This is a new page that I'm adding to the site to spark some interest in those obscure pieces of art metal that we as collector's run across in our travels.  Often these pieces are well made but not documented or seen on a regular basis.  The focus of my collection over the past ten years or so has been on the art metal produced in the Central New York area and surrounding region.  This includes metalwork by Onondaga Metal Shops, Benedict Studios, Gustav Stickley's Craftsman Workshops, Roycroft, and many others.  The following pictures and descriptions are examples of those "others" that are less known in the world of art metal but worthy of honorable mention.  I hope you enjoy this new page and feel free to contact me with any pictures or stories that might pertain to this topic.

 

 

 

 

 

This is the shop mark for the Avon Copper Smiths of Avon, New York, not to be confused with Avon, the makers of  fine cosmetics.  Avon produced metal items in both copper and brass and offered many different finishes for their items.  Other variations of this mark may include "SOLID COPPER" , "SPUN COPPER", or "SOLID BRASS" under or above the circular shop mark.  Some pieces are finely hammered while others may be devoid of any hammering at all.  The hammered pieces tend to be more collectable and in my opinion, look a little better than the plain spun stuff. 

The Avon Copper Smiths was a copper shop that was started in the early 1930's by Arthur Cole, a former coppersmith for the Roycroft Copper Shop.  Arthur worked under Karl Kipp and Walter Jennings during his stay at the Roycroft Campus.  Much of the work produced at the Avon Copper Smiths resembles that of work done by Kipp and other artisans  that worked at the Roycroft shop.  Although the market for Roycroft Art Metal is growing in leaps and bounds, Avon Art Metal can still be found at a reasonable cost.  Avon Copper Smiths produced many different items that they sold both in their shops located in Avon, New York and small service stations located up and down Route 20. This picture is a small assortment of trays, bowls, vases, candlesticks and desk items that were available in several different finishes and metal types such as copper and brass.  The work and hammering in some of these pieces is just as good as some of the higher end Roycroft pieces that you may come across.  Believe it or not, at one time Walter Jennings worked at the Avon Copper Smiths with Arthur Cole.  All of Walter Jennings pieces are very highly collectable and valuable in todays market. 

 

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Arthur Cole along with all of the others that devoted their time and efforts at the Avon Copper Shop.  Their hard work and contribution to the world of Arts and Crafts has not gone unnoticed.  Their spirt still lives on and can be shared by all who seek it.  Thank you again for all you've done.

Frederick E. Fifield was an engineer that started his own studio in Hancock, New York and produced pieces in the Arts and Crafts style in the 1920's and 1930's.  His shopmark consisted of a circle inscribed with three parallel lines.  Some of his pieces were signed only with the circle and three slash mark while others were signed with the shop name along with the date and sometimes his name or initials.

The single circle and three slash mark used by Fred Fifield and his Art-Shop.

A fine example of what Fred Fifield's Art Shop was capable of.  His copper items were often very heavy gauge copper and well constructed.

A tobacco jar done by The Art-Shop and signed and dated by Fred E. Fifield himself.

The bottom of the tobacco jar.  Notice all forms of his mark are present on the bottom of this piece.  The shops name, his initials, the year and the circle and slash mark.  What more could a collector ask for!!!

A great signed bud vase by Fred Fifield.

Another unique signed bud vase by Fred Fifield and his Art-Shop.

A signed crumb tray by Fred Fifield and his Art-Shop.  The weight and gauge of this set is unbelieveable.

Another signed hammered copper piece done by Fred Fifield.  This is a smaller tray but still done in very heavy gauge copper.

Here is another fine example of a large signed Fred Fifield serving tray.  This tray is also very heavy gauge copper signed with the circle and three slash mark.  Photo used by permission.