
Protected: Escher Logos, Barber Scenes and Connected Trademarks
D. Giovannacci, L&B. Ghelfi 1897 Prix Courant (KATALOG/CATALOGUE)

DE: Pierres de Touche = Probiersteine
Diese Steintypen wurden als Probiersteine für Edelmetalle verkauft. Oft verwendete man hierfür Kiseselgesteine (z.B. Lydit, auch Radilarit oder Kieselschiefer genannt), ein schwarzes mit weissen Adern durchsetztes hartes Gestein. Beim Abziehen von Gold oder Silber verblieb ein Abrieb auf dem Stein und man konnte sehr gut den Gehalt des Edelmetalles bestimmen. Es kamen aber auch andere harte Steine zum Einsatz welche von Säuren nicht angegriffen wurden.
EN: Pierres de Touche = Testing Stones
These types of stones have been sold as “Testing Stones” for precious metals like gold or silver. Often siliceous rocks were used (f.ex. Lydite, called also radilarite), a black hard stone with white streaks. When rubbing gold or silver over the stone a trace will stay on the stone. With the trace its possible to estimate the content of the precious metal. Also other hard types of stones have been used, stones which do not show any reaction to acid.
DE: Pierres Hindostan ou Canada = Hindostan + Kanadischer Ölstein beide Steintypen wurden wohl “gleichzeitig” verkauft. Während in alten Katalogen der Kanadische Ölstein immer wieder auch als “ERSATZ” für den Hindostan Stein angepriesen wird und umgekehrt auch.
EN: Pierres Hindostan ou Canada = Hindostan + Canadian Oilstone both types have been sold “at the same time”. In older catalogues we often find Hindostan Stones as a substitute for Canadian Oilstones and vice versa.
DE: Pierre de Saxe = Sächsischer Ölstein, vermutlich wurden die Steine zu diesem Zeitpunkt von den bekannten Brüchen in Thüringen bezogen. Sächsische Ölsteine wurden auch unter dem deutschen Pseudonym als “Forellen” verkauft. Die Steine sind ähnlich hart und fein wie Arkansas Steine (Hart Arkansas / Translucent Arkansas)
DE: Italiennes blanches et jaunes = Italienische weisse und gelbe Steine
Für mich ist es das Erste mal das ich in den alten Katalogen Rasiermesser Abziehsteine aus Italien sehe. Nein wir reden nicht von Sensenwetzsteinen wie z.B. Mailänder Steine sondern hier sind explizit Abziehsteine für Rasiermesser gemeint. Möglicherweise eine Spur zu den oft in Frankreich aufgefundenen Pierre du Sud Ouest (PDSO). Diese Steine sind Thüringer Abziehsteinen sehr ähnlich und haben ein Senf ähnliches dunkles gelb.
EN: Italiennes blanches et jaunes = Italian white and yellow stones
For me it is the first time i’ve seen Italian Razor hones in one of the olf catalogues. We are not talking about scythe stones like f.ex. Mailand Stones. Those are explicetely called Razor Hones. Possibly this might be a trace to those often found stones in france called Pierre Du Sud Ouest (PDSO). Those stones compare well to thuringian water hones, but they show a mustard like dark yellow.
Schleifmittel Aktiengesellschaft (SAG) 1930 (PREISLISTE/PRICELIST)
Seite 1 –
Seite 2 – Carbosaxum Steine
Carbosaxum Banksteine im Pappkarton
Carbosaxum Kombinationsbanksteine
Carbosaxum Hohlmeißelsteine
Carbosaxum Schuhmachersteine
Carbosaxum Feilen, unbearbeitet
Seite 3 – India Ölsteine

“Der Indiastein gilt in der ganzen Welt als der langlebigste Ölstein. Außer dem Vorzug, fast unverwüstlich zu sein, fällt ein Indiastein sofort durch sein scharfes gleichmäßiges Korn auf. “India frisst geradezu den Stahl” schreiben die Kunden”
Katalog Schleifmittel Aktiengesellschaft (SAG) 1930
India Ölsteine Erläuterungen
India Banksteine in Pappkartons
India Kombinationssteine in Pappkartons
India Hohlmeißel Steine
India Dreikant Feilen
India Vierkant Feilen
India Rund Feilen
Seite 4 – Arkansas Ölsteine
Foto Sägen der Arkansas Steine
DE: Trennen der Arkansas Brocken mit einer Trennscheibe
EN: Cutting of Arkansas Blocks with a cutting disc
Foto Bearbeiten der fertigen Steine
DE: Bearbeiten der fertigen Steine am Schleiftisch
EN: preparing the finished Stones at the grinding table
Hart Arkansas Banksteine
Hart Arkansas Dünnschnitt
Reportage über Thüringer Wasserabziehsteine Teil 1
IMPORTANT: There will be an english release of the Documentry!!
Guten Morgen, ich freue mich euch heute ein neues Razorlovestones Projekt vorstellen zu können!
Ich habe mich das letzte halbe Jahr recht ausführlich mit Firmen beschäftigt die Thüringer Wasserabziehsteine und andere Steine in Verkehr gebracht haben. Nach einiger Suche ist mir aufgefallen das es bisher eigentlich kein umfassendes Video zu den Thüringer Steinen gibt, deshalb habe ich mein Verständnis darüber wie die Steine funktionieren und welche Eigenschaften Sie mitbringen in ein Video gepackt.
Der Weg dahin war “steinig” und “schwer” 😉 neben dem rein zeitlichen Aufwand hatte ich zwischendrin technische Probleme mit dem Imovie App was mein Projekt immer wieder zum abstürzen gebracht hat. Mittlerweile habe ich einen Weg gefunden und habe final zwei Teile daraus gemacht.
Heute findet ihr den ersten Teil vor euch! Ein zweiter folgt dann später noch. Der erste Teil hat folgende Inhalte:
1. Einleitung und warum Thüringer
2. Körnungsangaben / Grit Size
3. optischer Facettenvergleich
4. Thüringer Brocken
5. Farben und Preise
6. künstliche Thüringer
7. Fassbinder & Co Solingen
8. andere Schiefer Abziehsteine
9. mehrschichtige Steine
10. Abnutzungserscheinungen
11. Aussergewöhnliche Thüringer
12. Pierre Du Sud Ouest
13. Schwedensteine
14. Farbtöne
15. Identifikation
Ich wünsche euch viel Spass beim schauen des Videos. Solltet ihr Fragen oder auch andere Meinungen und Ansichten zu den Steinen haben die ihr gerne teilen möchtet kommentiert gerne in dem Kommentarbereich des Videos oder auch hier unterhalb des Posts.
