Charleston Loan Exhibition

41 Pair of earrings Early-nineteenth century Gold, onyx and diamonds H. ‡/* x W. 2 x D. 1¾ (box) inches; (earrings) 1 ‹/* x 1 ½ x ½ inches Historic Charleston Foundation, Charleston, SC, lent by Ms. Mary Mauldine Griner, L.97.7.3 Transportation supported by Richard and Amelia Conte By the 1820s "top and drop" style earrings, such as those seen here, were extremely popular. These earrings, in their original red leather case, belonged to Alicia Russell Middleton, daughter of Bristol, Rhode Island, native and wealthy merchant Nathaniel Russell. BSC Few artisans left such an indelible mark on antebellum Charleston as Reverend John Mood. He was born into the silversmith’s trade as the son of Peter and Mary Sigwald Mood on January 11, 1792. In 1814 father and son formed a partnership, advertising fire gilding and military work under the firm name of Peter Mood and Son. After his father’s death in 1821, John assumed ownership of the firm. Boldly addressing Charlestonians’ propensity for northern imports, Mood stated in a notice, “South Carolinians Encourage your own Manufactories. JOHN MOOD, Gold and Silver Smith, and Fire Gilder, respectfully informs his friends…that he has removed his manufactory from No. 318 to 311 King-street…,where he manufactures and repairs all kinds of Silver Work, the Silver of which he will warrant superior to any Northern make which he has yet examined…” While John Mood’s success as a silversmith depended on support by Charleston’s society, his ministry sought to serve those less fortunate, including the enslaved laborers that Charleston’s aristocracy depended on for their wealth. Mood, having embraced the fledgling and unpopular Methodism movement, was ordained a deacon and elder in the 1820s and traveled as an itinerant minister in Georgia and South Carolina. He died on March, 1, 1864 leaving an indelible mark on the material culture of Antebellum Charleston. CC John Mood (American, working, 1816–1864) Covered sugar bowl and creamer Charleston, SC, 1830/1850 Silver Sugar Bowl: H. 9½ x W. 5¾ inches, Diam. 5¾ inches; Creamer: H. 7¼ x W. 8½ inches x Diam. 3½ inches Stamped on base: J Mood Historic Charleston Foundation, Charleston, SC, collection purchase, 87.2.1-2 Conservation sponsored by The Brass & Silver Workshop