Doing my research on sharpening stones and razor hones, old pricelists are a very important resource for a lot of lost details and information. The knowledge about vintage stone types and the knowledge about old logos and trademarks are very helpful and this adds a lot of more importance to my Company profiles.
Sometimes when beeing into a research sharing all information available you own is not a good idea, because you need to keep information strictly for you. But finishing the work i thought it would be great to have the knowledge available for everbody out there. Thats why i will start to release the available pricelists i own from some of the companies i did researches of. Have fun and enjoy reading those.
This section will be updated part by part, so check back from time to time.
Category Archives: Company Profiles
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.
F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie (F.G.B.C.), Paris
ANNOUNCEMENT / DEUTSCHE VERSION / ENGLISH VERSION
Content:
1. F.G.B.C. = Ferdinand(o) Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie.
2. Historical approach and Italian roots
3. Old Pictures from the store F. Ghelfi & Cie. at 7, Rue de Charlot
4. The Trademarks from F.G.B.C.
5. The Quarries from F.G.B.C.
6. Steige, possibly origin of the fine red razor hones ?
7. Products and services from F.G.B.C.
8. Razor Hones “Pierre aiguiser LA LUNE”
9. Classification of the “LA LUNE” and “Special Stones”
10. La Lune and Special Stones from other suppliers?
11. A promise on quality!
The warranty card, or the “Bulletin de Garantie”
12. Combo Stones “Combinaison Stone” AD12 / AD20
13. Scythe Stones “Pierre a faux” made of Pierre Natural de Saurat
14. Arkansas Stones
15. other Stones made by F.G.B.C.
16. The F.G.B.C. “Prix Courant” / Price List from 1974
17. Unknown Products
18. F.G.B.C. on the bigger trade fairs?
19. F.G.B.C. and Manufrance
20. Collection and how to identify french stones
1. F.G.B.C. = Ferdinand(o) Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie.
“Manufacture & Montage De Meules, Pierres a Aiguiser et a Polir”
Production & Assembling of abrasive wheels, sharpening stones and polishing stones. The company was founded from Ferdinand(o) Ghelfi in 1903, which then existed besides the company from L. & B. Ghelfi which was under control of Belle.
The following changes are documented:
F. Ghelfi & Cie., 7 Rue de Charlot, Paris (1916/1922)
F. Ghelfi & Cie., 47, rue de Saintonge, Paris (1933) – relocation
F. Ghelfi Birolleau & Cie., 47, rue de Saintonge, Paris (1974)
change of company name and owner.
Besides these changes there are predecessor companies which for have a close connection to F. Ghelfi & Cie. I created a overview of those companies which you can find on the first part of the story here:
D. Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi “Établissements Belle”,
87 Rue Faubourg St. Antoine (M.P.O.P.)
2. Historical approach and Italian Roots
In concerns of my researches and to the predecessors companies its impossible to miss the connection to Italy. Doing more research of the Italian family names “Bardotti”, “Giovannacci” and “Ghelfi” i found a lot of evidence to the old towns Pontremoli, Mulazzo and Montereggio (Mulazzo) in the historical region Luningiana. All of the families are well bonded together during many centuries which makes it somewhat complicated to get their connection easily together.
During the winter time it was very cold and the people suffered from hunger, many inhabitants had to sell goods on the streets. Many left their home and families and went down the Emilia-Romagna or the Lombardy. They had to strife their life as street dealers and they sold icons/holy images also musical instruments and razor hones[1]
Luckily Jethro (Fikira) was interested to create a more detailed interpretation about the connection of the families and people being involved into that business during the centuries. That’s why i will leave out “too detailed” information and focus on general issues and pictures.
This is article can be found under:
Who were the People behind F.G.B.C. ?
written by Jehro (aka Fikira)
3. Old Pictures from the Store F. Ghelfi & Cie.
at 7, Rue de Charlot
During my research i found a old picture from the store of the brothers Ghelfi (ital.: fratelli, the brothers were Carlo, Constantino, Ferdinando, Lorenzo and Jean-Baptiste). The picture was taken from the times where their business was at 7, Rue de Charlot, Paris.[2] Also today the distinctive building structure can be seen.
