Who were the people behind F.G.B.C…?
“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:
Chapter: “Ghelfi family”
(I haven’t gone into detail with some names in the family trees, because the setup of this article is only to highlight connections with F.G.B.C.)
From different available documents, advertisements, and websites
(razorlovestones.wordpress.com Link, gallica.bnf.fr Link)
we know that the Ghelfi family sold stones on
“Rue du Faubourg 106, Paris“.
Investigating the geneanet.org Link website
reveals the following family tree:
(click on each name to open a direct link to the site)
(MS = is a province in Tuscany, Italy; the Province of
Massa and Carrara, until 2009 it was named:
Province of Massa-Carrara)
Their children were:
Costantino GHELFI, Laurent GHELFI,
Carlo GHELFI & Ferdinando GHELFI
Costantino GHELFI (Probably = Constantino)
(°19/7/1850, Mulazzo ( MS ) – †?)
married Maria Adele TARANTOLA (°ca1863 – †?)
children:
Paul Diedonné GHELFI
(°15/7/1882, Paris, Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine 106 – †?)
married 1/3/1909
Marthe Flore Henriette CREPIN
(°9/7/1870 – †19/2/1946)
Valentine Victorine GHELFI
(°19/2/1890, Paris, R. du Fbg St. Antoine 106 – †1970)
Baptiste August Seraphin GHELFI
(°30/8/1892, Paris, R. du Fbg St. Antoine 56 – †1950)
first marriage 8/10/1928
with Lisa MICHEL
second marriage 31/10/1932
with Renée Eugenié Solange COLOMBEL
Laurent GHELFI
(°12/7/1856, Teglia fraz. di Mulazzo (MS) – †?)
(Commerciante di pietre, = Merchant of stones)
1st marriage
with Aurelia Maria Adele MICHELONI
(°1861 (MS) – †1890, Paris, Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine 99)
⇒ she died at the place were some of the children of
Laurent GHELFI‘s 1st & 2nd marriage were born
2nd marriage 21/8/1893
with Diomira Anna Pia MICHELONI
(°1864 – †1968)
⇒ she was a sister of the first wife of Laurent,
she also will be mentioned further in this article
Ferdinando GHELFI
(°21/4/1868, Mulazzo (MS) – †?)
married Letizia BESTAZZONI (°ca1873 – †?)
children:
Theodore Laurent Joseph GHELFI (°5/1/1894 – †?)
Palmyre Marie Victorine GHELFI (°17/3/1895 – †20/7/1982)
Ernest Baptist Camille GHELFI (°19/1/1899 – †?)
All were born in Paris, Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine 56
It is clear that the persons of this family were the ones that
were behind F.G.B.C., 2 children of Constantino Ghelfi
were born (1882 & 1890) on the same address where
their stone selling company was at that time;
1886/ 1 January
Formation of the company “Bardotti, Ghelfi and Co”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Archives commerciales de la France Link)
” … Paris – Formation de la Société en nom collectif 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 … “
“… Paris – Formation of the company “Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie (grind- and sharpening stones),faub. St-Antoine, 106
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 … “
Link
1889/ 24 February
Formation of the company “Ghelfi & Cie”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
“Paris – Formation de la Société … “Ghelfi et Cie”,
fab. de pierres … , faub. St-Antoine, 106. – Durée: 6 ans”
“Paris – Formation of the company…”Ghelfi and Co.”,
fab. stones …, faub. St-Antoine, 106. – Duration: 6 years”
Link
1890/ 6 September
Constantino Ghelfi had sold grinding- and sharpening stones,
together with Malaspinas Léopold & Capriata-Démosthênes Jean,
they went bankrupt
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
“déclarant en état de faillite ouverte: 1e Ghelfi (Constantin);
2e Malaspinas (Léopold); 3e Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean)
… le commerce de pierres et meules à aiguiser,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
“declaring a state of open bankruptcy: 1st Ghelfi (Constantin);
2nd Malaspinas (Léopold); 3th Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean)
… the business sharpening- and grindstones,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
Link
(more information: chapter Capriata-Demosthènes)
There are things though that aren’t easy to be explained,
especially the death of Constantino and who his children were…
In the document,
recensement auxi le chateau 1911,
(archivesenligne.pasdecalais.fr/ Link)
we find:
Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi,
Who was “Chef” of the family (°14/7/1882), “Rue d’Amiens No. 7”,
lived there with his wife, Marthe “Ghelfi” (birth name Crépin,
°9/7/1870), and his brother Louis Ghelfi, °8/7/1880
(Louis isn’t mentioned as a son of Co(n)stantino
of previous mentioned family tree)
In another document, of the
“marriage between Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi & Marthe Crepin” (1/3/1909), (archivesenligne.pasdecalais.fr/ Link)
we find:
Constantin Ghelfi,
(†11/12/1882, Nord-Pas-de-Calais),
married Adele Tarantola (négociante = merchant),
she was 55y. old on 1/3/1909.
Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi,
son of
Constantin Ghelfi and Adele Tarantola (°14/7/1882, Paris-XIIème)
married 1/3/1909, Berck, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France,
with Marthe Flore Henriette Crepin (°1870 – †1946)
(Although de birth date of Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi is slightly
different than the one of previous mentioned family tree,
it clearly is the same person);
Jean Baptiste Ghelfi,
domiciled at Paris, “30, Av. Daumesnil”, 47y. in 1909 (°1862?),
is formulated as the uncle of Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi; thus
J.-B. Ghelfi was a brother of Constantino, Laurent and Ferdinando!
Valentin Ghelfi,
domiciled at Paris, “7, Rue Charlot”, 37y. in 1909 (°1872),
voyageur de commerce (traveling salesman), is a brother of
Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi, thus being the son of Constantino Ghelfi
and a nephew of Laurent, J.-B. and Ferdinando Ghelfi.
⇒ “7, Rue Charlot” was one of the places were F.G.B.C. was
situated, at first, since October 1903, as “F. Ghelfi & Cie”
(see further)
It can be noticed that Jean Baptiste isn’t mentioned as a brother
of Constantino in other family trees. Further explanation
will reveal the history of his participation in F.G.B.C.;
more facts will prove that J.-B. was indeed a brother
of Constantino, Laurent and Ferdinando.
The date of death that is found here of Constantin (1882)
raises questions when we see the date of
bankruptcy of Ghelfi (Constantin),
“106, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine” in 1890 (!)
An article from 6 September 1890 shows that it was
Constantino Ghelfi who first started the business in
selling grinding- and sharpening stones, together with
Malaspinas Léopold & Capriata-Démosthênes Jean;
1890/ 6 September
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
“déclarant en état de faillite ouverte: 1e Ghelfi (Constantin);
2e Malaspinas (Léopold); 3e Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean)
… le commerce de pierres et meules à aiguiser,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
“declaring a state of open bankruptcy: 1st Ghelfi (Constantin);
2nd Malaspinas (Léopold); 3th Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean)
… the business sharpening- and grindstones,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
Link
(more information: chapter Capriata-Demosthènes)
To make things even more difficult, when we compare different
family trees, although they all undoubtedly refer to the same
Constantino Ghelfi, with the same parents, same wife, same
brother Laurent (or Lorenzo), they all have a total different
year of death, or other children…
(just click on each name to open a direct link to the site):
Costantino GHELFI (°1850 – †?)
married Maria Adele TARANTOLA (°ca 1863 – †?)
children:
Paul Diedonné GHELFI (°1882 – †?)
Valentine Victorine GHELFI (°1890 – †1970)
Baptiste August Seraphin GHELFI (°1892 – †1950)
Constantin GHELFI (°1850 – †1882)
married Adele TARANTOLA (°1854 – †after 1909)
children:
Valentin GHELFI (°1872 – †after 1909)
Louis GHELFI (°1880 – †?)
Paul Dieudonne GHELFI (°1882 – †?) married 1 March 1909
with Marthe Flore Henriette CREPIN (°1870 – †1946)
CONSTANTINO GHELFI (°1850 – †1902)
married (1873)
MARIA ADELINA TARANTOLA (°ca 1851 – †after 1902)
children:
VALENTINO GHELFI (°1873 – †?)
MARIA ROSA TEOLINDA GHELFI (°1886 – †?)
How difficult and time consuming it may be to find the actual truth,
it is possible to find some interesting facts.
So let us try to put things in order:
Documented events of the Ghelfi’s in chronological order:
1883
“Bardotti & Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Bardotti et Ghelfi, meules en grès et pierres à aiguiser, Faub.-St-Antoine, 106”
“Bardotti & Ghelfi, sandstone grind- and sharpening stones,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
Link
This company was most probably owned by:
“Bardotti“, “Laurent Ghelfi” & “Constantin Ghelfi” (see further)
1885
Formation of the company “Bardotti & Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Bardotti et Ghelfi, meules en grès et pierres à aiguiser, Faub.-St-Antoine, 106”
“Bardotti & Ghelfi, sandstone grind- and sharpening stones,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4
This company was owned by:
“Bardotti“, “Laurent Ghelfi” & “Constantin Ghelfi” (see further)
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 Bardotti et Ghelfi
|
Link
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 Link)
” … Paris – Formation de la Société en nom collectif 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 … “
“… Paris – Formation of the company “Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie (grind- and sharpening stones),faub. St-Antoine, 106
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 … “
Link
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)
“Hélin et Cie, pierres à aiguiser, meules et grès.
Vente de confiance, passage d’Angoulême (d’Augoulême), 9.”
“Hélin & Co, sharpening stones, sandstone grindstones.
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. It was “Constantin Ghelfi” that 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
(see further, chapter “Bardotti, Giovannacci”)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Giovannacci (D.) et L. Ghelfi”, pierres à aiguiser,
rue Ste-Marguerite, 29.”