© text and pictures
RAZOR LOVE STONES
created: 14.03.2017 / edited: 14.03.2017
Reportage – 001 Thüringer Wasserabziehsteine
Chapter:”Zanarelli, Galtié”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Chapter: “Zanarelli, Galtié“
1911/ 16 April
“Valentin Ghelfi”, son of “Constantino Ghelfi” bought a grindstone
factory, situated at “80, r. St-Maur., Paris”, thereby leaving
“7, r.Charlot” and creating two company’s that sold
grind- and sharpening stones
(gallica.bnf.fr Link,
Archives commerciales de la France 1874-1955 Link)
Sellers | Purchasers | Funds sold |
Galtié | Ghelfi | Grindstones, 80, St.Maur. |
On a receipt of 1931 we see that “Galtié” worked
with a “Vve. Zanarelli” at “80, Rue St. Maur” &
“74, Avenue de la Republique“, before
it was sold to “Valentin Ghelfi“
“Vve. Zanarelli & J. Galtié”, et “Valentin Ghelfi”
So, who was Zanarelli and Galtié?
Sadly, at the moment, I can’t find anything more of “Galtié“,
I think though there are some things to be told about “Zanarelli“
Most probably, the late husband of “Vve Zanarelli” was
“Zanarelli François“
1885
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
& rue Oberkampf 52”
& rue Oberkampf 52”
1886
Zanarelli, “rue Oberkampf, 52” disappeared
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Saint-Maur, 95”
Saint-Maur, 95”
Although there is a mentioning of “Zanarelli (François)”,
“Saint-Maur, 93”,
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
I believe it to be a typo, because the following enumeration of
people living on each address doesn’t show “Zanarelli (François)”
at “Saint-Maur, 93”, only at “Saint-Maur, 95”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Saint-Maur, 95”
Saint-Maur, 95”
1890, 7 Jan.
“Zanarelli (François)” needed to move out…
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
ouverture de l’avenue république, section comprise entre
la rue oberkampf et la rue st-Maur.
·
Tableau de offers aux propriétaires et aux locataires à bail:
Rue Oberkampf, 74; rue Saint Maur 95-97 &
avenue Parmentier, 80
·
Zanarelli (François), marchand des meules”
Opening of the Republic Avenue section between
oberkampf Street and St-Maur street.
·
Table offers to owners and leaseholders:
Rue Oberkampf, 74; rue Saint Maur 95-97 &
avenue Parmentier, 80
·
Zanarelli (François), merchant grindstones”
1893
“Zanarelli (François)” moved (most probably in 1890)
to “76, rue St-Maur”
(which is very close to “80, rue St-Maur“!
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
(on these documents, no businesses were held at
“80, rue St-Maur” → see Link2)
1896
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
1897
Zanarelli (François ), still at “76, r. St-Maur”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
(on these documents, no businesses were held at
“80, rue St-Maur” → see Link2)
Although it is not clear when “Zanarelli” moved to “80, rue St-Maur”
and when he start working with “Galtié” (has to be between
1897-1911), for me it seems most probable though that this
“Zanarelli François” is actually the one who worked with “Galtié“,
which was later succeeded by “Vve. Valentin Ghelfi”
(Successeur Anciennes Maisons “Vve. Zanarelli & J. Galtié”,
et “Valentin Ghelfi”)
Another connection between “Zanarelli” and “Ghelfi” is DOMENICA CIPRIANA ZANARELLI (°1854), who was the wife of the nephew of CONSTANTINO GHELFI‘s wife
Or, put it another way, Constantino’s wife was MARIA ADELINA TARANTOLA (°1851), one of her nephews was CARLO TARANTOLA (°1849), who was married to
DOMENICA CIPRIANA ZANARELLI (°1854)
This doesn’t link “Zanarelli François” with the “Ghelfi’s” though…
the following wedding certificate:
Adresse: r. Ste-Marguerite, 29
Filiation de Jean Zanarelli et Joséphine Gabrielli
Conjoint: Louise Ghelfi (Also written as Ghelli, Ghelfé)
Publication: 20 Juin, 1886
Arrondissement: 12”
Address: st. Ste-Marguerite, 29
Parentage: Jean Zanarelli and Joséphine Gabrielli
Spouse: Louise Ghelfi (Also written as Ghelli, Ghelfé)
Published: June 20, 1886
District: 12”
and married “Ghelfi Louise“, while “Giovannacci (D.)”
and “Laurent Ghelfi” worked together at
“rue Ste-Marguerite, 29“, in the same year!
can’t find “Zanarelli Francois” in these documents, living
at “Rue Marguerite 29“
Adresse: r. Ste-Marguerite, 29
Filiation de Zanarelli, Jean et Gabrielli, Joséphine
Conjoint: de Obizzo,Malaspina Alexandre Léopold Joséph Marie
Publication: 26 Fevr., 1882
Arrondissement: 11”
Address: st. Ste-Marguerite, 29
Parentage: Zanarelli, Jean et Gabrielli, Joséphine
Spouse: de Obizzo, Malaspina Alexander Léopold Joséph Marie
Published: 26 Feb., 1882
District: 11”
“de Obizzo, Malaspina” lived at “rue Popincourt …3
I don’t know if it has anything to do with “Malaspina“,
who worked with “Ghelfi“…
⇐ Previous chapter: “L. Belle”
⇒ Next chapter: “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Chapter:”Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Lastly, a really short detailed chronology :
1845 “Maison Fondée en 1845”
1873 “Bardotti, Giovanace” (“Giovannacci”),
“29, Rue Saint-Marguerite”
≤1883-1885 “Giovanacci brothers, “29, Rue Saint-Marguerite“
≤1883-1885 “Bardotti & Ghelfi“, “106, faub St-Antoine“,
(“Bardotti“, “Constantin & Laurent Ghelfi“)
≤1886 “Hélin & Malaspina”
1886 “Hélin et Cie“, “passage d’Angoulême (d’Augoulême), 9”
1886 “Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie“, “106, faub St-Antoine”
(“Bardotti“, “Constantin Ghelfi” & “Malaspina“)
1886-1889 “Giovannacci (D.-Dominico)” & “Laurent Ghelfi“,
“rue Ste-Marguerite, 29”
1886-1889 “Montedonico, Ghelfi & Co“,
“44 (54?), Great Sutton-street, London”
(“Giovanni Baptista Ghelfi” & “Joseph Montedonico“)
1889/ 24 February “Ghelfi & Cie“, “106,faub. St.-Antoine”
(Constantino Ghelfi“, “Malaspinas Léopold” &
“Capriata-Démosthênes Jean“)
1890/ 10 Juin Judicial liquidation “Demosthenes et Cie”
“106,faub. St.-Antoine”
1890/ 6 September “Constantino Ghelfi” went bankrupt together
with “Malaspinas Léopold” & “Capriata-Démosthênes Jean”
“106,faub. St.-Antoine”
≤1890 “Laurent Ghelfi” & “Dominico Giovannacci” moved to
“84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine“, their steam plant, moved from
