Colonial Wrought Iron Pictures

Review in the Maine Antique Digest, August, 1999. TOP

Illustrated in this book is the lifetime collection of James C. Sorber of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Sorber, now in his 80’s, has amassed an astonishing array of objects, from andirons to woodworking tools, illustrated here in 505 black-and-white photographs, many of which depict multiple items. Items are grouped under five categories: hearth and kitchen, domestic items, tools, and Conestoga wagon. There’s a handy index in case your aren’t sure where to find, for example, ice tongs (under tools) or button-hole cutters (under domestic items). Also included is a list of blacksmiths’ signatures with the names of items (but not the page numbers) on which they are found. The drawback of basing a book on a single-owner collection is that it might be missing items, but this collection appears to be an exhaustive one. According to the author, "Sorber often refers to his collection as the ‘Blacksmith’s Legacy Museum’ for it is, indeed, a legacy to the thousands of blacksmiths who labored...to help keep America growing." Readers with an interest in early American wrought iron can be grateful that Sorber has shared his legacy.

Review by Fred Holder, editor of the "Blacksmith's Gazette,"
June 1999. TOP

The blacksmithing work displayed in "Colonial Wrought Iron" is from the collection of Jim Sorber, who is now in his eighties, has been an avid collector for 70 years. His collection is a result of a life steeped in an enduring appreciation for the skills of his ancestors. Even as a child he was interested in their hand tools and the wonderful things they made. That interest soon grew into a passion.

A unique aspect of Jim's collection is that it reflects a certain ethnic influence. Much of his collecting has been done near his home in the counties of Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Schuylkill. This area has been settled by German immigrants since the mid-to-late 17th century. Many pieces are signed and dated, reflects an iron chronicle of the "Pennsylvania Dutch" migration westward from the Philadelphia area.

The colonial period in America was centered around the blacksmith who was the maker and creator of a great many items needed in everyday life. "Colonial Wrought Iron" is a photographic survey of the early wrought iron work done in America. The text explains the characteristics and the conditions of the period in which the iron was forged. "Colonial Wrought Iron" is an invaluable resource tool for the blacksmith involved in making reproduction hardware and related items, as well as an inspiration for merging form and function In this book you will find the commonplace and the ornate, but they all reflect the had of fine craftsmanship.

Author Don Plummer has a long and enthusiastic fondness for blacksmithing and craftsmanship. He has been a practicing blacksmith for over ten years in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Don has worked closely with Jim Sorber in studying this collection and selecting from the thousands of pieces to photograph for the book. Jack Andrews is responsible for the book design and assisting Plummer in editing the book.

Colonial Wrought Iron is a definitive reference of forged iron of the colonial period in America, where function meets beauty and tools become treasure. For the historian, artist, collector, and blacksmith alike this survey will document yesterday and inspire tomorrow.

Review by Dawn Sikes, Fabricator, May June, 1999 TOP

Since the beginning of time, the world has been fascinated with history. We read about it religiously in the Bible, we are taught about it in our schools, and we watch it in movie theaters. Why are we so fascinated with history? Because we do not want to repeat it. Some history makes you cry, some makes you laugh, and some makes you appreciate life. In "Colonial Wrought Iron: The Sorber Collection" by Don Plummer, we are taken back in time to view and learn about how essential tools of today were invented or improved by the valued blacksmith.

The first thing that struck me in reading this book is how lazy society is today. You flip through page by page looking at the creations that blacksmiths put their hard work into daily. These men did things the old fashioned way with their brains and their hands. Some tools are still used today while others were tossed away and forgotten. James Sorber has taken pride in collecting these tools that were considered junk and collected them. He saw the hidden treasures behind these everyday household tools or utensils. The collection consists of three different cultures-British, German, and Dutch.

During colonial times, the fireplace and kitchen were the most important rooms in a household, and most of the accessories created by the blacksmith were a necessity for everyday use; therefore they had to be made of something that would last and withstand the heat of a flame, metal. Some of the many unique items of the kitchen included a drink warmer to put over a fire, which has a u-shaped handle with a cup holder sitting on top of one end; a spider skillet which was basically a frying pan on mini-stilts; and a meat rack which looked like a metal insect with four legs and the tail being the handle.

Another essential that Plummer discussed is the simple aspect of lighting. We take for granted that we have electricity, but imagine during the colonial times, there was no electricity. Bright and long lasting light was unheard of and many blacksmiths spent hours fabricating accessories to improve lighting. One major progression was the invention of the "Betty Lamp," which only required a wick and a flammable substance, but it was revolutionary because of how long the flame lasted.

Plummer continues on discussing other essentials like blacksmithing tools, hardware, and Conestoga wagon toolboxes and accessories. The book contains 506 incredible photographs of the Sorber collection of James Sorber.