Dad, Bill deMatteo

I learned silversmithing from my father, Bill deMatteo, in Williamsburg. I started out when I was about 10 years old. Dad learned from his father, a leading silversmith in New York. When he left his father's studio, he became the Master Silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg. In 1979, Dad, Phil Thorp and I started Hand & Hammer Silversmiths.

Grandfather, Bill deMatteo, Sr.

My father's talents were recognized by the American Institute of Architects which awarded him its Gold Medal. In 1975 he was the first American silversmith inducted into the Goldsmiths' Company on London

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Chip with parents in Williamsburg

Over the years, we've been commissioned to design and make presentation silver for every president since Kennedy, for whom Dad reproduced the famous Paul Revere lanterns to hang in the Oval Office. Presentation silver has been made for many foreign dignitaries as well.

Lanterns crafted for John F. Kennedy

Rose Bowl designed for Jimmy Carter

Winston Churchill carries the bell made for him by Bill deMatteo