Solingen Trade Catalog

Erneuerte Messer-Lohn Satz-Ordnung. [With:] Schmied und Schleif Lohn Satz. [With:] Reyd Lohns Satz. [With:] Vereinigter Lohnsatz deren Gabelen. [With:] Vereinigter Lohnsatz deren Kniep oder Einschlags Messer

[Düsseldorf], s.n. [after 31 January 1792].

Five parts in one volume. Folio (350 x 210 mm.). 8; 65, [4 blank], [1], [1 blank], [1], [1 blank]; [ii], [5], [1 blank], 46; 11, [1 blank]; 9, [1 blank], [2]p. and TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE ACTUAL-SIZE ILLUSTRATIONS OF FORKS AND KNIVES IN CONTEMPORARY INK AND WATERCOLOR on the rectos of twenty-four leaves; TWO HUNDRED TEN CONTEMPORARY ACTUAL-SIZE INK DRAWINGS OF KNIFE BLADES in the printed text.

Contemporary mottled calf (rebacked, restored), marbled endleaves.

            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 COOKS form 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 ILLUSTRATIONS and 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.

Item #12195

Price: $24,500.00