silver salvation

Carson City's Nevada State Museum brings back historical display.

By CHARLIE JOHNSTON | March/April 2008

Photo: Charlie Johnston (Nevada State Museum)

After two years, the USS Nevada Silver Service is back on display at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. The 68-piece service, a dining set made from 250 pounds of sterling donated by Tonopah and gold—used to embellish certain pieces such as the 18 karat gold lining inside the punch bowl—donated by Goldfield, was presented to the U.S. Navy in 1916 for use by the officers on the ship.

To mark the reopening of the remodeled exhibit, a silver medallion minted on historic Coin Press No. 1 will be offered in a special cardholder detailing the history of the ship and the Silver Service for $40. A photograph of the 15-gallon punch bowl is included.

The Nevada State Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children younger than 18.