“Giovannacci (D.) & L. Ghelfi“, sharpening stones,
rue Ste-Marguerite, 29.“
Link
“Giovannacci (D.)” most probably is: Domenico GIOVANNACCI
(See further “Bardotti, Giovannacci”)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Bardotti et Ghelfi, pierres à aiguiser, meules en grès,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106”
“Bardotti et Ghelfi, sharpening stones, sandstone grindstones,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 106“
Link
·
Another company arose in 1886
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Montedonico, Ghelfi et Cie (voir pierres à aiguiser, Londres),
E. Terquem, boul. St-Martin, 15 (Paris)”
“Montedonico, Ghelfi et Cie (see sharpening stones, Londen),
E. Terquem, boul. St-Martin, 15 (Paris)”
Link
( → See “1889” to know which “Ghelfi”
worked with which “Montedonico“)
“E. Terquem, boul. St-Martin, 15 (Paris)” was probably
an agent for “Montedonico, Ghelfi et Cie”, since “E. Terquem”
is written very specifically next to “Montedonico, Ghelfi et Cie”
The address, “boul. St-Martin, 15”, belongs to “E. Terquem”.
Besides being an agent, he is also found on the page of
“libraires & éditeurs” (“booksellers & publishers”)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Terquem (Em.), commissionnaire (agent), Meslay, 22,
libraires et éditeurs, boul. St-Martin, 15 (Paris)”
Link1, Link2
1889
(archive.org Link, “The Watchmaker & jeweller,
silversmith & optician”Link)
” … the partnership … between … “Giovanni Baptista Ghelfi”
and “Joseph Montedonico“, … Hone, Oilstone, and
Grindstone Merchants, at 44 (or 54?), Great Sutton-street,
Clerkenwell, under … the firm “Montedonico, Ghelfi, and Co.“,
has been dissolved, by mutual consent, … 15th … July, 1889…
•
G.B. Ghelfi.
J. Montedonico“
Giuseppe “Joseph” Montedonico (father = Dominico Montedonico,
farmer), ° around 1850, Genoa, Italy, †4 Jan. 1895, Holborn, is listed
in the 1881 census as the head of a household (oil stone merchant)
which included his wife Mary Coleman (married 21 June, 1871,
Bristol, †1891) and several Italian-born male boarders. They had
a son Francesco “Frank” Montedonico detto Rosaio, °1879, and
a daughter Ellen, ° around 1884. Joseph remarried with
Alice (?) in 1892, Holborn.
“Joseph Montedonico” addresses:
35 Rosemary Road, Camberwell, London (Census 1881 Link)
83 Peckham Park Road, Surrey, Camberwell, London (Census 1891)
198 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, Middlesex, London (ar. 1892-’95)
and, together with “Giovanni Baptista Ghelfi“:
“Hone, Oilstone, and Grindstone Merchants” at
44 (or 54?), Great Sutton-street, Clerkenwell, London (1886 – 1889)
(Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4)
For now, I can’t proof that “Giovanni Baptista Ghelfi” was in fact
“Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi“, who worked with “Laurent Ghelfi” and
“D. Giovannacci” (see further, 1897), striking though is that
“Giovanni” is the Italian equivalent of “Jean“!
•
1889/ 24 February
Formation of the company “Ghelfi & Cie”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France 1874-1955 Link)
“Paris- Formation de la Société … “Ghelfi et Cie”,
fab. de pierres en tous genres, faub. St-Antoine, 106.
– Durée: 6 ans … “
“Paris- Formation of the company…“Ghelfi and Co.”,
fab. stones of all kinds, faub. St-Antoine, 106.
– Duration: 6 years … “
Link
1890/ 6 September
An article from 6 September 1890 clearly shows that it was
“Constantino Ghelfi” who worked at “faub St.-Antoine, 106“,
first with “Bardotti” and “Laurent Ghelfi”, then, 1889, together
with “Malaspinas Léopold” & “Capriata-Démosthênes Jean“,
they went bankrupt:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France 1874-1955 Link)
“… déclarant en état de faillite ouverte:
1e Ghelfi (Constantin); 2e Malaspinas (Léopold);
3e Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean) …
le commerce de pierres et meules à aiguiser,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
“… declaring a state of open bankruptcy:
1st Ghelfi (Constantin); 2nd Malaspinas (Léopold);
3th Capriata-Démosthènes (Jean) …
the business of sharpening- and grindstones,
faub St.-Antoine, 106 …”
Link
This also shows that “Bardotti” disappeared out of the picture
between 1886-1889…
To conclude:
The company at “faub St.-Antoine, 106”
always had 3 business partners:
≤1883-1885:
“Bardotti & Ghelfi”: Bardotti; Constantin & Laurent Ghelfi
1886:
“Bardotti, Ghelfi & Co”: Bardotti; Constantin Ghelfi; Malaspina
1889:
“Ghelfi & Co”: Constantin Ghelfi; Malaspinas;
Capriata–Démosthènes
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
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Noms des locataires
|
|
Rue Sainte-Marguerite, 27
|
Veuve FOULD (Gustave-Eugène),
née SIMONIN
(Valérie-Joséphine-Wilhelmine)
|
BARDOTTI, marchand de vins, …
|
|
Rue Sainte Marguerite, 29
|
POCHET
(Alexandre-Hector)
|
GIOVANNACCI, marchand de vins, marchant de pierres à aiguiser, …
|
Link1, Link2
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)
1890/ 1 November
A blog, “PARIS 1876-1939 : LES PERMIS DE CONSTRUIRE” shows
a building permit in which it states that “106, rue faub St.-Antoine”
was demolished for expansion of the Trousseau Hospital;
“106-126 faubourg Saint-Antoine (12e arr.)”
