1. Apron: Silversmiths wore leather aprons to protect their clothes from sparks, metal shavings, and other debris generated during the shaping, hammering, and polishing processes.
2. Protective Sleeves: They used protective sleeves or leather arm guards to shield their arms from heat and hot objects.
3. Gloves: Thick leather gloves were often worn to protect hands from burns and blisters caused by handling hot metals or soldering irons.
4. Eye Protection: Silversmiths used rudimentary forms of eye protection such as goggles or eyeglasses with tinted or opaque lenses to prevent particles from flying into their eyes while working.
5. Footwear: Sturdy shoes or boots were essential to protect feet from falling tools or heavy objects.
6. Respirator or Face Covering: Silversmiths working with harmful chemicals or dust particles might have used a simple cloth or mask-like covering to protect their respiratory system.
7. Head Covering: A cloth cap or hat could provide some protection from dust, debris, and sparks falling onto their heads.
The exact combination and type of protective gear worn by colonial-era silversmiths might vary based on the individual and their specific working conditions. However, the general principle was to minimize the risk of injury or damage to themselves while engaging in their craft.