Coppersmithing in nineteenth century Philadelphia: the Bentley shop
Date
1987
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
This thesis deals with the coppersmithing trade in nineteenth century Philadelphia and, more specifically, with the Bentley family of coppersmiths active in Philadelphia from about 1813 to 1878. While the Bentley shop was conservative in many respects, maintaining a small staff and the hand method of production, its evolution also reflects the dominant trends in the metalsmithing trades in industrializing Philadelphia. Beginning as general metalsmiths dealing mostly with private individuals, by the mid 1840s the Bentleys were producing primarily copper goods for manufacturers and tradesmen. When business was especially brisk, such as from the mid 1840s to the mid 1850s, the shop also engaged in finishing copper and brass goods fabricated in other shops, thus further specializing their output. While riding the crests of economic upturns, the Bentleys never took advantage of the opportunities for long term gains or expansion, and were thus able to maintain their coppersmithing business during the economic downturns as well. (Abstract from ProQuest citation page.)