“Démolition pour l’agrandissement de l’hôpital Trousseau”
“1 novembre 1890 (travaux commencés)”
Link
(On 9 December 1904, “106, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine”
(12e arr.), owned by “E. Merland”, became a building with 7 floors
(Architects G. Poirier & E. Merland)
1891
After the bankruptcy in 1890, the name “Constantino Ghelfi”
isn’t found again in the papers, maybe he had passed away…
His brother “Laurent Ghelfi” kept continuing the business,
along with “D. Giovannacci“, this since 1886
The following text of 1891 seems to be a description of a
submitted trademark, used by “D.Giovannacci and L. Ghelfi“,
used on grindstones, sharpening stones,…
(books.google.be, Bulletin officiel de la propriété industrielle et commerciale 1891, p.725)
” M.p. (Marque Patentée) être apposée sur de meules,
pierres à aiguiser,…
“D. Giovannacci et L. Ghelfi”, négociants a Paris.
Cette marque est de dimensions … “
” M.p. (patented trademark) applied on grindstones,
sharpening stones,…
“D. Giovannacci and L. Ghelfi”, merchants in Paris.
This brand has dimensions … “
Link
I’m not sure, but I believe the concerned trademark was:
* G & G *
1892/ 30 October
(private collection):
A post card and stamp, resembling the coöperation
between “D.Giovannacci & L.Ghelfi“, and that they’ve
moved to “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine”
(formerly: “rue Ste-Marguerite, 29” (see 1886)):
“Stamp”: “D.Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi”,
“84, Faubourg St.-Antoine”, Paris
1893
“D.Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi“, “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine“;
their steam plant (factory) was moved from
“rue Ste-Marguerite, 29” (see 1886-1889) to “r. de Charonne, 61“
(gallica.bnf.fr Link ; Annuaire-almanach du commerce, de l’industrie,
de la magistrature et de l’administration … 1857-1908 Link)
“Giovannacci & Ghelfi, Scierie de pierres, fabr. et montage de
meules en tous genres et de toutes provenances,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 84, usine à vapeur,
r. de Charonne, 61 (anciennement, r. Ste-Marguerite, 29)”
“Giovannacci & Ghelfi, Mill stones, manuf. and mounting
grinding wheels of all kinds and from all sources,
Faub.-St-Antoine, 84, steam plant,
r. Charonne, 61 (formerly r. Ste-Marguerite, 29)”
Link
Then B. (Jean-Baptiste) Ghelfi joined (see further for more
evidence why “B. Ghelfi” is in fact “J.-B. (Jean-Baptiste) Ghelfi”):
1897/ 31 December:
The company Giovannacci D. and L. & B. Ghelfi was formed
(“84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine”)
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
“Formations de sociétés”
“Giovannacci D. et L. et B. Ghelfi” – Pierres à aiguiser … Paris”
“Formations of companies”
“Giovannacci D. and L. & B. Ghelfi” “Sharpening stones, Paris”
Link
1898/ 11 November
On old post cards of 1898, there is information to be found about a steam plant (usines a vapeur) and a waterworks factory in
Massa, Italy (usine hydraulique)
They also had a section in London and New-York!
“D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi”
“Scierie de pierres”
“Fabrique & Montage de Meules”
Bureaux et Magasins: “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine”
Usine a vapeur: “61, Rue de Charonne ”
Usine hydraulique, à Canevara, près Massa (Italie)
Succursales à Londres et New-York
“D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi”
“Sawmill of stones”
“Manufacturing & Mounting of Grindstones”
Bureaux et Magasins: “84, Faubourg St.-Antoine”
Usine a vapeur: “61, Rue de Charonne ”
Usine hydraulique, à Canevara, près Massa (Italie)
Succursales à Londres et New-York
1902
1902/ 17 January
Ghelfi (L. & B.) sold the fund/ shares
of the factory of sharpening stones at:
“84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine, Paris” to Giovannacci:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Archives commerciales de la France Link)
| Vendeurs |
Acquéreurs |
Domiciles |
Fonds vendus |
Ghelfi
(L. & B.) |
Giovannacci |
84, fg. St-Antoine |
Parts fab. pierres
à aiguiser” |
| Sellers |
Purchasers |
Address |
Funds sold |
Ghelfi
(L. & B.) |
Giovannacci |
84, fg. St-Antoine |
Shares mnf.
