Heintz Sterling on Bronze Inkwell

This inkwell with a rounded body and domed lid boasts a silver overlay of stems and leaves. It was made by the Heintz Art Metal Shop (H.A.M.S. logo stamped on the underside) and is numbered 1098. The original insert with hinged cover is present.

The Heintz Art Metal Shop was based in Buffalo, New York. In 1912, Otto L. Heintz patented his process for applying sterling silver to bronze without solder, and the results can be seen on this inkwell.

– From a circa 1916 trade catalog: “Heintz wares have won an enviable reputation among buyers of art goods, because of originality and beauty of design, and unusual quality of attractiveness. The articles are of bronze, and are decorated with sterling silver designs, permanently applied by our patented process. Beautiful colored finishes have been produced after much thought and experiment.”