Ralph Grimm hand hammered copper bookends with acid etched flowers and stylized border. A member of the District of Columbia Arts & Crafts Society, Grimm was a blacksmith and coal miner who lost both his legs as a private in WWI. He learned copper and silversmithing through the occupational therapy courses at Walter Reed General Hospital. Examples of Grimm’s work is scarce and rarely surface. The overall design and execution of these bookends is clearly reminiscent of The Forest Craft Guild, Craftsman Studios and Carence Crafters. Photographs of Grimm appear in "Borden's Dream: The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington" D.C." by Mary W. Standlee, and show him at his bench surrounded by his tools and work. He is also pictured in with Mrs. Calvin Coolidge. Grimm gained notoriety for his ability to go beyond his handicap and open his one business in Washington. Formed from heavy gauge copper, these bookends have a great wonderful textured finish and beautifully restored patina. Each signed with impressed "GRIMM" over the "Rolling W" shop mark. “Rolling W” It is the insignia of the 89th Infantry Division of which he belonged. Washington DC. Circa 1920’s. 5.5”h x 6.5”w. $495.
