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J.Braun

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Author	Topic: J.Braun
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 03-08-2001 06:01 PM I would like to see if anyone can give me any information on the metalsmith J. Braun. The mark is script J.B. or J.Braun crossed with an awl and hammer. I have seen a sterling cup with this mark in Magazine Silver's "Request for Information" column and I have a few bowls and trays by this fine craftsman/woman. I suspect here may be an Austrian connection somewhere in the past. The sterling cup had that flavor to it. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 04-03-2001 09:17 AM Fred, Seeing the mark and some examples of Braun's work might help. Can you post some photos/scans? IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 04-03-2001 09:45 AM Scott I will do my best to get images of the marks. I recall my answering a request for information in the Magazine Silver a few years back with the mark shown clearly... I will try to find that mark and send it to you to post... The Braun pieces seem to have an Austrian connection... I would love to discover more about this craftsman. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 04-03-2001 08:04 PM Here are the photos from Fred: IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 04-03-2001 09:17 PM Here are a few more images from Fred: IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 10-25-2008 12:05 AM I am reviving this post in hopes that someone may have further information about J.Braun. Here is what I have deduced about this craftsman. I suspect he is an Austrian imigrant who probably worked at Weiner Werkstate or was influence by their work. The style is much like the Hoffman pieces I have seen from the shop. I own a piece by Braun in aluminum that is mounted with an ceramic tile of an Austrian girl. This artist was very prolific. I suspect I have collected nearly a dozen items by Braun and have seen many more. Perhaps someone has come across documentation of a J. Braun in their research. My guess would be that Braun imigrated here in the '30s. All educated speculation. Thanks, Fred IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 10-25-2008 07:13 AM I did find this footnote in Modern Solder Technology for Competitive Electronics Manufacturing By Jennie S. Hwang quote: J. Braun, "An Improved Soft Solder for Use with Gold Wire," Transactions of the American Metals Society, vol. 57, no. 2, June 1964, p. 568. 13. IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 10-25-2008 11:02 AM Thanks Scott, I do not believe this is the same person. There was a company in Chicago with J. Braun as part of their name. I believe they made stamped steel ceiling tiles. Not sure if there is a connection there. I have contacted the New York firm dealing with Austrian WW items and they have no information on a Braun. The sterling piece seems to verify that Braun was in the US at some time. Fred IP: Logged
Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 Registered: May 99	posted 11-08-2008 11:17 AM There was also a Julius Braun who worked in Newark from the 1910s to the 1930s (at least) as a die sinker for the jewelry industry. Who's to say he didn't start out as a silversmith, making these Hoffman-esque pieces, before turning his skills to supporting the huge jewelry industry...? What IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 11-08-2008 02:28 PM Ulysses, Is there any information on where Julius Braun came from before arriving in Newark? I will take any lead I can to find the owner of this mark. Thanks, Fred IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 11-08-2008 08:28 PM Hello Fred! I have also referenced some aluminum by Braun, however none showing the hallmark. Is it the same as the one on your sterling bowl? Jersey IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 11-10-2008 12:10 PM Jersey, I have a few examples of J.Braun's work in aluminum. Do you have images of the pieces you referenced? The bowl I have images of is in brass. The sterling, footed vase is owned by someone else. Best, Fred IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 11-10-2008 12:23 PM Hi Fred! Unfortunately I was not able to come up with any site that had pictures. The piece referenced was a basket. I tried to get the aluminum ID book to see if they showed any pieces but it is not available through any of my libraries. I know the book is available for out of print purchase but I have no interest in buying it. That said, are the marks the same? I'll keep looking. Jersey IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 11-11-2008 08:35 AM Hi Jersey, I have only seen two variations of the Braun mark. JB intermingled with an awl and hammer J.Braun intermingled with an awl and hammer The marks are the same on each material used. Copper, brass, aluminum, or sterling. Best, Fred IP: Logged
doc Posts: 728 Registered: Jul 2003	posted 11-11-2008 09:26 AM I have the aluminum ID book, so I'll check it this evening. IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 11-11-2008 12:05 PM Hi Doc! Thanks from me, hope you find it. Maybe they will give some history of this maker for Fred. Jersey IP: Logged
doc Posts: 728 Registered: Jul 2003	posted 11-12-2008 07:54 AM Unfortunately, no mention of J. Braun in my aluminum book. IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 01-20-2011 02:54 PM I continue to find more quality made items by j. Braun and am hoping someone with genealogy access might be able to find a listing for a metalworker from Austria who entered the United States in the first part to mid part of the 20th Century. This is a puzzle I hope to find the missing piece for. He was prolific and stayed with his Hoffmanesque designs in his work. Thanks everyone, Fred IP: Logged

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