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• Old Newbury Crafters (ONC) •

There's a big difference between machine-stamped and handwrought flatware.
It's time to reappreciate beautiful, American-made silver by supporting this great company...

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In 2017 Old Newbury Crafters (ONC) celebrated its 100th anniversary, continuing an art and tradition that has been passed down through generations of American silversmiths, back to the founding of our country. At ONC, they produce completely handwrought sterling flatware that is far superior to stamped flatware. This is because, although stamping hardens silver, the hammer forging of handwrought flatware creates an even harder product.

ONC Silversmiths Reynolds Senior (front), Roger Rowell (center), James Harvey (back), Chester Dow (right), circa 1957.

From the company: "The process begins with a single bar of sterling silver. There is no stamping or cutting out of the sterling – the piece is forged with a five-pound hammer on the polished surface of an anvil. As it is forged the silver hardens and must be heated by the silversmith to soften it. It is fired to a glowing red and plunged into cold water. The forging continues, creating a strength and hardness far greater than the original bar of raw sterling...

Reynolds Senior, son of the founder of Old Newbury Crafters, circa 1955.

Chole Dark and Geoffrey Blake forging at the "pinch blocks."

"The hammering doesn't end when the piece is forged to shape; it is rehammered with a lighter planishing hammer to smooth out the heavy forging marks, leaving a subtle hammered texture. In bending the neck of the shaft to just the right curve the silversmith shapes it against a hard maple wood block that serves as a base against which to pound the silver without marring it. "The silversmith then stamps their touchmark on the back of the handle. Another mark is placed indicating the piece is Old Newbury Crafters Handwrought Sterling."

Geoffrey Blake choosing one of the hundreds of brass templates for a teaspoon.

Geoffrey Blake filing the shoulders of a dinner fork.

Collectors, gift-givers, and jewelry stores are invited to consult ONC to purchase flatware sets, baby spoons, and serving pieces including berry spoons, sugar spoons, letter openers, ice tongs, and cocktail stirrers among numerous other objects for upcoming events. See the complete selection here. Old Newbury Crafters 36 Main St. Amesbury MA 01913 800/343-1388 or 978/388-4026 Fax: 978/388-8430 info@silvercrafters.comcastbiz.net oldnewburycrafterssilver.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7:00AM – 3:30PM Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/NpRquL2zQChW4gQNA

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Page updated 9.28.2019