The locksmiths of centuries past were often highly esteemed by the metal tradesmen, and some regarded them as the epitome of metalworkers. The locks I will present today will show why the locksmiths held such a lofty position in Europe. You could say they were the master’s master of metalworkers.
This piece deserves a chapter all by itself. I had the privilege to clean this iron chest, as well as a smaller version, for the same client. I had only seen one of these chests, or “strong boxes” one other time before seeing this one. I was in Asheville, NC
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to provide sculpture for various churches around southeastern Wisconsin. Below is the most recent installation, made for “First Baptist Church”, West Bend. The theme is “Missions”. This church, which I attend, supports over twenty missionaries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and
In 2008, I had the privilege to restore a very large window grille made by master blacksmith Cyril Colnik. The grille belongs to the “Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion” and is situated on the northern exterior of the building. It measures 66″ x 99″. The approximate age of the grille is
Greetings, and Happy New Year. 20 years ago today, I was enroute by train to study with master blacksmith Francis Whitaker (1906-1999) in Carbondale, CO. Francis referred to himself as “a link with the past,” as he was one of the few remaining true blacksmiths alive when the forging renaissance
Once again we shall visit the ironwork of master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958.) Note to my readers: To enlarge an image, simply click on the desired image. The image above is a mailbox made for Maria Pabst, wife of the famed Milwaukee beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. This piece is
Dan Nauman began forging in 1979. He has traveled the US to learn what he can from others about forging. He has operated out of his studio in Kewaskum, Wisconsin since 1987. In 1990, Dan incorporated Bighorn Forge, Inc., and began forging full time in 1993. From 1995 to 2002
Today I will show you a retrospective of some of the fireplace tool sets that I have made over the last thirty years. The ribbon-handled set above incorporates repoussé acanthus leaves, and a double calyx. They were made for a home that has wall murals of vines and floral elements.
I am offering three pieces by master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958.) I am making a strong effort to sell these items. Cyril Colnik came from Austria to America during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, known as the “Columbian Exposition.” He later set up shop in Milwaukee, and provided some of
Today we will again explore the work of master blacksmith Cyril Colnik (1871-1958), and Austrian immigrant who settled in Milwaukee in 1894. Note to my readers: To enlarge these images, simply click on the desired image. Above is a grille, which was later reinstalled on Terrace Avenue in Milwaukee at
NAUMAN’S NORTHERN SCHOOL FOR BLACKSMITHS