“rue Ste-Marguerite, 29” (see 1886) to “r. de Charonne, 61“
≥1890 “Demosthènes & Cie” (Capriata Demosthènes Jean),
“Faub.-St-Antoine, 56 & 66“, steam plant, “passage du Chantier, 5″
1893 “J. Demosthènes & Cie“, bankrupt “5, passage du Chantier”
1893 – ≥1897 “Demosthènes & Cie”, new company, still at
“Faub.-St-Antoine, 66” (not anymore at “Faub.-St-Antoine, 56“),
steam plant moved to “passage du Chantier, 16”
1894 “Fernand Ghelfi” moved to “Faub.-St-Antoine, 56“
(living there)
1894 “Antonin BIROLLEAU“, administrator quarries
“Merviller-Vacqueville”
1896 “A. Birolleau“, exploiting sandstone quarries at “muschelkack”
1897 “Anonymous company” of the quarries “Merviller-Vacqueville”
1897 “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi” joined
⇒”Giovannacci D.” & “L.&B. Ghelfi”
⇒”84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine”
1902/ 1 January “Ghelfi (L. & B.)” sold
“84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine” to “Giovannacci”
1902/ 31 December “D.Giovannacci” resold
“84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine” to “Belle”
1903 “Fernand Ghelfi” founded “F.Ghelfi & Cie” “7, rue Charlot”
1908 “Belle” moved from “84, r. du Faub. St.-Antoine“ to
“87, r. du Faub. St. Antoine“
1908-1912 The “maisons” or “houses / etablishments” of
⇒”F.Ghelfi & cie” and “Birolleau” became united,
⇒”F.Ghelfi & Cie” “7, rue Charlot”
⇒”Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies” ⇒ “F.G.B.C.”
1911/ 16 April “Valentin Ghelfi“, son of “Constantino Ghelfi”
⇒”80, r. St-Maur.”
1916 “Belle“, successor of “D. Giovannacci and L.& B. Ghelfi”
“87, Faubg. St. Antoine”
≤1922 “F.Ghelfi & Cie”
⇒”Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies” ⇒ “F.G.B.C.”
⇒”47,Rue de Saintonge“, aside to “7, Rue Charlot”
1923 “Vve (= widow) Valentin (?)“, “80, r. St-Maur.”
1923 “Birolleau” bought the rights of the company “F. Ghelfi & Cie“,
“47, Saintonge” from “Demuth”
≤1931 “Birolleau” (sons) owns the firm:
“F.Ghelfi & Cie” “Anciens établissements”
⇒”Birolleau Fils, propriétaires”
≤1935 “Vve Valentin Ghelfi” became the owner of
“établissements BELLE”
“87, r. du Faub. St. Antoine”
≤1939 “Sir Laurent Ghelfi” went back to Italy (Pontremoli – MS)
≤1952 “F.G.B.C.“ “Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements”
⇒”F.Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie” “47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
1957/ 28 December
⇒”Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements F. Ghelfi, Birolleau et Cie“,
“Société à responsabilité limitée” or S.A.R.L.
= “Limited liability company”
≤1985≥ “Nouvelle société des anciens établissements”
⇒“F.Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie” “47, Rue de Saintonge“⇒ “F.G.B.C.“
⇒“Meules et pierres à aiguiser et à polir”
≤2007 “Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements F. Ghelfi, Birolleau et Cie“,
S.A.R.L. , wholesale supplier, “5 rue de Douai, Paris”
2011 moved to “156, rue de Tolbiac” until 2014
In conclusion:
There were a couple of agricultural families originated from
Mulazzo, Lunigiani who, because of financial reasons, needed to
go into the world. They firstly became traveling sellers of
stones, books,… until settling down in, for example, Paris.
They kept on selling fantastic high quality grinding, sharpening
and honing stones, of which we still have the supreme
pleasure of using them!
There is still loads of information to be gathered, for instance,
we know that “F.G.B.C.” distributed stones to other suppliers
as for example “Manufrance”.
Occasionally, there are stones to be found as the
“Special stone only for good razors”, together with a label of
“Manufrance Saint-Etienne”.
In catalogs of “Manufrance” there are also links to be found of the
“Special stone”, for example this “Special stone” / “Pierre spéciale”
with very fine grit. The stone has two sides, one for honing a
“D.E. blade“, the other for “straight razors“:
courtesy of “David M Rosenstein”; Catalog “Manufrance” 1961:
The future will give us hopefully more information,
so that we can discover even more about its fascinating history…
Written for and with the huge help of:
“razorlovestones.wordpress.com Link“,
Fikira
⇐ Previous chapter: “Zanarelli, Galtié”
Chapter:”L. Belle”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
“L. Belle”
1902/ 1 January – 31 December
As previous mentioned, “D.Giovannacci” became the owner
of the fund “84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine, Paris”on
1 January 1902, he resold it to Mr. Belle on 31 December 1902
(https://books.google.be/books;
Journal des tribunaux de commerce 1910)
the only owner of the funds, he resold it December 31, 1902
to Belle, the plaintiff in the current trial … “
The building itself, not the fund, was still property of “Ghelfi”
We’ve established that “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi”
must have been the owner
1908-1909
A residential building of 7 floors was constructed for Mr. Ghelfi at
“84 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine (12e arr.)”
- “PARIS 1876-1939 : LES PERMIS DE CONSTRUIRE” Link
- lib.ugent.be “Le Béton armé” (p.31) Link
- archiwebture.citechaillot.fr Link
Owner: Ghelfi, “30, avenue Daumesnil”
Architect: Jacquemin, “30, avenue Daumesnil”
Construction 7 floors
1 May 1908
1909
(private collection)
This receipt of 1909 shows that “Belle” moved in 1909
(or earlier), from “84, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine”
to “87, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine”
“L. Belle”
“87 Faubourg St.-Antoine”
“ci-devant 84, même rue”
PARIS
“L. Belle”
“87 Faubourg St. Antoine”
“Heretofore 84, same street”
PARIS
Another receipt (which I can’t show…), dated 15 January 1909,
lets me think (because it is so early in the year 1909) that “Belle”
most probably moved from “84, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine”
to “87, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine” in 1908
(being more specific then 1908-1909)
→ So:
·
“Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi” owned the house,
“84 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine“,
rebuild it to a residential building in 1908.
