E4001

Silver Coffeepot

Paul Revere Cachet

Collins Cover Announcement 

Silver Coffeepot

One of the challenges I relish is to add interest and collectibility to certain stamp subjects. In this case, I chose to enhance the "Americana" flavor of the silver coffeepot by adding a master silversmith from our Colonial period — the famous patriot Paul Revere.

Born in Boston in 1735, Revere learned his trade from his father, Apollos DeRivoire, who had changed his last name to better fit into his new country. When Apollos died suddenly, young Paul took over the family business at age 19. Already an accomplished silversmith, Revere's early work consisted mostly of tea and table services. Other work ranged from casting large church bells and cannons to small delicate engraving on silver pieces.

In 1768, his strong commitment to the Patriot cause led him to design and create what is considered the most unusual and famous piece of early American silver ever made. The "Sons of Liberty Punchbowl" was a piece commissioned by that group (of which Paul Revere was a member) on which he engraved the names of the 92 Massachusetts House of Representatives who continually voted against the hated British Tax Acts.

On April 18, 1775, as an official courier for, the Massachusetts Provincial Assembly, Paul Revere made his famous ride through the countryside giving the alarm that "The British are coming. " After the Revolution, the master silversmith returned to his trade and specialized in crafting elegant tea and coffee services in the Federal style. My hand painted cachet for the silver coffeepot stamp honors our country's most honored silversmith — legendary patriot Paul Revere. Item #E4001 — $13.50.