Charles W. Matt formula and receipt book, [1920s?]

University of Michigan William L. Clements Library

909 South University Avenue

Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

clements-reference@umich.edu

Creator:: Matt, Charles W., 1874-1964
Abstract:: This book, which belonged to Charles W. Matt, a jeweler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, contains chemical formulas, recipes, and instructions related to methods of working with metals such as gold and silver.
Extent:: 1 volume
Language:: English
Authors:: Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, March 2014

Scope and Content:: This book (approximately 200 pages, not all of which are used) belonged to Charles W. Matt, a jeweler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, around or after the 1920s. The book contains formulas, recipes, and instructions related to working with various metals, particularly gold and silver; most entries were written directly into the volume, with a few additional clippings pasted or laid in. The notes pertain to aspects of metalwork, such as making alloys, bronzing and finishing processes, dissolving and etching metals, casting metals, stripping and cleaning metals, and refining gold. Also included are recipes for making imitation ivory, paste, waxes, and cements. Supplemental information about chemical elements and casting insects is also present.
Biographical / Historical:: Charles W. Matt (1874-1964) was a jeweler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. He and his wife Rosa (1877-1957) had at least five children: Edward C., Rose, Catherine, Dorothy, and Eleanor.
Acquisition Information:: 1983. M-2109 .
Processing information:: Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.
Rules or Conventions:: Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)