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We were recently given the opportunity to try some products from Wendell August forge. I was intrigued because some of their projects were beautiful, and the story of the forge was interesting, especially since I live in Pennsylvania. We decided to try some jewelry from the forge, and it arrived yesterday, and it is beautiful. You can tell that it is hand crafted and will make a beautiful Christmas gift for someone in our family. These products are absolutely gorgeous, as you can see above.
Wendell August forge was started in 1923, and they specialize in hand-wrought giftware that is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and memorable events.
The history of the Wendell August forge:
Wendell August Forge is America’s oldest and largest forge, producing hand-wrought ornamental metalware and elegant giftware in aluminum and other metals since 1923. The company was founded in Brockway, Pennsylvania by Wendell McMinn August, who, at age 38, was active in the coal industry.
August engaged Ottone “Tony” Pisoni, a blacksmith in his coal mine, to hand-forge door latches for his home. Admiring the low cost and high quality of Pisoni’s work, August was inspired to start a decorative ironware business. Pisoni was joined by three more blacksmiths who handcrafted the first product line, including one-of- a-kind fireplace andirons, candlesticks, lighting standards, doorknockers, latches, railings, and grilles for windows and doors.
In 1930, a commission to create decorative aluminum gates and elevator doors for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) led to a new era of design innovation.
Pisoni mastered the art of forging aluminum, and the company prospered, forging the designs of James McCausland, an architect who joined Wendell August in 1928 and became Designer and Operations Manager. A commission for architectural remodeling at the Grove City National Bank proved so successful that the Bank’s president convinced Wendell August to relocate to Grove City, even investing in the company to facilitate the move. Wendell August’s original Grove City forge was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
As sales of Wendell August giftware soared, the company expanded its product line to include treasured Collector’s Plates and commemoratives; Christmas ornaments and gifts; trays, bowls, and vases; gifts for personalization; and jewelry – but the fabrication process remained the same: each one still individually made by hand, in the tradition of fine craftsmanship. Among its many notable custom designs, Wendell August was engaged to create mementos in honor of the “Millionaires’ Flight” on the Hindenburg air ship, and was commissioned by the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to produce 12 solid bronze plates commemorating the SALT II treaty between the U.S. and Russia.
The heritage art of Wendell August Forge is preserved by the company’s artisans and craftsmen, who use the original eight-step process to produce every heirloom piece in aluminum, bronze, pewter, sterling silver, and other metals.
This process includes Die Engraving by a master engraver, Material Selection and Cutting, Repousse (Hammering), Surface Anvilling, Edging, Carbon Coloring, Polishing, and Forming. Company artisans create new motifs and designs, while some motifs – like the ever-popular Dogwood – have endured for decades.
F.W. “Bill” Knecht, III acquired the company in 1978 from Wendell’s son, Robert August. Knecht operated the company until his death in 2004; the Knecht family still owns the company today.
The original Grove City forge burned to the ground in March of 2010 and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new modern facility was constructed nearby. The new facility and flagship store opened in October of 2013.
Visitors to Wendell August’s three stores will find a lovely array of traditional and contemporary metalware for heart and home, from affordable gifts to elegant designs and furnishings. More than 1,000 gift items are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, at prices ranging from under $10.00 to nearly $1,000.00. Many are complemented by colored glass and hand-painted designs. Christmas-themed gifts are particularly popular.
Free workshop tours are available during production hours, and children can create their own work of metal art for a nominal materials fee of just $2.00 per child in our Flagship location and in Ohio’s Amish Country store. Group tours are welcome; advance reservations are requested. Additionally a store is located in the Premium Outlets Grove City, PA.
In addition to the company’s three retail stores, Wendell August also works with a nationwide network of sales professionals as it handcrafts elegant yet affordable custom gifts, awards, incentives, and trophies for businesses and organizations throughout the globe. To view the business and organization presentation, visit www.wendellaugust.biz. Wendell August products are also sold through its own catalog and its strong online presence at www.wendellaugust.com.
Today Wendell August Forge maintains the same painstaking dedication to heritage and history…to artistry and craftsmanship…to quality American made products…that propelled Wendell August to first open his forge in 1923.
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