Tinsmith, Jim Wagner

On July 9th, 2022, Tinsmith Jim Wagner came to the Wagon Shop in Steilacoom at the behest of Lessie Tomkins to present his skills and knowledge about the art of tinsmithing. It was fascinating as well as highly entertaining. Filmed by Keith Snyder.

The ferblantier, or tinsmith, was historically a producer of tools and utensils, often household items such as pots and pans for example, using iron covered with a thin layer of tin (tinplate). He also knew how to repair utensils made of sheet steel. Craftsman Jim Wagner has researched George Gallegher who was Steilacoom's tinsmith in the early 1850s. He is also a reenactor at Fort Nisqually, demonstrating his craft there as well.