Heintz Art Metal – Bird Motif

This is a nice example of Arts and Crafts metalwork from the Heintz Art Metal Shop (HAMS) of Buffalo, NY. This specific model, 1203, combines utility with the elegant naturalism that made Otto Heintz’s studio famous in the early 20th century.

Description

Form & Function This “stationary” style inkwell features a low-profile, circular base with an integrated, gently sloped pen tray (or “scoop”) at the front. The central ink reservoir is accessed via a primary hinged lid. A standout feature of this piece is its completeness; it retains the original clear glass well insert, which notably features its own secondary hinged bronze cover to prevent ink evaporation—a detail often lost in surviving examples.

Design & Motif The lid is decorated with a delicate sterling silver overlay in a naturalistic motif. It depicts a crested bird—highly likely a cardinal—perched gracefully on a slender branch with tapering leaves. The silver design is applied using Heintz’s patented process, which allows the sterling to be fused to the bronze without the use of solder, resulting in the clean, flush lines seen here.

Material & Patina The body is composed of high-quality bronze finished with a rich, mottled dark brown patina (often referred to as a “statuary” or “chocolate” finish). The contrast between the dark, earthy tones of the bronze and the bright sterling silver highlights is characteristic of the Heintz aesthetic. The underside features four original ball feet, providing a slight lift and protecting desk surfaces.

Technical Specifications & Markings

The base is clearly impressed with the authenticating marks of the shop:

• Model Number: 1203
• Maker’s Mark: The signature HAMS diamond logo.
• Materials: STERLING ON BRONZE
• Patent Date: PAT. AUG. 27. 12 (Refers to the August 27, 1912, patent for the solderless silver application process).
• Production Code: 55 (Typically indicating the specific factory finish or shop production series).

The Patent Date (1912–1930)

• The stamp PAT. AUG. 27. 12 refers to S. Patent No. 1,037,143, which Otto Heintz received for his method of applying sterling silver overlay to bronze without using solder. Because this inkwell bears this patent mark, it could not have been produced before late 1912. The shop continued to use this mark on its “Sterling on Bronze” line until it closed in 1930 during the Great Depression.