Why would Joseph Smith go to such effort to make realistic ancient items such as the Liahona only for them to disappear?

Joseph Smith was not only in possession of the gold plates, but other items too. David Whitmer wrote:

Joseph, Oliver Cowdery and myself were together, and the angel showed them [the plates] to us. … [We were] sitting on a log when we were overshadowed by a light more glorious than that of the sun. In the midst of this light, but a few feet from us, appeared a table upon which were many golden plates, also the sword of Laban and the directors. I saw them as plain as I see you now, and distinctly heard the voice of the Lord declaring that the records of the plates of the Book of Mormon were translated by the gift and power of God.

– Cook, David Whitmer Interviews. 63.  

How would Joseph Smith have been so skilled in crafting gold plates, swords and directors? 

See:

• Jannalee Sandau – The Sword of Laban and Liahona: Where Are They Now?
• Book of Mormon Central – Why Were the Three Witnesses Shown the Liahona?

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