(C) RLS / Razorlovestones, used by permission of Andrea G. Hollat
Here are some newer pictures from the old location of F. Ghelfi & Cie. at 7, Rue de Charlot, Paris, one is an actual shot, the others are from vintage postcards which i bought:
© 2017 / all rights reserved by Razorlovestones “RLS”
used by permission of Alan (Mister Wilson)
© 2017 / all rights reserved by Razorlovestones “RLS”
© 2017 / all rights reserved by Razorlovestones “RLS”
Here are some newer Google Street View pictures from the
old location of F. Ghelfi & Cie. at 7, Rue de Charlot, Paris:
Here are some newer Google Street View pictures from the
old store at 47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris:
4. The Trademarks and Logos from F.G.B.C.
Actually there have been several “trademarks” or “main products” where logos have been created to promote the products sold on the market. They show up partly on their own, sometimes combined on the products. These were the following:
Letterhead “La Lune”
F.G.B.C. in a circle:
Moonface , “Special Stone only for Good Razors”,
Straight Razor and F.G.B.C. in a circle
Moonface in a rhomb “Pierre La Lune” exiger La Marque F.G.B.C. (print from old envelope)
Pierre La Lune a Faux (print from old envelope)
Moonface in a square
“Ne`demandez pas, l’une ou l’autre, mais…LA LUNE”
“Don’t ask for one or the other, ask for….LA LUNE”
5. The quarries from F.G.B.C.
This topic is more or less the most un-researched within the history of F.G.B.C. and its predecessors companies . All quarries which were under position of F.G.B.C. have been listed and documented on the old invoices and letterheads. Up to date it looks like that none of those quarries has been extensively researched and more or less only a bit or no information is available. Those were the quarries named on the letterheads:
La Nouvelle, La Vaûte, La Parisienne
(Gare Merviller-Vacqueville)
Neufmaison, La Boulaye
(Gare Pexonne)
Béménil-Bas, Bréménil-Haut, La Parisienne
(Gare Badonviller)
Its possible that there is a connection between their Trademark
“La Lune” and “Luneville”. In near range of Merviller (Quarry of the Birolleau Family) Chateau Luneville is situated. So probably the use of the moon symbol is grounded on some personal experiences and memories.
Other approaches were made in France, so it is told that down Merviller (Lorraine) desert like conditions were existent in the past. Because of these conditions fine sand deposits combined with iron oxide built up very fine stone layers.[3] Also there is an entry about a quarry named “Carrière de grès Birolleau” down in Merviller which might be the quarry were the fine sandstone for Grinding wheels had its origin.[4]
6. Steige the origin of the fine red razor hones ?
Within the research i also asked Mr. Wilson if he would ask back some of the geological departments in France about the red fine razor hones sold as “LA LUNE”. Within this research we got a reply from the University of Nancy, department of geology. Actually Steige was mentioned as a region where these stones might have their origin. Further more research revealed that near Steige sharpening stones seem to have been quarried, but no more details were known or documented.
Another type of slate stone known in this region is a schist type named “Schiste Lie de Vin de Steige”. The stone itself just from its chemical composition shows good properties to be a sharpening stone. It contains 59,3% quartz (SiO2), 22% aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and 7,3% iron oxide (Fe2O3). So if we ever can find a connection to the fine razor hones ? We’ll see in future!
7. Products and Services from F.G.B.C.
F.G.B.C.’s business was not only the quarrying and selling of the stones. They also focused on technical services in terms of building up complete machines of grinding stones.
Here is an older price list from the competitor company as it was
running under L. Belle:
Besides these two core businesses they were importers of stones and abrasives from different countries all over the word. Probably they focused on different businesses to offer a wider range of products and services, or to offer combined solutions on certain special applications.
They sold the following products:
Arkansas and Washita Stones
Turkey Oil Stones (Pierre Du Levante, Pierre Du L’est)
Razor Hones “LA LUNE”
Razor Hones “SPECIAL STONE FOR GOOD RAZORS”
other razor hones / sharpening Stones
They also sold abrasives like silicium carbide, corundum, big grinding wheels made out of emery or sandstone (white, grey and red) and the fine razor hones which are known as “Pierre La Lune” and “Special Stone only for Good Razors”.
Besides these standard products they sold also razor strops and pastes to be used on the strops.
