Family Tradition Lives On

   Fine craftsmanship has been a tradition in the Kreissle family since 1700. Originating in Davos, Switzerland, the shop produced early bobsleds, hardware, and other forged items.
   By late 1800, a branch of the family was building carbide gas generators and forged carbide gas lighting fixtures in a shop in Leutkirch, Germany. The work included piping of homes and businesses for the gas fixtures, which were lit by a flintstone by pulling a cord.
   The present George Kreissle, Jr.’s father came to the United States at age 18 in 1927 after becoming a master blacksmith. His interior railing business on Long Island, New York during the 1930s was very successful with customers, such as Levitt and Sons, very prominent builders/developers.
   During World War II, the shop produced thousands of tons of hot forgings for the U.S. Navy. Heavy anchor shackles, lifeboat keels and gunwales, watertight doorframes, airplane arresting hooks, and top-secret radio antennae equipment were some of the items built.
   In 1946, the present shop and showroom was built on the North Tamiami Trail between Sarasota and Bradenton. George Kreissle, Jr., with Mario Di Ciesare as its head blacksmith, runs the historically designated forge. This busy shop builds and stocks 34 styles of interior and hot dip, galvanized exterior lighting fixtures in many sizes and mounts. While other finishes are available, antique Verdi with clear seedy handmade glass is most popular. Many customers are third generation, adding to their inherited collections of furniture and light fixtures.
   Planning ahead and placing orders early ensures work will be ready when needed.

KREISSLE FORGE
7947 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34293
941 355-6795