sharpening stones
|
Link
1902/ 1 January – 31 December
Actually, D.Giovannacci became the owner of the fund
on 1 January 1902 and resold it to Mr. Belle
on 31 December 1902
(https://books.google.be/books;
Journal des tribunaux de commerce 1910)
“… Giovannacci devint, à dater du 1 janvier 1902, seul propriétaire dudit fonds, qu’il revendit le 31 décembre 1902 à Belle,
demandeur au procès actuel … “
“… Giovannacci became, as from 1 January 1902, the
only owner of the funds, he resold it December 31, 1902
to Belle, the plaintiff in the current trial … “
Link
The building itself, not the fund, was still property of “Ghelfi”;
(https://books.google.be/books,
Journal des tribunaux de commerce 1910)
” …En ce qui touche “F. Ghelfi et Cîe”: … la preuve que ladite maison n’a été créée que pour faire échec aux droits acquis par Belle; qu’en effet, dès l’origine de sa constitution, se révèle l’intention de détourner la correspondance de l’ancienne maison, sous le prétexte que Ghelfi étant le propriétaire de l’immeuble où s’exploite son ancien fonds, devenu la propriété de Belle, toute la correspondance venue au nom de Ghelfi devait lui être remise, et ce, alors qu’il n’habite pas dans cet immeuble, et que, manifestement, les lettres qui parviennent a son nom sont des lettres commerciales destinées à Belle… “
” …Regarding “F.Ghelfi et Cie”: …proof that the concerning company was created only to defeat the rights acquired by Belle; in fact, from the beginning of its formation, there is proof of intentionally diverting the correspondence of the old company, on the pretext that Ghelfi, being the owner of the
building where his former fund was situated, which became
property of Belle, wished that all correspondence in the name
of Ghelfi was to be given to him, whilst he didn’t lived in that house. The letters that came in the name of Ghelfi were in fact letters, meant for Belle and his business… “
Link
It isn’t clear in this document who in fact was the owner,
but it must have been “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi”;
A blog, “PARIS 1876-1939 : LES PERMIS DE CONSTRUIRE”,
shows us this building permit for making a building with 7 floors:
“84 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine” (12e arr.)
Propriétaire: Ghelfi, 30 avenue Daumesnil
Architecte: Jacquemin, 30 avenue Daumesnil
Construction 7 étages
1 mai 1908
Link
On 1 May 1908, the house on “84, r. du Fg. St.-Antoine” was
property of “Ghelfi”, who was living at “30, Av. Daumesnil”
(which was an apartment where also his architect lived).
We also know from another document from 1909 (see further)
that “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi” was domiciled at:
Paris, “30, Av. Daumesnil”.
This, together with the fact that the trial was held in 1908-1909,
makes that “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi” was indeed the owner of
“84, rue du Faubourg St.-Antoine”
Later on (see chapter “Belle”) we will see that
the company of “Belle” moved in 1909 or earlier, from
“84, r. du Fg. St.-Antoine” to “87, r. du Fg. St.-Antoine”
We can find this and a lot more information in the following
two books which include a court trial of 1908-1909 of
“Belle” against “F.Ghelfi & Cie” and “J.-B. Ghelfi”:
https://books.google.be;
Journal des tribunaux de commerce 1910,
Link1, Link2
https://books.google.be;
Gazette judiciaire et commerciale de Lyon…,1910,
Link1, Link2.
The contracts of the sold fund between
“L. & B. Ghelfi” and “Giovannacci” and
“Giovannacci” and “Belle” included some clauses;
“I. ‘Tout acquéreur successif d’un fonds de commerce peut invoquer à son profit la clause aux termes de laquelle le vendeur primitif de ce fonds s’est interdit pendant une période limitée de s’intéresser, directement ou indirectement, à une industrie similaire.Toutefois, en dehors d’un concert frauduleus établi, cet acquéreur ne peut opposer cette clause qu’au vendeur en personne et non aux
membres de sa famille ou de son entourage…”
“I. ‘All successive purchasers of a business may invoke in his favor the clause under which the original seller of this fund is prohibited for a limited period to be interested, directly or indirectly, in a similar industry.
However, outside established fraud, that purchaser may
oppose this clause against the seller in person,
not to members of his family… “
“Il. Toute personne a le droit de créer un fonds de
commerce sous son nom patronymique, mais elle ne doit pas chercher à produire une confusion entre son fonds et une autre industrie similaire existant antérieurement sous le même nom…”
“Il. Everyone has the right to establish business
assets under his family name, but it may not cause
confusion between these funds and other similar existing
industry or industry, previously known
under the same name…”
“III. Le nom commercial, à moins de stipulation contraire, reste attaché au fonds de commerce vendu. Chaque
acquéreur successif est autorisé à faire usage de ce nom et ne saurait être recherché à ce sujet par un concurrent portant le même nom patronymique… “
“III. The trade name, unless otherwise indicated,
remains attached to the sold business.
