This plate looks contemporary or at the very least a new patina which looks like it has heavy laquer coating. I cant make out what this mark is though. Anyone have any ideas?

Dano

This is the front of the plate, You know I'm not even sure it is copper. I do like the design and the hammering is pretty good.

Dano

This low bowl has a new patina on it but it's another nicely formed piece with an unknown maker, there are initials though, anyone know it?

Dano

Here is the signature

The first mark is a partial CS belonging to Craftsman Studios. See our extensive post on this firm.

http://forum.arts-crafts.com/e...886045532/m/98310595

The second is a mystery to me. I have not seen the O.H. mark before. Very nicely made. Perhaps Boston.

Best,

Hi Fred, You might be the most knowledgable person on the subject of copper items from the arts and crafts movement, but I'm not quite seeing the connection with that early mark, at least in terms of the early first mark as presented by Copperoak. Like to see something similar. This patina is not original would you agree?

Dano

Dano,

I am by no means an expert and I can tell you that the mark on the decorated tray above is an S inside of a C. You currently have the mark show with the top rotated so that it is indicating 4 o'clock. The top portion of the mark may have broken off or not have been properly impressed into the copper. Compare your mark to Copperoak's #1 mark of CS cojoined.


I took the liberty to copy it, crop and rotate it so that it makes it easier to compare with the CS mark.



I could easily believe that this is the original finish and it is possible that it has be refinished and lacquered at a later date.

Best,

Here is a bookend that sports a similar tulip design as your tray. It is also marked with the cojoined CS.

http://images.google.com/imgre...6start%3D18%26um%3D1

Best,

Awesome! I see it plain as day now that you rotated it. So this plate that I thought was a contemporary piece is actually alot older than I thought. The back side of it shows heavy laquer drips though the front is nicely done.
I'm stoked because I picked this up for next to nothing. Thanks Fred!

Dano

Dan,

Your response is why I spend the time to research and respond. I am passionate about the work and those made it. My understanding of the processes of production gives me a particular slant and perception. Congratulations on finding the CS tray.

Best,

Having trouble with the site today, I can read some posts but not all so I can't read your response Fred. I'm going to try and respond and see if that kick starts it.

Dano

Dan,

It all looks good from my side. I will check some of my referece books and see if I can't possibly attribute the maker of the O.H. bowl. It was obviously hand raised by a skilled craftsman/woman. Note the kernel (dimple) in the center of the base above the makers initials. This is the point from which the maker would mark out the lines to help him hammer to.

Best,

Well whatever the problem is it appears to be the fault of my laptop as it concerns not being able to read the posts. I'm on my home PC and I can see everything very well.

Concerning the O.H. bowl, until you mentioned the punch hole to show the craftsmans starting point I never even noticed it, very cool. It has a new patina that was put on, not by me but very well done. I picked this up at the Golden California Show last Oct.

I was looking for reference books on copper work in B&N today but no luck, if there even are any. I keep my eyes open for reference books like that when at yard sales and such. I found a book published in 1950 with all the companies that made pottery, it went back to the 1700s had drawings of all the hallmarks.

One of the first places I look for metalworkers of the period is the book "The Society of Arts & Crafts Boston Exhibition Record 1897-1927" Compiled and Edited by Karen Evans Ulela" Printed by the Boston Public Library in 1981.

There are no pictures or drawings of marks and there is a complete list of members of the Society during those pivotal years. The book also prints the by-laws and principals of the Society along with a Chronology of the major exhibitions.

The list of names are alphabetical and list the craftsman's media, status within the Society, the years they worked and their address during those years.

I have gone through the entire H list and there is no one who is listed as a metalworker and whose name began with an O.

Best,
Fred
{book link added}

Fred, is that book still in print? Wouldn't mind a copy of that myself...

Dan,

It is not in print and rather hard to find. I was given a copy by a good friend several years ago and it has been used a great deal over the years.

Best,