Ralph Grimm hand hammered copper tray decorated with acid etched flowers. 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 this tray 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. Hand formed from very heavy gauge copper, this beautiful tray retains it’s original patina. Signed with impressed "GRIMM" over his "Rolling W" shop mark, as well as “WRGH” for Walter Reed General Hospital. The “Rolling W” It is the insignia of the 89th Infantry Division of which he belonged. Washington DC. Circa 1920’s. 7.75”d x .5”h. SOLD
