Wendell August Forge

About Wendell August Forge

Wendell August Forge has carried the heritage of quality artistic craftsmanship for generations. Founded by Wendell McMinn August of Brockway, Pennsylvania in 1923, the forge bearing his name is now America's oldest and largest, producing handcrafted functional and ornamental metalware. The heritage of Wendell August Forge is preserved by its artisans and craftsmen, who use an original eight-step process to produce every heirloom piece in aluminum, bronze, pewter, sterling silver, and other metals. Through the ages the process has remained the same: each piece made by hand in the tradition of fine craftsmanship. At age 38, August engaged Ottone 'Tony' Pisoni, a blacksmith in his coal mine, to hand forge door latches for his home. Inspired by the quality of Pisoni's work, Wendell August started a decorative ironwork business. The young forge specialized in one-of- a-kind fireplace andirons, candlesticks, lighting standards, doorknockers, latches, railings, and grilles for windows and doors. In 1930, the forge received a commission to create decorative aluminum gates and elevator doors for the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), leading to a new era of design innovation. As sales of Wendell August giftware soared, the company expanded its product line to include Christmas ornaments, personalized gifts, jewelry, and other treasured works both functional and ornamental. Wendell August Forge maintains the same painstaking dedication to quality artistry craftsmanship as its founders. Today, more than 1,000 gift items are available in a wide variety of designs and sizes. With prices ranging from over $1000 to under $10, Wendell August Forge creates affordable pieces worthy of becoming treasured family heirlooms. Since 1923, these time tested works of functional art continue as family favorite ways to commemorate life's special moments.