Stand 1790 - 1800

This elegant stand was crafted in New York, probably around the turn of the 19th century, by Daniel Van Voorhis. Fashioned from silver, it embodies a mix of practicality and status. The stand's creation likely involved techniques such as hammering, annealing—heating the metal to make it more workable—and then meticulous polishing. Notice the delicate beaded rim and engraved heraldic shield, marks of skilled handwork. Pieces like this weren’t just about utility; they were declarations of wealth and taste. Silver, as a material, carries its own social charge. It's a precious metal, and owning objects made from it signaled belonging to a privileged class. Consider the labor involved: from mining the ore, to refining it, to the silversmith’s careful work. This stand speaks volumes about the social and economic structures of its time. Understanding the material and the making helps us see beyond mere surface appeal, and appreciate the object's cultural significance.