Solingen trade catalog (1 Ergebnisse)
Weitere BilderVerlag: s.n., [Düsseldorf] 1792
Anbieter: Bruce McKittrick Rare Books, Inc., Narberth, PA, USABruce McKittrick Rare Books, Inc.
Verkäufer/-in kontaktierenVerkäufer/-in mit 4 SternenZustand: Gebraucht
EUR 25.289,94
EUR 2,61 VersandVersand innerhalb von USAAnzahl: 1 verfügbar
ILLUSTRATED PATTERN AND PRICE BOOK OF STEEL KNIVES AND FORKS MANUFACTURED AT SOLINGEN with the strict governmental guidelines for craftsmen and their commercial partners. The "City of Blades", Solingen was the largest sword, knife and scissor manufacturer in the West. It employed over four thousand workers and exported globally.… Through their rigid guild system (est. 1571), the knife makers protected their trade secrets. Legal standards and strictures ensured the Solingen bladesmiths dominated the market and were the sole suppliers to elite merchants, who commissioned bulk orders and custom products. Ordinary tradesmen like the owner of this book could only purchase ready-made items and had to pay cash. KNIVES FOR COBBLERS, WOOD- AND LEATHERWORKERS, BUTCHERS, HUNTERS, FARMERS, TAILORS, GARDENERS, WEAVERS AND COOKSform the largest section in the volume. Each blade has a schematic manuscript illustration with separate costs for the work of smiths and for grinders. Many models adopt Dutch, English, French, Flemish and Portuguese designs for the local chic and for export. Only the leatherwork knives are illustrated in watercolor (95 pieces), marking a specialty of the owner of this sample book. THE SECTION ON FORKS HAS ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT WATERCOLOR ILLUSTRATIONSand price lists of large carving tools to dainty ones for desserts (65 models). This other house specialty addressed the increasing adoption of forks by upper- and middle-class families in later 18th-century Europe. ANOTHER SECTION SHOWS HANDLES. These were exclusively manufactured by artisans called Reyder. Each of the two hundred three models listed was available in a range of specified styles and materials. The cost of each type of custom work, like turning, polishing and coloring, is itemized. THE MOST PRIZED EXAMPLES ARE OF FINELY DECORATED BONE, EBONY, ANTLER, GOAT HORN, GUAIAC OR PALM WOOD. Look-alikes of "false deer horn", "false guaiac wood", etc., fit other budgets with imitation luxury finishes and less expensive materials. The illustrated examples of knives showcase eighteen different handle decoration options including black, red, white, yellow or green dye, black marbling and fine lacquer painting in abstract or foliate patterns. Seven handles are inscribed with German verse. In good condition (some light staining, hand soiled throughout). Daniels, Vollständige Beschreibung der Schwert-Messer- und übrigen Stahl-Fabriken zu Solingen 30-62. Contemporary mottled calf (rebacked, restored), marbled endleaves.
