what does a whitesmith do?

[kentishbear]

I am researching my family tree and came across a distant uncle who in 1871 was a Whitesmith..

I have heard of a blacksmith.. but what is/was a whitesmith?

[~Wingnut~]

Hi kentishbear :o)

It's someone who works with white or light coloured metal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitesmith

Hope that helps :o)

[kentishbear]

WOW.. that was quick wingnut :)

thanks for the answer.. it sure beats being a grocer like the rest of the family lol

[Theland]

Coppersmith, Tinsmith, Whitesmith, Sheety, (Sheet metalworker), Blacksmith, all described the type and gauge of the metal being worked.
The skills involved are fantastic and in those days especially, real artisans. Be proud of him.

[AnnFerguson]

A whitesmith is a silversmith as opposed to a goldsmith. I came across the same in my family tree!