Coffee Pot

Joseph Warner (1742–1800)

Wilmington, Delaware, 1770–90

Silver

Sewell C. Biggs bequest; 2004.205.

Despite their talent level, most Delaware silversmiths of the 1700s, including Joseph Warner, could not rely exclusively on the precious-metals trade to earn a living. Therefore, Warner operated a dry-goods store to supplement his silversmith business and also served as the mayor of Wilmington from 1798 until his death in 1800.