Heintz Sterling on Bronze Inkwell

Description:

• Material and Form: The inkwell is primarily made of bronze, which has a darkened finish. It has a squat form, flaring slightly from a narrower neck to a wider base. It is topped with a matching, fitted, hinged lid.
• Sterling Silver Decoration: The decorative element is the sterling silver overlay design featuring cattails. Two slender cattails with their characteristic cylindrical heads are depicted rising vertically, with flowing, curving leaves at their bases.
• Style: The piece embodies the aesthetic of the Arts & Crafts movement, with its emphasis on naturalistic motifs, quality materials, and visible craftsmanship. The use of flora (cattails) is a common theme in this movement.

History of The Heintz Art Metal Shop and its Patented Process

The Heintz Art Metal Shop was a significant American Arts & Crafts producer, known for its distinctive “sterling on bronze” pieces.

• Foundation: The company was founded by Otto Heintz (1875-1918) in Buffalo, New York, in 1906. Heintz had previously been involved in the jewelry business, including working for a time at Tiffany Studios.
• Patented Process: Otto Heintz developed and patented a unique process for applying sterling silver ornamentation to bronze objects. This wasn’t simply an inlay; it involved applying thin sheets of sterling silver onto the bronze surface and then chemically treating the bronze to create a contrasting patina, often a rich, dark brown or green. The silver was often acid-etched or cut into intricate designs (like the cattails on this inkwell) before being applied. This process allowed for the creation of durable and aesthetically striking decorative metalware.
• Design Aesthetic: Heintz Art Metal pieces are recognizable for their clean lines, simple forms, and naturalistic motifs – often incorporating leaves, flowers, and geometric patterns in the sterling silver overlay. The designs reflect the Arts & Crafts ideal of bringing beauty and craftsmanship to everyday objects.
• Production Period and Legacy: The company operated from 1906 until 1930, though Otto Heintz himself passed away relatively young in 1918, leaving his wife and associates to continue the business.