The Gold Chaser
The Life and Legacy of Master Crafstman Edmund Kavanagh

BY: JOYCE BROGDON

John Keats once stated: “A thing
of beauty is a joy forever; its
loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness.” In The Gold
Chaser, you will understand Keats'
poignant words in a special way.
Though styles and modes change
frequently, beauty is timeless.

Chased repoussé in precious metal has its roots in antiquity. The Egyptians had perfected the art before the Pharaoh Tutankhamen existed. The methods and skills continued through Benvenuto Cellini in the 1500s and to modern times. The beauty of their creations live on, and with time, as the poet notes, increases.
Through the pages of this book you will learn of the life, the times, the struggles and adventures of one whose artistic talents have won him a niche in the world's creators of enduring beauty.

EXCERPT:

...Maces

The modern military mace is richly decorated with designs related to past battle honors unique to each particular unit of the services. The drum major uses it only for ceremonial purposes, but in medieval times the mace was a weapon used in battle. In those early days, the mace generally had a two-foot long handle, and the ball on the end had protruding spikes, to be swung at an enemy’s head. Today it usually has a hollow, decorated silver top, an ebony shaft, and a silver ferrule at the bottom.

Edmund began to develop a love for working on maces in the time he spent with Major Linford. Edmund worked on many varied maces in his chasing career, either doing the repoussé or the finishing process. Very often he made repairs to or refurbished an existing mace. His familiarity with many different types of mace made him the perfect candidate to be commissioned to do the new mace for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy...

Band Master
with Coast Guard Mace
Funeral Procession
at Arlington National Cemetery