Johnny Griffin Black Americana info

[NHTreasureFinder]

Good afternoon everyone. Long time since my one and only post.

  Recently I aquired what seems to be an antique piece of Johnny Griffin Black Americana. As I do not typically deal in this type of antique I know little about them and do not have any reference material on Johnny Griffin or Black Americana pieces. What little reference I have been able to find on the internet is at best vague and of little help, so that is why I need your assistance. My questions are:

1) Where and when did the first Johnny Griffin cast brass(?) pieces begin?
So far, my research has pointed me towards the Judd Manufacturing Company of New Britain, CT during the 1920's.

2) How can a person tell a reproduction piece from an original?

Thanks for any info that can be provided.   

[wendy177]

Could you post photos of your piece?  I believe Johnny Griffin worked in Bronze. Original pieces can run very high in price. Try contacting some Afro-American Museums or historical societies.

[NHTreasureFinder]

I have attached a link to Photobucket where there are four photos for your viewing pleasure. Though my intention for this post was to have a general discussion on Johnny Grifffin pieces.

http://s1099.photobucket.com/albums/g394/unitmonster13/Johnny%20Griffin%20Black%20Americana%20Letter%20Opener/