posted 08-10-2013 02:39 PM            

The pin below uses an enamel by Karl Drerup (1904-2000), one of the country's best known enamelists. Born in Germany, Drerup moved to New York in 1937. The Metropolitan Museum of Art began purchasing his enamels in the early 1940s, and his pieces soon appeared in other museums.

According to karldrerup.com, "Drerup learned the art of fusing glass to metal at the same time he was producing porcelain wares with von Tury and Sam Haile. He largely favored the painterly techniques of the Limoges-type pictorial enamels first produced in 15th century France. A meticulous craftsman, Karl started his enamels with sketches on paper. Next, he under painted the metal ground in light and dark tones and then began the application of opaque and transparent enamels. Multiple firings in the kiln were required to build up the work layer upon layer."

posted 08-12-2013 12:38 PM            

Joseph Michels was born on 25 May 1893 in Newark, New Jersey to Conrad and Annie (Tittus) Michels who were both from Germany.

In the 1910 census for Newark he is listed as an apprentice in a jewelry shop.

His World War I draft registration done in Newark shows him working as a salesman at Becker & Co ("co" is a guess and may be another name) at 443 S 10th St "City?"

In the 1920 census for Attleboro, he is listed as Joseph H Michels with the occupation ring maker in a jewelry shop.

In the 1930 census for Newark, he is listed as a jewelry store owner.

In the 1940 census for New York, New York, his occupation is listed as jewelry, retail, own account.

Jo Michels is listed in directories in Manhattan at 164 W 4th under the heading of handwrought jewelry from at least 1942 to 1960. His residence is shown as 162 W 4th. (It is not possible to tell from the directories when he might have passed away.)

In 1941 The Folk Mart at 11321 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio advertised Jo Michels' Sterling Silver Jewelry with no mention of New York City, so I'm guessing he was well known nationwide at that time.