Each successive purchaser is authorised to make use
of the name and can not be sought in this regard by
a competitor with the same surname… “
These clauses, in order to reduce the risk of unfair
competition, obligated “D.Giovannacci” not to be
interested in a similar trade for 30 years, the same applied
to Laurent and J.-B. Ghelfi, but for a period of ten years.
” …Giovannacci s’interdisait de s’intéresser ou de faire valoir un commerce similaire pendant trente ans,et qu’il transmettait à son successeur le bénéfice d’une clause semblable, qui stipulait que ses précédents associés
Laurent et J-B Ghelfi s’interdisaient d’une facon absolue d’exercer pendant dix ans, en France ou à l’étranger, le commerce ou la fabrication des meules et pierres à aiguiser et à polir de tous genres, et de s’intéresser directement
ou indirectement dans un commerce similaire à celui exploité par la Société D. Giovannacci, L. et B. Ghelfi …”
“…Giovannacci was forbidden to take
interest or to claim a similar trade for thirty years,
he passed the benefit of such a clause on to his successor,
in which it is stated that his previous associates
“Laurent and J.-B. Ghelfi” were forbidden in an absolute
way to exercise for ten years, in France or abroad, a
trade or manufacture of grinding- , sharpening wheels and -stones,… or to be interested directly or indirectly in a similar trade, operated by the former company
“D.Giovannacci, L. and B. Ghelfi” … “
Link
The text above proves that “B. Ghelfi” of the company
“D.Giovannacci, L. and B. Ghelfi” is indeed
J.-B. Ghelfi (Jean Baptiste)
1903
(beginning of October)
Fernand Ghelfi, who had been working at Mr. Belle, as supervisor/controller of deliveries, started a new company, in the same trade as his brothers and their former company,
under the name:
“F. Ghelfi and Co.”
at 7, rue Charlot, Paris
(https://books.google.be/books,
Gazette judiciaire et commerciale de Lyon,1910)
“… Belle c (contre) J.-B. Ghelfi et Ghelfi & Cie
Paris. – Il existait à Paris, “Rue du faubourg Saint-Antoine, 84”,
un fonds de fabrique et de vente de pierres…
•
… exploité par la société D.Giovannacci, L. et B. Ghelfi;
Attendu qu’il est acquis aux débats que, dans le commencement d’octobre 1903, Fernand (Ferdinando) Ghelfi, frére des sus-nommés, qui était resté employé chez Belle, comme cocher livreur, fonda, sous la raison sociale “F.Ghelfi et Cie” une société en commandite pour exploiter, “7, rue Charlot”, à Paris…”
“… Belle against J.-B. Ghelfi et Ghelfi & Cie
… there was in Paris, “84,Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine”,
a fund with a factory and sale of stones …
•
“… operated by the company
“D.Giovannacci, L. and B. Ghelfi”;
Whereas it is not disputed that in the beginning of October
1903, Fernand (Ferdinando) Ghelfi, brother of the
above-named, who had been employed at “Belle”,
as supervisor/controller of deliveries, founded
“F.Ghelfi and Co.”, a limited partnership,
“7, rue Charlot”, Paris …”
Link
In 1908, “Belle” accused “F.Ghelfi & Cie”
of practising unfair competition
Fernand Ghelfi, in contrast to his brothers Laurent and
J.-B. Ghelfi, had the right to start up a new company under
his family name, because he had nothing to do with the
previous company of his brothers.
By creating the company “F.Ghelfi & Cie” , Fernand Ghelfi caused confusion though with the former company with the same name. He had taken advantage of his name, Ghelfi, that was well known (because of his brothers) in the stone industry.
“… qu’il est établi que la confusion a été entretenue dans l’esprit de la clientèle … notamment, des lettres adressées rue Charlot,au siège de la Société Ghelfi et cie, sous le nom de Belle,par un client de celui-ci, ont été conservées par la maison Ghelfi et Cie, qui en a profité pour solliciter les ordres du client en question, lequel avait cru que le siège de l’ancienne maison Ghelfi avait été transféré à cette nouvelle adresse…”
“… it is established that the confusion was maintained in the minds of customers … including letters, send by a client of “Belle”, addressed to rue Charlot, the headquarters of the company “Ghelfi & Cie“. These letters were being retained by “Ghelfi & Cie“, who had taken the opportunity to solicit orders to the client in question, who believed that the seat of the old house Ghelfi was transferred to this new address…”
Link
“F.Ghelfi & Cie” was accused of setting up “F.Ghelfi & Cie” and
misusing the name of the former company as a mean to
divert clients to the new company.
