F.A. Durgin - St. Louis - Article

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F. A. DURGIN.–Manufacturer Of Solid Silverware

To the St. Louis visitor of aesthetic taste, whose pleasure is found in the admiration of the most elegant products of man's ingenuity, no place within the limits of the great metropolis will afford so much interest as the extensive solid silverware manufactory of F. A. Durgin, located at No. 305 North Seventh Street. The foundation of this elaborate institution was laid by the present proprietor in 1858, in a small building on the corner of Market and Commercial streets. The necessity for subsequent changes caused three removals of the business, first, to the corner of Fourth and Spruce streets ; next to the corner of Fifth and Pine, up stairs ; and in 1868 to the present premises. The last removal was of the greatest importance, for the building was fitted up specially for a manufactory, and was of proper dimensions to admit of the most extensive manufacturing and retail business. Steam power was added, together with all the necessary machinery for converting silver bricks into the most elegant ornaments of table use and personal adornment.

The processes through which the pure silver passes from the brick or coin into the numerous articles so skillfully designed and executed, is full of absorbing interest to every visitor, whether he be a novice or the most critical connoisseur of the fine arts. Upon entering the room the first object of special attention is the stamping machine, which shapes straight bars of silver into knives, forks, spoons, etc. In the rear of the factory are two crucibles, through which the alloyed silver passes and comes out pure and beautiful. The hum of numerous appliances makes the place musical, and upon reaching the second story the visitor finds so many interesting features that his stay is necessarily prolonged far beyond the time he had allotted. The fashioning of thin plates of silver into pitchers, sugar bowls, castors, butter dishes, the beautiful repousse work, or hammered silver, and a thousand articles of like character, is a process which excites the most profound interest. An attempted description of all the means employed would be futile and unsatisfactory, for nothing can approximate the scene. All our readers, beyond a doubt, have often wondered how silverware is polished ; true, they all know that the use of a special preparation and a vigorous rubbing with chamois skin will thoroughly cleanse silver, but yet no such means will impart to the ware that bright, satin finish which is seen upon the new articles exposed for sale.

The process employed by the manufacturer is a very simple one. Upon one end of a rod, which is made to revolve with the greatest rapidity, like a turning lathe, is fastened the burnishing brush. This brush consists of a ball of small brass wires, about one inch in length, fastened loosely at one end to a center piece by the union of two rings. The small wires are therefore free to dangle, and when the machine is set in motion the centrifugal force throws the wires freely outward. Against these the article desired to be polished is held, and the beautiful gloss at once appears, and in a very few moments the pitcher, dish, or whatever it may be, is ready for sale.

In addition to the immense manufacturing interests of Mr. Durgin, he gives special attention to engraving, keeping constantly employed two of the most skillful and expert workmen in the country, and doing the finest work in the city.

The salesroom of this great establishment is one of the most elegant and elaborate to be found either East or West. In the arrangement of the cabinet show-cases, which are of solid walnut, richly embellished with the genius of the most expert wood carver, Mr. Durgin has exhibited the most refined and tasteful conception. These cases extend in an upright position along both sides of the room, with beautiful plateglass sliding doors, and upon the shelving, in the handsome arrangement, is displayed the superb stock of the establishment, comprising the larger silver articles, and as beautiful a sight as ever eye beheld. Near the center of the room, subserving the double purpose of show-case and counter, are the exquisite silver-mounted plate-glass cases, in which is exhibited such articles as silver spoons, knives of various kinds, napkin rings, combs, salt-cellars, and a hundred other unique and handsome, ornamental and useful provisions for sumptuous dining and the interior decoration of palatial homes.

Mr. Durgin is well supported in his commendable undertaking of providing for a want long felt by elevating the tastes of our people to the very highest appreciation of fine art. His establishment now turns out the most elegant articles of solid silverware to be found in the United States, and many of his goods are even shipped on orders to Europe. He manufactures nothing except solid silverware, but in order to provide for all demands he keeps a large stock of plated ware, which he receives direct from the manufactories, by which means he is enabled to sell on first margins.

Schooled in the business by a practical experience of thirty years, there is no one better prepared to meet the wants of customers for silverware than Mr. Durgin. In this trade, as in every other, there are tricks which it is difficult for the public to understand, consequently it is always important to deal with a gentleman whose character is such that there is every assurance no deception will be practiced. In the twenty years of Mr. Durgin's business in St. Louis he has gathered nothing but the most honorable recognition from his patrons; among those of his acquaintance his representations are facts and his suggestions of the highest value. He has built up a trade commensurate with the growth and importance of the Western empire.

Mr. Durgin's is one of the most complete factories in the country, and the superiority of his work has secured for him the patronage of the best and wealthiest citizens of the West; in short his facilities are such that he can manufacture every conceivable article pertinent to the silver trade.

Source: A Tour of St. Louis: Or, The Inside Life of a Great City - Joseph A. Dacus and James William Buel - 1878

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F.A. Durgin - St. Louis - 1868


F.A. Durgin - St. Louis - 1878

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From The Missouri State Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1860; Freeman A. Durgin and Thomas H. Burtt.