·
“Belle”, who owned the business at
“84, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine”
(used to be property of Ghelfi), needed to move
to “87, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine” in 1908.
1916/ 28 December
Next document makes very clear that “Belle” was the successor of
“D. Giovannacci” and “L. & B. Ghelfi”
courtesy of Sebastian of “razorlovestones.com“:
“Pierres et meules à aiguiser & à polir”
“D.Giovannacci, L.&B.Ghelfi”
“L.BELLE Succr.”
“Bureaux & Magasins”:
“87, Faubg. St. Antoine”
“ci-devant: 84, Fg. St. Antoine”
“Maison Fondée en 1845”
Usines (factories):
“Paris, 61, Rue de Charonne”
“Bédarrides (Vaucluse)”
“Massa (Italie)”
“Succursale à Londres”
- Regrettably, at this moment I haven’t found more information about “Maison fondée en 1845” (“House” founded in 1845)…
- “Bédarrides (Vaucluse)” is situated in southeastern France,
in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. - Usine a vapeur: “61, Rue de Charonne, Paris”
- They also had a section in “London”
- When compared with the postcard from 1898/ 11 November,
“D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi”
Bureaux et Magasins:
“84, Faubourg St.-Antoine, Paris”
Usine a vapeur: “61, Rue de Charonne, Paris”
Usine hydraulique, à Canevara, près Massa (Italie)
Succursales à Londres et New-York
it is clear that “L.Belle” acquired a lot more from
“D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi” than only the fund
at “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine, Paris”!
Also note the “usine” in Massa, Italy,
this is where the Ghelfi’s originally came from!
1925
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel.
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3
“Pierres et Meules à aiguiser, à l’huile, en corindon,…”
1928-1929
(https://books.google.be; “L’Annual”:
annuaire universel de l’industrie automobile)
fabrique de meules en grès, et de pierres à aiguiser et à polir,
“87, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris“
1935
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel.
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3
“87, fbg. St-Antoine, Paris”
“Pierres et Meules à aiguiser, à l’huile, en corindon,…”
1935/ 22 August
(Private collection)
Vve Valentin Ghelfi became the owner of etablissements BELLE:
“Veuve Valentin Ghelfi, Propriétaire”
“Meules, pierres, outillage, produits a aiguiser et a polir”
“Ancienne maison”
“D.Giovannacci, L.&B.Ghelfi”
“Fondée en 1845”
“M.P.O.P.”
“87, Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris”
“Magasin de Meules & Usine”
“72, Rue Saint-Maur, Paris”
M.P.O.P. stands for:
Meules, Pierres, Outillage, Produits a aiguiser et a polir
1938
Although it is established that the widow of “Valentin Ghelfi”
acquired the business back from “Belle”, there are documents
to be found until 1938 of “L. Belle”, selling grinding, sharpening
and polishing stones at “87, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine“,
so apparently, the company kept on using the name “L.Belle“
This could mean that “L. Belle” had established a good and
well know name, maybe “Valentin Ghelfi” possibly didn’t.
When noticing the usage of the ancient names
“D.Giovannacci, L.&B.Ghelfi”, it is clear that those names
still were very well known, the names kept on being used,
even by the third owner of the company!
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel.
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
“Ateliers: “61, r. de Charonne”
“Meules et pierres à aiguiser”
For the moment unfortunately, we don’t know more
of who exactly Mr. “L. Belle” was…
⇐ Previous chapter: “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
⇒ Next chapter: “Zanarelli, Galtié”
Chapter: “Bardotti, Giovannacci,…”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Chapter: “Bardotti, Giovannacci“
It is very hard to discover and identify who were the
“Bardotti”, “Giovannacci”,… of the firm “F.G.B.C.”
At this moment I can only highlight possible relations
in different families, with striking resemblances and
connections with the Ghelfi family and the stone trade.
We know from documents (gallica.bnf.fr Link) that
“Bardotti” and “Giovanace” (“Giovannacci”?) sold
sharpening and grindstones at:
“29, Rue-Saint Marguerite”
1873:
“Bardotti”, first worked with “Giovanace” (“Giovannacci”),
“Rue Saint-Marguerite, 29”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Almanach des 40,000 adresses des fabricants de Paris…Link)
Bardotti, Giovanace, “Rue Saint-Marguerite, 29”
1880
Giovannacci bought funds of a hotel at “29, Ste-Marguerite”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France, Link p. 367)
Vendeur | Acquéreurs | Demeures des acquéreurs | Désignation des fonds vendus |
Clanet | Gio- vannacci |
Rue Ste.-Marguerite, 29 | Fonds hôtel, Rue Ste.-Marg., 29 |
Seller | Acquirers | Buyer’s residence | Designation sold funds |
Clanet | Giovannacci | Rue Ste.-Marguerite, 29 | Funds hotel, Rue Ste.-Marg., 29 |
1883
“Bardotti & Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
Bardotti also had a hotel at “Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 27“
•
“Giovanacci”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29”
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
Giovanacci also sold wine and had a hotel at
“Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
1884
“Bardotti & Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
This company was most probably owned by:
“Bardotti“, “Laurent Ghelfi” & “Constantin Ghelfi” (see further)
Bardotti also sold wine and had a hotel at
“Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 27“
•
“Giovanacci”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29”
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
Giovanacci also sold wine and had a hotel at
“Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
1885
“Bardotti & Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106”
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
This company was owned by:
“Bardotti“, “Laurent Ghelfi” & “Constantin Ghelfi” (see further)
“Bardotti” also had a hotel at “Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 27“
•
“Giovanacci”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29”
Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
Giovanacci also sold wine and had a hotel at
“Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“
1885, 28 Oktober
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Archives commerciales de la France,
Journal bi-hebdomadaire, paraissant le Mercredi et le Samedi Link)
Vendeurs |
Acquéreurs |
Domiciles |
Fonds vendus |
Ghelfi Laurent |
Bardotti et Ghelfi |
fg. St-Antoine, 106 |
Droits soc. Bardotti et Ghelfi |
Sellers |
Purchasers |
Address |
Funds sold |
Ghelfi Laurent |
Bardotti & Ghelfi |
fg. St-Antoine, 106 |
Rights company |
It was “Laurent Ghelfi” who had worked in the company,
and that he sold his rights to “Bardotti“& “Ghelfi“,
“Ghelfi” being “(Constantin) Ghelfi” (see further)
“Laurent Ghelfi” went on working with “D. Giovannacci”
(see further)
1886/ 1 January
Formation of the company “Bardotti, Ghelfi and Co”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ;
Archives commerciales de la France 1874-1955 Link)
Bardotti, Ghelfi et Cie (pierres et meules),
faub. St-Antoine, 106. – Durée: 3 ans du 1er janv. 1886 …
Cette nouvelle Société est chargée de la liquidation de la
Société entre MM. Bardotti et Ghelfi, et de celle
entre MM. Hélin et Malaspina, qui ont
pris fin le 1er janv. 1886 … “
“Bardotti, Ghelfi and Co” (grind- and sharpening stones),
faub St-Antoine, 106. – Duration: 3 years from
Jan. 1, 1886 … The new company is responsible
for the liquidation of the company between
Messrs. Bardotti and Ghelfi, and the one between
MM. Hélin and Malaspina, which ended on Jan. 1. 1886 … “
1886
“Hélin” started in 1886 a new company, this after the dissolved
partnership between Messrs. “Bardotti and Ghelfi“, and the one
between MM. “Hélin and Malaspina“, which ended on Jan. 1. 1886
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Vente de confiance, passage d’Angoulême (d’Augoulême), 9.”
