Lipgen, William (Wilhelm)

Born in the Rheinland, Germany; deaf at age 4; at age 9, entered the school for the deaf at Kempen and remained there until 15. Apprenticed to a goldsmith, then to a silversmith; not content with that trade, learned engraving and then chasing, specializing in the manufacture of church ornaments, working in various cities around Germany; was twice commissioned by the Kaiser. In 1900, went to Paris and worked there a year; 1901, emigrated to America, Anglicized his first name, and got a job with Tiffany & Co. in New York City.