Since he had worked for Belle at “84, r. du Faubourg St-Antoine”, he had access to lists of clients and catalogs. Ghelfi copied the catalogs (even with the same mistakes in them) of the successors of his brothers and used them as means to divert the correspondence to his new company, “7, rue Charlot, Paris”.
(https://books.google.be/books,
Journal des tribunaux de commerce 1910)
“…Attendu enfin que F. Ghelfi et Cie ont constitué un
catalogue de leurs produits, dans lequel ils reproduisent
servilement les termes du catalogue de Belle,
dont ils s’approprient même les erreurs…”
“…Considering finally that “F.Ghelfi & Cie” had a
catalog of their products, in which they slavishly
reproduced the terms of the catalog of Belle,
they even had taken over the same mistakes…”
Link
“J.-B. Ghelfi” (Jean Baptiste) in his turn was accused for being interested in the business by financially sponsoring Fernand Ghelfi, in order to help him setting up the business; he was found not guilty
“F.Ghelfi & Cie” had put a counterclaim against Belle, that he had misused the name “Ghelfi”
“… Sur la demande reconventionnelle :
Attendu que F. Ghelfi et Cie prétendent que Belle
aurait cherché à créer une confusion entre sa maison et
la leur, en apposant sur son magasin, en lettres
apparentes, le nom de Ghelfi, et qu’il y aurait
lieu de lui faire défense de faire figurer
ce nom sur sa devanture,
aussi bien que sur ses imprimés …”
“… The counterclaim:
Whereas “F. Ghelfi & Cie” claim that Belle would have
sought to create confusion between his house and theirs,
by placing the name “Ghelfi” in bold letters on his store,
and in their defence, it would be appropriate to include
his name on the front, as well as on printed papers …”
The court stated that “Belle” had bought the fund “Giovannacci D. and L. & B. Ghelfi”, and that “Belle” had the right to use the name “Ghelfi”. Since this name is part of the fund, the name is actually
being sold together with the fund.
Fernand Ghelfi and his company “F.Ghelfi & Cie” were found guilty for unfair competition, but it wasn’t necessary to close
“F. Ghelfi & Cie” at “7, rue Charlot”.
“Attendu que tous ces faits démontrent à l’évidence le manque de scrupules de la Société “F. Ghelfi et Cie”, et constituent des actes de concurrence déloyale; qu’il n’y a pas lieu, toutefois, d’ ordonner la fermeture du fonds litigieux celui-ci étant entre les mains de Fernand Ghelfi et d’un commanditaire”
“Whereas all these facts show clearly the lack of scruples of the Company “F. Ghelfi & Cie”, and showing acts of unfair competition; it is not necessary, however, to order the closure of the disputed funds, property of Fernand Ghelfi and a sponsor“
Link
The mentioned sponsor is most probably “Jean-Baptiste Ghelfi”.
There is no mentioning of Laurent Ghelfi in this article, besides that he was one of the previous associates of “D. Giovannacci”.
1904
Although it was “F.Ghelfi & Cie”, “7, r. Charlot”, Paris,
we also see “Ghelfi & Cie”:
(gallica.bnf.fr Link; Annuaire du bâtiment, des travaux publics
et des arts industriels… / Sageret – 1904 Link)
” … Meules en grès a aiguiser et a moudre
Ghelfi et Cie, r. Charlot, 7 …”
Link
Being at “7, rue Charlot”, this has to be “F. Ghelfi & Cie”,
1907/ 29 March
(courtesy of Sebastian, razorlovestones.wordpress)
“Manufacture et Montage de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser & a Polir”
“F. Ghelfi & Cie”
Ateliers Bureaux & Magasins
“7, Rue Charlot, Paris”
1909/ 1 March
The document of the “marriage between
Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi & Marthe Crepin” (1/3/1909),
(http://archivesenligne.pasdecalais.fr/ Link )
describes:
Ghelfi Valentin, domiciled at “7,Rue Charlot”, traveling salesman,
brother of Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi (sons of Constantino Ghelfi)
and
Ghelfi Jean Baptiste, domiciled at Paris “30,Av. Daumesnil”,
47y. in 1909, uncle of Paul Dieudonné Ghelfi (see previously)
1910/ 26 August
“Ferdinand Ghelfi” was still active in the business;
http://www.kiosque-lorrain.fr/ L’est Républicain No. 8404.,
Vendredi 26 Août 1910
“Chaudière non contrôlée. — M. Grandidier, contrôleur des mines à Nancy, a trouvé à Vacqueville, dans une carrière, une chaudière à vapeur dont le contrôle n’avait pas été fait conformément à la loi. Le propriétaire de la machine, M.Ghelfi Ferdinand, industriel à Paris, est condamné à 16 fr. d’amende.”
“Uncontrolled furnace. – Mr Grandidier mines controller at Nancy, found in Vacqueville in a quarry a steam furnace whose control had not been done according to law. The owner of the machine, M.Ghelfi Ferdinand, industrial in Paris, was sentenced to a fine of 16 French franks.”