Sale of confidence, passage d’Angoulême (or d’Augoulême), 9.”
Link1, Link2
“Malaspina” then worked with “Bardotti” and “Ghelfi” and
became “Bardotti, Ghelfi and Co”, “faub St-Antoine, 106”
– Duration: 3 years
“Constantin Ghelfi“kept on working with “Bardotti & Co”
(see further)
Also, in 1886, “Laurent Ghelfi” started working with
“Giovannacci“,”rue Ste-Marguerite, 29“, after
the company of the “Giovannacci brothers” dissolved
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
rue Ste-Marguerite, 29.”
rue Ste-Marguerite, 29.”
“Giovannacci (D.)” most probably is: Domenico GIOVANNACCI (See further)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
1888-1889
Both “Bardotti” and “Giovannacci” rented stores at
“Rue-Saint Marguerite”.
“27, Rue Saint Marguerite” (owned by widow “Fould”
(birth name “Simonin”)), was rented by “Bardotti“.
He had become a wine dealer, ……
“29, Rue Saint Marguerite” (owned by “Pochet”) was
rented by “Giovannacci“, he also was a wine dealer, and
kept on selling sharpening stones, just like before.
(Along with “Laurent Ghelfi“)
They both had to leave their homes…
A judgment of 12 October 1888 / Decision of 14 February 1889,
required the expropriation (eminent domain) of:
“R. Ste-Marg. 27, 29,…”,
this for the expansion of the Rue Sainte-Marguerite;
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Bulletin municipal officiel de la Ville de Paris,1888/12/23,1889/2/18)
Noms des propriétaires |
Noms des locataires |
|
Rue Sainte-Marguerite, 27 |
Veuve FOULD (Gustave-Eugène), |
BARDOTTI, marchand de vins, … |
Rue Sainte Marguerite, 29 |
POCHET |
GIOVANNACCI, marchand de vins, marchant de pierres à aiguiser, … |
Around 1890
Because of this, around 1890, “D.Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi“, moved
to “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine“; their steam plant (factory) moved
from “rue Ste-Marguerite, 29“ to “r. de Charonne, 61“
(see further chapter “Ghelfi family”)
Some more information about “Giovannacci D.”
We know that “D. Giovannacci” was working with “Laurent Ghelfi” (1886,…)
On “geneanet.org” we find a Domenico GIOVANNACCI
(in French:Dominique GIOVANNACCI),
°1859, a “grindstone manufacturer”
He was married 1 April 1880, Mulazzo, Italy, to
Maria GENESONI (°1861). Later that year they moved to
Paris, where they had their domicile in the 11th district
On 7 March 1886, their first son was born,
Jean Baptiste Humbert GIOVANNACCI, Paris, 11th
district, this was witnessed by Laurent GHELFI (°1856)!
(or, from another geneanet page Laurent GHELFI (°1856))
Another link is Noël GIOVANNACCI (°1856, Mulazzo, Italy).
He as well moved to Paris. He married, 1879, 11th
district, Paris, to Angèle Marthe Catherine PAGANUZZI
This was witnessed by Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859)
& Isidore CLANET
(Clanet: see chapter “Bardotti, Giovannacci” where in 1880
“Giovannacci” bought funds of a hotel from “Clanet” at
“29, Ste-Marguerite“)
Noël GIOVANNACCI & Angèle Marthe Catherine PAGANUZZI
had their domicile, 1879, at “29, rue Sainte Marguerite“, Paris,
11th district, the same adress were “D. Giovannacci” &
“Laurent Ghelfi” had their company in 1886!
The birth of one of their sons, Victor Noël Henri GIOVANNACCI
(°19 March 1887, Paris 11th district, was witnessed
by Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859).
The birth of one of their daughters, Rose Angèle GIOVANNACCI
( Born 27 July 1883, Paris 11th district, was witnessed by
Laurent GHELFI (°1856)!
Because of al those links, especially
between Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859) &
Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859), I believe that
Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859) is actually
“D. Giovannacci” of the company “Giovannacci (D.) & L. Ghelfi“,
sharpening stones, “rue Ste-Marguerite, 29“
Whether Domenico GIOVANNACCI (°1859) was on of the
“Giovanacci brothers, grinding wheels and sharpening stones,
“Ste-Marguerite-St-Antoine, 29“, is not clear…
Information about “Bardotti” is more difficult to find
I only can highlight some striking links between the
“Bardotti” families and others with the “Ghelfi” family
who traded in Paris.
From the very impressive family trees of
FERDINANDO MICHELONI (†before 1806),
LORENZO BARDOTTI,… we find:
(“geneanet.com”, see their “Descendancy Chart”,
just click on each name to open a direct link to the site)
Luigi MICHELONI,
(grandfather of the wife of Laurent GHELFI),
had a brother:
CARLO MICHELONI
(†before 1867, = uncle of father in law of Laurent GHELFI),
he was married to CATTERINA BARDOTTI
One of the children of
CARLO MICHELONI & CATTERINA BARDOTTI was:
FRANCESCO MICHELONI
(°ca 1828, Mulazzo, MS, Italia – †1867, Fontanella, Lombardia, Italia)
(= nephew of the father in law of Laurent GHELFI)
He was a VENDITORE DI PIETRE (stone seller)
Another link to the Ghelfi family is
CLAUDINA MICHELONI(1874-1899)/
CLAUDIA MARIA CARMELLA MICHELONI (1871-1899)
(both are the same person)
She was one of the sisters of
the 2 wives of Laurent GHELFI
She also was the godmother of:
ALFREDO ARMANDO BARDOTTI (°23/1/1896).
Coincidentally or not, his great-grandfather was
ANDREA BARDOTTI (°ca1800).
