Hi all,

Here is a bowl or pot (uncertain what to call it), and a vase for which I've come to a dead end on research.

The "pot" is quite a heavy, large (12" height and a circumference of about 52" at its widest area/around by the handles), dovetailed, lovely hammering and patina/finish and is stamped "207." Could this be Stickley Brothers' ware, missing the paper label as is often the case as Bruce Johnson states in his book, Official Guide to Arts and Crafts? There are a few examples of Stickley Brothers' copper work in the back of the book, Quaint Furniture as well, but none matching this one.

The vase is a very heavy, dark, well executed symmetrical flared piece, but I've never heard of the maker, not finding a thing in my research. It is signed (scratched):

HM IV 73
--------------
Dattu

27 III 1928
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There's a sticky rectangular spot below inscription (missing paper maker's tag or price tag?) It is 11 1/4" height and 17" around the base. What could the HM IV 73 stand for?

Do you think the vase was made by an independent craftsperson? I think the quality is superb to the "pot," whereby the pot's rim slopes down some on one side. However, I could be to blame as I used it rather roughly to hold kindling/peices of fire logs for several years.

Any comments, information, or leads to further research would certainly be appreciated. There are more detailed pictures on my Flikr page - the pictures there can be enlarged.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28764649@N04/sets/72157606585018465/

Thank you,
Su
Well the pictures are not uploading, so please do see the Flickr link. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum Su.

I'm no expert in makers of metalwork but I'd call the "pot" a jardiniere.

Jardiniere: used to identify a decorative china or metal cachepot designed to hold a potted plant or flowers.

Lauren

Hi Lauren,

Thank you for the welcome to the forum. I was reluctant to call that a jardiniere because I've never seen a jardiniere quite like this, but it does certainly fits the definition. Thanks.

Love your Flickr pages! So much great information. I'm up to browsing page 7 only; there's so much more to look forward to.

I'd love any comments about the relative quality of the vase and the jardiniere. Any comments at all and leads to possible makers much appreciated. I can see the jardiniere right now from here, and the top does not look hardly as sloped as in the pictures, but I guess pictures don't lie.

I'll try to attach pictures of the vase now - it's just a little tricky for the first time because there's no message or indication that the pictures have uploaded. But on Flickr, the pictures can be enlarged, and you can see the hammering patterns and finishes so much better. Just open/double click the picture, and above that "all sizes" will appear, on which you can click.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28764649@N04/sets/72157606585018465/

Thanks again to anyone who can comment here on these.

Well, now having trouble uploading more than one pic. When I choose an additional file, it replaces the first. Was going to show the inscription on the bottom of the vase. It's on Flickr.

The jardinere is definitely Stickley Brothers, and I confirmed my suspicion by looking at Don Marek's book Grand Rapids Art Metalwork. On page 67, there is a picture of a very similar piece with the same feet and handles but a different form. Very cool...with original patina, I would guess this rare form would be at least in the $800-1200 range.

Thank you so much Circa Vintage Design!
That' is so exciting to know, and I was obviously unaware of that book, that I'll have to add it to my little collection of 10 or a dozen reference books. I've always like this jardinere a lot. I bought it in a second hand store and eagerly handed out the $40 asking price. It was first exciting to think it just might be Stickley Bros., and now you've made my day. I've a lot of decent quality Arts & Crafts but only one item, now two really identified.
Thanks again!
Su

Oops. I neglected to note my mistake: it is no. 204, not 207. It's corrected on the Flickr page. Apologies.
Su

Su,

The jardinier is tryly a special piece and it appears to be in pretty good shape. The Merek book might be a bit pricey unless they decide to reprint it.

We would love to see what other A&C items you might have.

Best,
Fred

Thanks too Fred for your feedback. No more kindling or firewood in that jardiniere! Is it safe to put a plant in it? . . . Yes, the Merek book is more than usual. I couldn't find one under $65 usd. But I'll keep on looking once in awhile, or just might spring for it.

Do you not like the "Dattu" vase? I can take any constructive criticism!

Ok. I'm going to post the other item that I have which is identified, and which is one of my favorite pieces of furniture, in the furniture section. I'd sure like to know more about it, or see other pieces of furniture from the company.

Thanks again,
Su

Happy you will give the piece a good home...as for putting a plant in it, I guess you could, but put a coat of paste wax on it to protect the patina and use a liner on the inside and you should be fine. The Marek book is worth every penny! I got mine off Ebay; an invaluable source if you collect A & C metal. There are many pictures, some in color. I make my own hammered copper lamps, and the Stickley Brothers work in that book has been a real inspiration to me.

Fred, I saw your blog with great interest. What rewarding work! I wanted to get into it badly at one point, asked somebody who made Arts and Crafts items if I could apprentice, and have the book Metalwork for Craftsman by Emil F. Kronquist. But life took a different direction and I became a teacher, and have been teaching woodworking for about 6 years, up until about couple years ago. That was a lot of fun too.
Anyway thank you for the tips about using the jardiniere for a plant. I'll look for plastic pot and tray that I can insert and apply wax liberally everywhere. . . . have a feeling I'll be purchasing the Merek book soon.

Best Regards,
Su

quote:

Originally posted by su:
Anyway thank you for the tips about using the jardiniere for a plant. I'll look for plastic pot and tray that I can insert and apply wax liberally everywhere. . . . have a feeling I'll be purchasing the Merek book soon.
Su

Circa Vintage Design: Thank you!