It Was Hand-Made By Paul Revere — The Antique Silver That Collectors Dream Of Finding

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When you hear the name Paul Revere, you might immediately think of the American Revolution and his midnight ride to tell the people that the British were coming. However, Revere's story is more than that of a patriot spreading news of an impending attack. In his everyday life, Revere was a silversmith who engraved and worked with gold. He founded the Revere Copper & Brass company, which produced more industrial products such as cannons and bells. Still, his silverwork remains a testament to his metalworking skill.

Revere was truly an artist and, according to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is considered one of the "most important silversmiths" of his time. His early work included more unique pieces, such as an ostrich egg-shaped tobacco box and a child's whistle. He also made household items, including silverware.

Unsurprisingly, Revere's silver pieces are antiques with a centuries-old reputation for quality and collectability. Finding a piece of handmade Revere silver on the secondhand market would be a dream, but you're more likely to find something at an auction than at a thrift store or even an antique market. If you do find something, it will likely have a hefty price tag. But what should you look for from Revere?

Plenty of utensil sets worth a pretty penny are secondhand finds that collectors dream of. And a silver set from Paul Revere would absolutely be on that list. With a record of Revere producing at least 90 different silver products, there are many options to look for, including table service items such as tea and coffee pots, cups, bowls, tongs for sugar, and trays. Among the items that he produced that you might not expect are things like the buckles found on shoes and buttons for clothing. Plus, he even made instruments for dentists and surgeons to use as part of their medical practice. 

Thanks to his meticulous record-keeping, it's clear that while the wealthy people of Boston at the time, including politicians and merchants, owned the vast majority of his work, he did not just produce pieces for the elite of society. Instead, he chose to balance his work and finances by providing for many of the people living in Boston at the time, although his less wealthy customers would still be considered middle class. 

During the colonial era of American history, silver could serve as currency and a sign of status and wealth. Having silver pieces in your home let you to show your affluence while also giving you a tradeable item to use if needed to pay a debt during a time of unstable currency.

Paul Revere's silver can be found in museums, at historic sites, and in very high end collections, often in and around Boston, Massachusetts, where he lived and worked. It is difficult to find Revere silver on the open market due to its historical significance. Consequently, any pieces on the market are likely to carry a premium price tag. If you were lucky enough to find what looked to be Revere silver, it would have his last name pressed into the metal, or his initials.

At the time of writing, on eBay, a single engraved spoon with the Revere mark is currently listed for $25,000. Back in 2015, a rare teapot sold in an auction at Christie's for $233,000. In 2023, a small monogrammed pitcher sold for $129,875. Even at smaller auction houses, a single spoon has an estimated value of between $5,000 and $10,000. For history lovers with an appreciation for antique silver, finding an authentic Revere piece for less than such prices would be a dream.