A very rare and tremendously important piece of early St. Louis silver by Joseph Bouju

The silversmith, JOSEPH BOUJU was considered one of finest craftsmen working on Main Street in St. Louis from 1812-1849.

While having a French name, little is known about his origin or early years yet he produced pieces of beauty and balance that compared with the quality of those found in the East. He was expertly trained.

He may have started in Philadelphia - known for its French settlement and Indian silver trade and he is known to have done some work in Ohio, did he possibly bring his keel boat down the Ohio river before coming to St. Louis?

Bouju appeared in St. Louis in 1812 with a stock of goods and his own keel boat in the spring of 1812. On April 4, 1812 the Louisiana Gazette, St. Louis carried the following announcement: Joseph Bouju, clock and watchmaker, silversmith and jeweler respectfully informs the public that he has just arrived in St. Louis where he expects to carry on both trades at his shop in the house of Madame Papin and opposite General Clarke’s office. He will constantly keep on hand a general assortment of jewelry, watches, clocks which he will dispose of at moderate prices. Also country liver, collars, coffee tea and raffia from Grenoble, cherry bounce, whisky, tobacco, soap, and a jig and harness and his keel boat with her apparatus.

Bouju was a man of gentle character and attractive physiognomy and according to Theophile Papin a gentle and much loved person who mystified the Indians with his pocket watches and pleased the youth with his interest and sympathy, displaying an unusual comic streak. Records and advertisements show Bouju moving his residence and shop multiple times through his years in St. Louis.

Evidence of his business transactions are numerous and it appears that he prospered, the Indian trade and trinket business seems to have been especially lucrative.

Bouju lived in St. Louis until his death on February 27, 1849 - yet is seldom listed as a resident or as part of the defense group - he was a member of the Old Brick Church now the St. Louis Cathedral. His wife was Agatha Armano - no children are mentioned in the probate records yet there may have been a son.

I very much appreciate the above information found in the excellent book, St. Louis Silversmiths by Ruth Hunter Roach, copyright 1967.

Length: 14 3/4 inches

Weight: 8.33 Troy ounces:

Hallmarked: J. BOUJU and two roosters

Price on Request.

Other early St. Louis silver spoons also available