I don’t know if he actually is the “Andrea Bardotti, Parana”
who went in 1837 to Piedmont, and later went to France
(see beginning of this article),
I believe it is not far from the truth though…
A bit unfortunate is that ANDREA BARDOTTI was born in
Castevoli, while “Andrea Bardotti of the beginning of the article
was born in Parana… (Parana, Castevoli, Monte Reggia,
Mulazzo are pretty close to each other though)
But, one of the grandchildren of ANDREA BARDOTTI was:
LUIGIA MARIA ROSA BARDOTTI,
°ca 1849, CASTEVOLI, she died, 1892, in Paris…!
She was married to ADEODATTO BARDOTTI
(°ca1834 – †after 1892)
His father was GIOVANNI ANDREA BARDOTTI, °1784, PARANA!
I believe it could very well be true that one of these two
“Andrea Bardotti’s” was in fact that person that once went to
France and not only was key in spreading the stone sale,
he also was pretty close to the Ghelfi’s as well…
•
⇐ Previous chapter: “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
⇒ Next chapter: “L. Belle”
Chapter: “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Chapter: “Demosthènes, Malaspinas,,..“
1886/ 1 January
Formation of the company “Bardotti, Ghelfi and Co”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
Durée: 3 ans du 1er janv. 1886 … Cette nouvelle Société est chargée de la liquidation de la Société entre MM. Bardotti et Ghelfi, et de celle entre MM. Hélin et Malaspina,
qui ont pris fin le 1er janv. 1886 … “
Duration: 3 years from 1/1/1886 … The new company is
responsible for the liquidation of the company between Messrs. Bardotti and Ghelfi, and the one between
MM. Hélin and Malaspina, which ended on 1/1/1886 … “
1889/ 18 April (Publication) / 1889/ 24 February (Act)
Formation of “Ghelfi & Cie”
(Probably since 1 January 1889)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
fab. de pierres en tous genres, faub. St-Antoine, 106.
– Durée: 6 ans … Acte du 24 Fév. 1889″
fab. stones of all kinds, faub. St-Antoine, 106.
– Duration: 6 years … act of 24 February 1889″
1890/ 10 Juin
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
Paris. – Demosthènes (Jean),
nég. en pierres et meules à aiguiser,
faub. St.-Antoine, 106,
sous le nom de “Demosthènes et Cie”…”
Paris. – Demosthenes (Jean),
merchant stones and grindstones,
faub. St.-Antoine, 106,
under the name “Demosthenes et Cie” …”
1890/ 6 September
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
1e Ghelfi (Constantin); 2e Malaspinas (Léopold);
3e Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean), ayant fait en commun, sous la raison Ghelfi et Cie, puis sous celle de “Démosthènes et Cie”, le commerce de pierres et meules à aiguiser,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
1st Ghelfi (Constantin); 2nd Malaspinas (Léopold);
3th Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean), first under the name “Ghelfi & Cie” , then under the name
“Démosthènes & Cie”, with business
“sharpening- and grindstones”, faub St.-Antoine, 106…”
Conclusion:
I believe it is very likely that “Malaspinas” worked with “Ghelfi”
from 1886 until 1890 (before 1886 he worked with MM. Hélin).
“Capriata Demosthènes Jean” on his turn worked for a short
time with Ghelfi since 1889 (maybe earlier) until 1890…
“Ghelfi (Constantin)”, “Malaspinas (Léopold)” and
“Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean)” first worked together
under the name “Ghelfi & Cie” (since 1889),
this company became “Démosthènes & Cie“.
Eventually they went bankrupt under the name
“Démosthènes & Cie“, and not as “Ghelfi & Cie“
1893
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie”, et “Ghelfi et Cie”.
Manufactures de meules et pierres à aiguiser et articles à polir.
…
“Faub.-St-Antoine, 56 et 66”, usine à vapeur,
“passage du Chantier, 5″.”
“Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie” and “Ghelfi & Cie“.
Manufactures of grind-, sharpening stones
and polishing articles.
…
“Faub.-St-Antoine, 56 & 66“, steam plant,
“passage du Chantier, 5″.”
Although it is clear that Demosthènes was the successor of
“Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie” and “Ghelfi et Cie“, these names were
kept in use, as if they still existed on their own
(with the mentioning of: “see Demosthènes & Co”)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
(Voir Demosthènes et Co)”
(See Demosthènes & Co)”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
1893/ 3 August
“Capriata Demosthènes Jean”, “passage du Chantier, 5”
went bankrupt on 3/8/1893 under the name
“J. Demosthènes & Cie“
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Journal officiel de la République française 1881 Link)
“Capriata Demosthènes (Jean), marchand de pierres et
meules à aiguiser, “passage du Chantier, 5”,
faisant le commerce sous la raison
“J. Demosthènes et Cie”…”
“Capriata Demosthènes (Jean), stones and
grindstones merchant, “passage du Chantier, 5”,
was trading under the name “J. Demosthènes et Cie”…”
1897
“Demosthènes & Cie” started a new company, still at
“Faub.-St-Antoine, 66” (not anymore at “Faub.-St-Antoine, 56“)
Most probably this happened just after the
bankruptcy, 3/8/1893, since all of Ferdinando GHELFI‘s
children were born at “Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine 56”
between 5 Jan. 1894 and 1899, telling us that Ferdinando GHELFI
came to live here before 1894 (Also see chapter “Ghelfi family”)
The steam plant of “Demosthènes & Cie” moved from
“passage du Chantier, 5” to “passage du Chantier, 16“
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
Manufactures de meules et pierres à aiguiser et articles à polir
…
Faub.-St-Antoine, 66, usine à vapeur, passage du Chantier, 16.“
Manufactures of grindstones, sharpening stones and polishing articles
…
Faub.-St-Antoine, 66, steam plant, passage du Chantier, 16.“
Again, Demosthènes was the successor of “Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie”
but the latter name was kept in use, probably for marketing
purposes; “Demosthènes & Cie” was written in bold
lettres, while “Bardotti, Ghelfi et Co” was written in
plain letters; a bit further on the same page we see:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
66, pass. du Chantier, 16.“
At the moment, I don’t have further information…
•
⇐ Previous chapter: “Birolleau family”
⇒ Next chapter: “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
Chapter: “Birolleau family”
Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
(written by Jethro aka Fikira, historyrazors.wordpress.com)
“F.G.B.C.” produced & sold many sharpening stones, for example:
“pierre La Lune”, “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
“New Master Stone”, … This article (split up into different chapters)
reveals the history behind the company
Chapters:
- “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
- “Ghelfi family”
- “Birolleau family”
- “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”
- “Bardotti, Giovannacci”
- “L. Belle”
- “Zanarelli, Galtié”
- “Short detailed chronology” & “In conclusion”
Chapter: “Birolleau family”
The following is gathered from different sources:
- geneanet.org Link; “Jean Yves THIRIET” (jytbou) Link
- geneanet.org Link; “Les Familles de Vacqueville” Link
- cimetieres-de-France.fr” Link:
(just click on each name to open a direct link to the site)
Victor BIROLEAUD
°22/12/1831 – †24/09/1914, wholesale wine merchant,
parents: Jean-Baptiste BIROLLEAU & Jeanne Agathe MOUNIER,
married 17/3/1862 Marguerite PRUNEAUD (°1841 – †1873).
