While the Annual Christmas Ornament stretches back nearly half a century, Wendell August Forge dates back to 1923, when coal-mine owner Wendell McMinn August happened to notice the quality and detail a blacksmith from his mine put into the door latches created for August’s home. Yet, while the Pennsylvania company has grown into the largest American-based forge, its principles aren’t compromised. Beauty, individuality and signature details run through each item, be it ornate metalware, a holiday ornament or another gift. As a stamp of authenticity, each piece features a hammered craftsman’s mark on the back. The artistry that goes into all Wendell August Forge ornaments and keepsakes differentiates them from something you’d pick up at a gift shop. Each seem more personal and reflects a touch and bygone approach that are almost absent from most modern ornaments, dishware and décor.

This is no assembly line. Instead, Wendell August Forge’s artisans begin by hand-engraving the artist’s design into a steel die. Then, the process of repoussé — or shaping a metal by hammering it from the reverse — creates a low-relief silhouette. After the metal is formed, several techniques involving a coal-fired forge give the ornament color.

If the ornament is made of pewter, artisans hand-sculpt the design into clay to create a mold. Then, melted pewter is poured inside, before it’s cooled to form a three-dimensional version of the original model.

Celebrate the start of a new year and decade with the Wendell August Forge Annual Ornament. Update your collection with one of these unique, handcrafted commemorative pieces that’s created and manufactured entirely in the U.S.