansion in America.