One of their children was:
Antonin BIROLLEAU
°4/5/1863, Sainte-Feyre, 23193, FRANCE – †1938,
He lived in Bourg-du-Bost where he married
8/12/1894 Marie Louise THIRIET (°1869 – †1954);
They had 4 sons, born at Vacqueville, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine:
Jules BIROLLEAU
(°09/12/1895 – †?)
Emile BIROLLEAU
(°15/09/1897 – †?)
Louis BIROLLEAU
(°1899 – †1900)
Maurice BIROLLEAU
(°16/12/1904 – †1986)
1894
Antonin BIROLLEAU was administrator and master of the quarries of Merviller-Vacqueville. The sandstone quarry of Birolleau in Merviller (54) produced Baccarat crystal. The employers’ house was situated in Vacqueville (château Biroleau)
1896/ 24 January or November
The following is gathered from different sources:
- “genetk.overblog.com/ Les tailleurs de pierre” Link,
Published 16 March 2013 by “Jean-Yves THIRIET“ - “merviller-autrefois.blogspot.be/
Merviller-village de Lorraine” Link1, Link2 - “geneanet.org /Jean Yves THIRIET” (jytbou) Link
A documented offer of 40.000 “French frank” for the maintenance
of roads tells us that “A. Birolleau”, residing at Vacqueville,
was exploiting sandstone quarries at muschelkack.
There are traces, after this date, leading to a factory/assembly of grinding stones “GHELFI & BIROLLEAU” at “7, rue Charlot, Paris”
Information is also found about a pink stone of the Vosges:
Following note is a citation found on
- “merviller-autrefois.blogspot.be/Merviller-village de Lorraine”
Link1, Link2 - “genetk.overblog.com/ Les tailleurs de pierre” Link,
Published 16 March 2013 by “Jean-Yves THIRIET”
solidifié pour former une pierre au grain très fin fournissant de
remarquables meules à aiguiser les outillages expédiés par
wagons dans la France entière”
solidified to form a very fine grain stone providing
remarkable grinding-, sharpening tools, which were
shipped throughout France“
1897
An anonymous company was in charge of the quarries Merviller-Vacqueville
(gallica.bnf.fr Link , Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature… Link)
Meules à aiguiser blanches et rouges de tous grains et de toutes dimensions.
Grès pour menuisiers. Barils pour corroyeurs. – Pierres à polir le marbre, etc., rue Ganneron, 6″
“Anonymous company of the quarries Merviller-Vacqueville”
Grindstones white and red all grains and sizes. – Stoneware for woodworkers.
Barrels for tanners. – Stone marble polishing, etc., Ganneron Street, 6″
1904/ 9 August:
Birolleau (Antonin) became Knighted
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ,
Journal officiel de la République française…1904/08/09)
industriel à Vacqueville (Meurthe-et-Moselle):
travaux de reboisement; 20 ans de pratique agricole”
industrialist at Vacqueville (Meurthe-et-Moselle):
reforestation; 20 years of agricultural practice”
1911/ 16 July:
(http://www.kiosque-lorrain.fr Link, Est républicain 16-07-11)
“Vacqueville”
“INCENDIE. – Un incendie dont la cause est inconnue s’est déclaré vers une heure du matin, au hameau des Carrières, dans la fabrique de meules, appartenant à M. Antonin Birolleau. Le bâtiment, construit en planches, a été entièrement détruit, malgré les secours apportés par les pompiers de Vacqueville et Merviller. Les pertes, évaluées à 13.500 Fr.,
sont couvertes par l’assurance.”
“Vacqueville”
“FIRE. – A fire of unknown cause broke out around one o’clock in the neighbourhood of the quarries, in the factory of grinding stones, belonging to Mr. Antonin Birolleau. The building, built of planks, was completely destroyed, despite the aid given by firefighters of Vacqueville and Merviller. The losses, estimated at 13,500 F, are covered by insurance. “
1912 – 1913
or earlier, as previous mentioned, we begin to see:
“F.Ghelfi & Cie”
“Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies”
(or F.G.B.C.)
for example on post cards which says:
de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser et a Polir”
“F. Ghelfi & Cie”
“Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies”
“7, Rue Charlot, Paris”
First in Rue Charlot 7,
later also in Rue de Saintonge, 47, Paris
(since 1922 or earlier).
The “maisons” or “houses / etablishments” of
“F.Ghelfi & cie” and “Birolleau” became united, this
between 1908-1912, since the previously mentioned court trial
only speaks of “F.Ghelfi & Cie”, without “Birolleau“
1916/ 8 Mai
(private collection):
Around 1916 or earlier, the name changed:
“Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies”
into
“Maisons Birolleau & F.Ghelfi & Cie réunies”!
de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser et a Polir”
“F. Ghelfi & Cie”
“Maisons Birolleau & F.Ghelfi & Cie réunies”
“7, Rue Charlot, Paris”
Usine à vapeur (steam plant): Merviller-Vacqueville
(Meurthe-et-moselle)
Carrières en exploitation (quarries):
La Nouvelle, La Voûte, La Parisienne
(Gare Merviller – Vacqueville)
Neufmaisons, La Bouloye
(Gare Pexonne)
Bréménil- Bas, Bréménil-Haut, La Parisienne
(Gare Badonviller)
1922/ 21 April
(private collection):
Around this time, the firm had an extra building,
located at “47, Rue de Saintonge”
(annexe, aside to “7, Rue Charlot”):
de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser et a Polir”
“F. Ghelfi & Cie”
“Maisons Birolleau & F.Ghelfi & Cie réunies”
–
Ateliers, bureaux & magasins
“47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
(Annexe “7, Rue Charlot”)
Later on we will see that “Birolleau” eventually
controlled and owned the entire company.
Maybe these name changes are a sign that at a quite
early stage “Birolleau” became more and more
important in the company.
(Maybe between 1922 – 1925)
In the course of the years there were more changes,
seen on different documents:
1925/ 12 December
(private collection):
“F.Ghelfi & Cie & Birolleau réunies”
“F.Ghelfi & Cie” – “Anciens établissements”
The names changed back again with “F.Ghelfi & Cie” standing first
(in comparison to the documents 1916, 1922 in the Ghelfi chapter).
