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Where an Ages-Old Art Comes to Life
Wendell August was a primary influence in creating
different uses for the first modern metal—aluminum—and for
establishing a new industry based on the hand forging methods
that our company pioneered. While the rest of the industry has
long since faded away, Wendell August has adapted to the
changing times. Through it all, we have remained devoted to
our tradition of hand-craftsmanship and uniqueness.
Every work of Wendell August bears the mark of the master
engraver who hand cut the die. And you’ll find the engraver’s
initials neatly hidden within each design. The craftsman that
hammers and forms each item also places his own touch-mark on
the back of each piece.
The steps of producing each of our one-of-a-kind creations
include:
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Die engraving:
Using only a hammer and chisel, a master engraver recreates
the original work of art (usually a drawing) into a steel die.
This is no easy task; however, as the engraver has to be able
to recreate the original backwards! |
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Repoussé
An artisan hammers the metal onto the engraved die to
create a raised design. He then hammers in the Wendell August
hallmark. |
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Surface flattening anvilling
A craftsman applies light catching marks around the design
using a hammer. |
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Edging
Our distinctive scalloped edging is added using a careful
touch. |
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Coloring
Many pieces are placed over a roaring fire to bake in the
black color. |
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Polishing
A finishing craftsman removes extra coloring, leaving just
enough to accent the design, then polishes each piece to
enhance the metal’s luster. |
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Forming
An artisan hammers the final shape into many pieces by
using an antique wooden form. |
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It’s a time-consuming process, but we know that you will
appreciate the care that goes into making each piece. |
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