Presentation Pieces in the Museum of History and Technology Contributions from the Museum of History and Technology, Paper No. 47 [Smithsonian Institution]

"Presentation Pieces in the Museum of History and Technology" by Margaret Brown Klapthor is a historical exploration that unveils a captivating assortment of presentation silver artifacts residing within the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of History and Technology, chronicling their development and importance from the 1700s to the early 1900s. The narrative illustrates how these objects acted as symbols of recognition for accomplishments spanning military valor to public service, with Klapthor carefully dissecting each presentation piece to reveal both its artistic merit and the circumstances of its presentation. Noteworthy examples are a punch bowl presented to Colonel George Armistead for courage in the War of 1812, and a golden snuffbox awarded to Major General Jacob Brown; each offering a glimpse into the ideals and important events of the periods they represent, showing the gratitude expressed through these physical tributes. The writing connects the artistic accomplishments of these silver works to the personal stories of those they were intended to honor, building a detailed understanding of America's story.