Wendell August Forge vintage costume jewelry

02.11.2020

3 1 minute read

Wendell August Forge vintage costume jewelry

One of the oldest American companies, WAF manufactures jewelry from various hand-forged metals. The history of the company began in 1923 in Brockway, Pennsylvania. Its founder, Wendell McMinn August (1885-1963), after the closure of his mine began to engage in blacksmithing. Useful household metal crafts, ennobled by grinding and engraving, were in demand far beyond the state. Moreover, WAF was able to expand its business during the Great Depression and during the Second World War.
Since jewelry made of pewter, copper, aluminum and bronze successfully competed with items made of silver and gold, in the 1930s-1950s, the company completely switched to the manufacture of jewelry and decorative utensils.
Gradually, gold plated and silver items appeared in the catalogs of the company, as well as items made of leather and glass of their own production. Noteworthy, each piece is unique and individual, as it is still handcrafted by high-class artists and craftsmen.