Here are three punched brass pieces that have come up on eBay this year, all with the same mark, two on felt bottoms, one stamped. What is this mark?? Is it a pair of retail shops and if so then who is the maker? I can't find anything by Googling (T&C Chicago FR&Co New York FH Deknatel Copyright 1910). I do have one catalog reference that suggests something, but looking for ideas here as well.

The work looks like Frank Frost. I will check my references tomorrow and see if I am right.

Bev.

I just checked Frost. It is similar but the designs are acid etched. Yours looks like all hammering techniques. But, Frost added what looks to be some decorative hammer markes on the front of the piece in the backgrounds. The shop marks do not match.

http://www.1910metal.com/wst_page6.html

It is actually closer in style to Carence Crafters. But your mystery metal treats the leaf viens with a series of dots or an indented line. With Carence Crafters, they made stylized leaves and left out the veins. They were more concerned with the design of the simple outline of a leaf raised against a busy, darker background. Their metal was etched while yours was worked. But the feel of the overall design is close.

http://www.1910metal.com/wst_page2.html

I have looked at my other sources but have found nothing that really matches.

Sorry.

Bev.

Hi Stonecat,

That makers name or retail store does not ring a bell with me, but they are done in the style of Newcomb's metalwork. Stonecat, I think you might try to search the Patent & Trademark, and Copyright office for more information

Click here: United States Patent and Trademark Office

Click here: eBay: 1900 ARTS & CRAFTS NEWCOMB PIERCED BRASS OIL LAMP (item 230129679164 end

Click here: eBay: VINTAGE ARTS CRAFTS BRASS MATCH HOLDER HANDMADE (item 140116556887 end t


Bev,

You were half right about your connection to Frost, after Frost Workshops closed they specialized in catalog orders that sold tools, patterns, and blanks, from stick pins to hat pins, lamp patterns and designs for most of the A/C projects of the period that were sold to trade schools and do-it-yourselfers and possibly other companies.

Mark

I'll have to agree with the Newcomb attribution based on this listing in the Jan 2005 Craftsman catalog (not on their website however so maybe a passed lot). The description includes the mystery mark description, so I'm assuming the mark is retailer if the maker is Newcomb.

Just checked this lot in my catalog from that auction and I have notes the lot was withdrawn as not Newcomb College. It seems a decent amount of metal is attributed to Newcomb, however very little seems to have a ton of support. Obviously they thought this was pretty close, but backed down prior to the auction.

Guess the mystery continues.

Rats, I was thinking maybe that was the case. The stick in the top picture is mine Oh well I didn't pay too much for it, and yes I wouldn't want to see every piece of punched brass called Newcomb - too many of those little lamp shades out there that just don't cut it

Regardless of maker, I still think it is a cool piece. I always struggle with buying a single stick. For some reason I don't really like displaying a single, but it's not like I actually put candles in them.

If I ever want a decent set of the tall cutout sticks from Buffalo Arts & Crafts shops, I may just have to buy one and hope to find a mate.

I want the Tiffany Queen Anne's Lace sticks - the coolest IMO

Hi Stonecat,

I would have liked to own the pair of E.T.C.Fish sticks that just sold on Live Auction for the sum of $4,000 + premium.

Mark

E.T.C. Fish work is highly prized and I believe folks are paying a premium for the pieces. I have see some of it and do not believe it reflects the high prices. I think this is a case where rarity plays a role in value.

There was a wonderful article written about him years ago.

Fred

Hi - I have acquired a piece of the marked T&G /F.R.& Co..F.H. Deknatel 1910 - do you have any more information on these pieces?? this one is white brass I presume from the aluminum color..Only some of the petals & veins are incised etc.. I believe it may be a work in process..?? Thank You

Hello and welcome to the forum.

This is very exciting! It is great to find incompeted work because it helps define the process used to create these works. I suspect it may have ultimately become a trivet.

Thank you for sharing. I know nothing about the company that made the designs. It is possible that they sold kits for homecrafters to complete. Your piece may be a clue in the search for more information about the company.

An extensive book on the Chicago firms and metalsmiths is in progress and hopefully will be printed. I have no publish date from the writer. I am anxiously waiting.

Thank you for sharing your treasure.