Link
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 Link)
| Sellers |
Purchasers |
Funds sold |
| Galtié |
Ghelfi |
Grindstones, 80, St.Maur.
|
Link
more information: chapter “Zanarelli, Galtié”
1912
The period of ten years in which it was forbidden for Laurent and J.-B. Ghelfi to practice their trade in an absolute way came to an end. If they wanted to, they again were allowed to set up a business as before. Around this period we begin to see “F.Ghelfi & Cie”,
but now with Birolleau also being involved.
I would think that it is perfectly possible that one or more of the brothers Fernand, Laurent and Jean-Baptiste could be in control of the company “F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies”, but chances are that only “Ferdinand Ghelfi” was still active in the stone business.
As we will further see, chances are that Laurent Ghelfi wasn’t part
of the business anymore, because he possibly had moved
back to Italy (1902-1909…)
1912 – 1913
(Private collection)
or earlier, 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:
“Manufacture et Montage
de Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser & a Polir”
“F. Ghelfi & Cie”
“Maisons F.Ghelfi & Cie Birolleau réunies”
“7, Rue Charlot, Paris”
First located at “7, Rue Charlot”, later also at
“47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris” (since 1922 or earlier).
The “maisons” or “houses / establishments” of
“F.Ghelfi & cie” and “Birolleau” became united.
(see chapter Birolleau for deeper insights)
1913-1925
(see further, chapter Birolleau)
1925
In search of who was active of the Ghelfi’s, we see that many
directories since 1925, only had records of Ghelfi Valentin,
“80, St.-Maur, Paris” who sold razor-, grind-, sharpening stones, corundum stones, oil- , sandstones,…
In those directories, “F.Ghelfi & Cie” isn’t found; what can be found is “Birolleau” and “Belle”, both being in the same business as “Valentin Ghelfi”
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel.
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4, Link5
“Ghelfi (Valentin), 80, r. St-Maur, Paris”
1926
Some directories contained “Ghelfi & Cie, but as we further
will see, the company was probably owned by Birolleau
(see chapter Birolleau)
(https://books.google.be/books, Le Génie rural,1926 Link)
“Ghelfi Cie”, Anc. Etabl., “47, rue de Saintonge”
1935
Thereafter, since 1935, only
“Vve (= widow) Valentin” is mentioned in directories;
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel;
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4, Link5, Link6, Link7
“GHELFI (Vve Valentin)”, “80, r. St-Maur, Paris”
Pierres et meules à aiguiser. Meules montées.
This is also the case in directories of:
1938
(gallica.bnf.fr Link, Annuaire industriel;
Répertoire général de la production française Link)
Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4, Link5, Link6, Link7
Apparently, Valentin Ghelfi must have passed away
between 1925 and 1935. Every Valentin, mentioned in
previous family trees (although with different birth dates,
different brothers, sisters,…), could fit in this story (besides
a female Valentine, °1890 – †1970, found in the first family tree)
1939/ 22 July
(Private collection)
“Manufacture de pierres à aiguiser en tous génres et qualités”
“Monsieur le Chevalier (decorated) Laurent Ghelfi”
“Agent consulaire de la republique de Honduras”
“(Massa-Carrara) – Pontremoli – Italy”
Apparently “Sir Laurent Ghelfi” went back to Italy
(Pontremoli – MS), as consultant of the Embassy of Honduras.
Now, we know there was a factory in Massa…
We also know by investigating geneanet.org Link,
(click on the following names for further information),
that one of the children of the first marriage of
“Laurent GHELFI“, “Anita Marie Rose GHELFI”
(°19/11/1886, Paris, “99, rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine”),
died 11/6/1974, Pontremoli ( MS ), at the age of 87 years.
She married 14 September 1909, Mulazzo ( MS ),
with “Ernesto ZAMPETTI“
So, their daughter had moved back to Italy in 1909 or earlier,
possibly Laurent Ghelfi went along with her…
When noticing that the second wife of “Laurent GHELFI“ ,
“Diomira Anna Pia MICHELONI“, also moved to Italy
(died 17 January 1968, Milano, 103 y.), this is an indication
that this would indeed be a possibility.
An additional indicator of when “Laurent” was
still living in Paris, can be found in family trees;
“Albert Laurent Luois Seraphine GHELFI“, from his
second marriage, was born 11 November 1891,
“99, rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine”.
Together, along with the fact that Laurent Ghelfi, and his
brother, sold the fund / shares of the factory of sharpening
stones at “84, Rue du Faubourg St-Antoine, Paris”
on 1902/ 17 January, it is possible that Laurent
moved back to Italy between 1902-1909…
Questions about who were in fact the owners of “F.G.B.C.“,
and questions about the fact that in neither of the directories
1925-1938 “F.Ghelfi & Cie” is found, are maybe better
understood by investigating the Birolleau family…
⇐ Previous chapter: “F.G.B.C., Introduction”
⇒ Next chapter: “Birolleau family”
:
Razorlovestones 
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