I believe this could be a sign that “F.Ghelfi et cie” was taken over…
The very explicit usage of the term “Anciens établissements”
or “ancient establishment” means that the formerly company,
consisting of the united companies “F.Ghelfi et cie”
and “Birolleau” had ceased to exist.
On this paper of 1925, it isn’t clear who
owned the establishment…
1925-1938
It gets even more interesting, especially because in some directories of 1925, 1935 and 1938 only the name “Birolleau” is used, and not “F. Ghelfi & Cie“:
1925:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel;
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3
1935:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel;
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2
1938:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel;
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
Birolleau sold sandstones, grinding- , sharpening stones,… at:
“47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
“Usine à Merviller-Vacqueville”
“Meules et pierres à aiguiser et à polir…”
The fact that some directories of 1925 – 1938
only mention “Birolleau“, and not “F.Ghelfi & Cie“,
leads to the assumption that Birolleau was the owner
Ghelfi Valentin was noted in these directories, but like previous
explained, he separated himself from “F.Ghelfi & Cie“
A bit confusingly, a directory of agricultural engineering, 1926, has NO mentioning of “Birolleau“, but does have one of “Ghelfi & cie“!
(https://books.google.be/books,
“Le Génie rural”,Volumes 19-20, 1926, Link)
When noticing the usage of (Anc. Etabl.) or
“Anciens établissements”, one can imagine that this is
in fact the company name, just as seen on the 1925 invoice
(with the “F.” missing though).
This could make sense, the other directories (1925-1938)
can therefore be interpreted as “Birolleau”, owner of
“Birolleau, 47, r. de Saintonge”, and maybe also owner
of “(F.) Ghelfi & cie” (ancien établissements)
The solely mentioning of “Ghelfi et cie” is also seen in
a yearly universal directory of the car industry, 1928-1929;
(https://books.google.be/books, “L’Annual”:
annuaire universel de l’industrie automobile, 1928-1929, Link)
“7, rue Charlot. et 47, rue de Saintonge, Paris”
“Tél. Archives 15-41”
1931/ 21 Mai
(private collection):
The next document shows the proof that around 1931 or earlier,
Birolleau owned the firm:
“F.Ghelfi & Cie”
“Birolleau Fils, propriétaires”
“Birolleau FILS, propriétaireS” (sons, owners)
means that “Birolleau” owned the company.
It wasn’t Antonin BIROLLEAU who owned it
(the father who died a few years later, 1938), it were his sons
who controlled the business; that would be Maurice BIROLLEAU
(see further), and 1 or 2 of his brothers, being Jules BIROLLEAU
and/or Emile BIROLLEAU (not Louis BIROLLEAU,
since he died young, °1899 – †1900)
A document of 1933 again refers to the ancient establishment,
by using old titles as:
“Birolleau & F.Ghelfi & Cie réunies”, “F.Ghelfi & cie”
and
“Anciens établissements F.Ghelfi & Cie”
It also explicitly shows: “Birolleau, propriétaires” (=owners)
As previously mentioned,
the sons Birolleau were the ones in control
1933/ 30 October
(private collection):
“Manufacture & Montage
de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser et a Polir”
“F.Ghelfi & Cie”
“Birolleau & F.Ghelfi & Cie réunies”
“Anciens établissements F.Ghelfi & Cie”
“Birolleau, propriétaires”
“Ateliers, bureaux & magasins: 47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
“(Annexe 7, Rue Charlot)”
So, it could very well be that there was a transition of ownership between 1922-1925…
If that is the case, it is interesting to see that the name
“F.Ghelfi & Cie” continued to exist, even at the time
that it is absolutely clear that “Birolleau” was the owner
1952/ 11Juin
(private collection):
Pierre “La Lune”
“F.G.B.C.”
“Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements”
(new society of ancient institutions)
“F.Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie”
“47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
“Meules et pierres à aiguiser et à polir”
“Usines & CARRIERES”:
La Nouvelle, La Voûte, La Parisienne
(Gare Merviller – Vacqueville)
Neufmaison, La Bouloye
(Gare Pexonne)
Bréménil- Bas, Bréménil-Haut, La Parisienne
(Gare Badonviller)
“pierres à faulx naturelles façon Lombarde La Lune”
(Natural scythe stones “style Lombarde” La Lune)
The correspondence was signed by
“Maurice Birolleau” (°1904 – †1986).
“Birolleau” kept owning the business,
the name F.Ghelfi stayed…
1968
A document/advertisement of 1968 is showing the name
“Birolleau”, standing separately above the trademark:
1985/ 12 Mai
An envelope, stamped 1985/ 12 Mai shows that the name
“F.Ghelfi” keeps on standing aside to “Birolleau“:
“F.Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie”
“47, Rue de Saintonge – 75003 Paris”
“Meules et pierres à aiguiser et à polir”
Along with a nice phrase:
“les pierres “La Lune” repassent…”
“The stones “La Lune” exceeds…”
Courtesy of Sebastian of “razorlovestones.com“:
Around 2007,..
- http://french-leader.com Link
- http://french-corporate.com Link1, Link2
- http://edecideur.mobi Link
- http://www.societe.com Link
By investigating these links we can see that:
“Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements
F. Ghelfi, Birolleau et Cie”
or
“Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements
F. Ghelfi, Birolleauet Cie” ,
established on 1957/ 28 December, continued to exist
as a “Société à responsabilité limitée” (S.A.R.L. =
Limited liability company), with headquarters address:
“5 rue de Douai, Paris”
(since 2007 or earlier)
2011/ 23 July
Gachnochi Georges (°24/10/1940) was running the business
Somewhere before 2007, the company changed their activities
It had become a wholesale business (trade from business to business) of various industrial supplies and equipment
They supplied miscellaneous industrial equipment like: wholesale of aerodynamic devices such as fans, air conditioners, machinery and equipment for air conditioning; technical articles in rubber and plastic; other machinery and equipment used in industry; non-electrical equipment road signs; transport equipment other than motor vehicles, cycles and motorcycles; robots for assembly lines;…
2011/ 10 November
headquarters address moved to
“156, rue de Tolbiac, 2nd floor right”
2014/ 23 November
Gachnochi George became liquidator of the company,
he was appointed to wind up the affairs of the company…
The last known establishment, known as
“Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements F. Ghelfi,
Birolleau et Cie”
closed on 22-11-2014…
The presence of “F.Ghelfi” is not totally disappeared yet,
as this boutique shows on:
“47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris”
“ISABEL MARANT” Link
“BOUTIQUES“ Link
⇐ Previous chapter: “Ghelfi family”
⇒ Next chapter: “Demosthènes, Malaspinas”