8. Razor Hones “Pierres a Aiguiser”
The razor hones sold as “Pierre aiguiser LA LUNE” are very fine razor hones which work the best when oil or a water/gylcerine solution is used. There are different interpretations within the razor scene how these stones should be used best. I yield the best results using glycerine/water mixture. The most important for me besides any interpretation is the proposal beeing made from F.G.B.C. as a seller of the stones.
F.G.B.C. never announced the stones to be used with water, they were always announced to be used with oil. Additionally the results with water are in my point of view not comfortable enough. Additionally the stones sold as “Pierres Belges de Lorraine et du Levant” which is the same slate as the purple La Lune stones should be used with oil
9. Qualities/Grades of the Razor Hones
“LA LUNE” and “SPECIAL STONES”
Many of those stones can be found with rectangular stamps. If the stamps are still visible depends on the condition of the ink. Sometimes they are only visible very faint, sometimes you only see the letters because the areas around the stamp dries faster then the are were the stamp was printed on. The stamp itself shows a rectangular frame where the quality/grade of the stone is printed inside. The qualities were:
Some examples how those stamps do look like:
Normally those stones were stamped in the qualities with fine, very fine and extra fine. In January 2016 the first time a stone was sold on Ebay
(Art. No. 221991500339, in size 17×4,2x2cm, 400gr.) which showed a comparable stamp. But this one wasn’t stamped as usual, it had a stamp with the wording “RAZOR HONE” in french “PIERRE A RASOIR”. I actually believe this was one of the newer stones which were sold from F.G.B.C. on the market.
10. “LA LUNE” and “SPECIAL STONE ONLY FOR GOOD RAZORS” from other Suppliers
Actually we are not sure if F.G.B.C. was the only seller of the fine
“LA LUNE” and “SPECIAL STONE ONLY FOR GOOD RAZORS” slate stones. Its possible that the quarry owner also sold their products to other suppliers. So ist not clear up to date if the stones being sold from Manufrance (“Pierres Belges de Lorraine et du Levant”) or the Stones sold as “Pierre de L’est bleue” were sold from F.G.B.C./Giovannacci to other sellers or from the quarry owners directly.
Theory No. 1 – regional quarrying operations
Especially on the french market serveral stones appeared which might get connected to the LA LUNE and SPECIAL STONES. Beside of those stones, there are often stones appearing without any stamps or any label. I myself got one in very unusual size (18x9cm) which seems that they have never been offered in these sizes officially. So my first theory is that they might have been sold also regionally which is nothing unusual compared to other types of natural hones.
The second theory is, that it might be that also F.G.B.C. just bought these stones from another company or quarry owner and sold these under their trademark. That could explain that also others might have bough these stones from the quarry owner and sold these types of stones under their own trademark.
The third theory is just that to a certain time the stones from F.G.B.C. haven’t been labelled or stamped! Its hard to prove those theories either combined or each standing by its own, but i think these are realistic theories. We will find out some time in future!
10.1. Pierre aux Croissants (S.D.P.)
We are today not sure if the stones labelled as “Pierre aux Croissants” are from a competitor or from a follow up company of FGBC. In concerns of this specific topic there are three theories up to date.
Theory 1: Societé de Distribution et de Promotion
It showed an additional Logo with a Cirlcle and the shortcuts S.D.P. (Societé de Distribution et de Promotion) which could stand for a trading or distribution company or just a cooperation Partner who had the rights to sell their quarried stones under that Special Trademark. This has to be further more researched!
Theory 2: J. Delaunay
Another trace is a company which had also a abrasive business in Paris. J. Delaunay also used a moon with a face in their Tradmark, so this might be a hint towards the Pierre Aux Croissants stones.
Theory 3: Connection to Severin Robert Droescher
The Ghelfis had a longer business with Severin Robert Droescher (S.R.D.). So there is a chance that S.D. stands for Severin Droescher, right now i don’t know what the P could stand for.
10.2. Pierre de L’est Bleue
Also there are exiting stones with a totally different label, which was shown on Razorandstone from Modine. I asked Modine if i can show the pictures here, so here they are! This one was labelled
“Pierre de L’est Blue”.
10.3. Pierre Aiguiser LA LUNE (T&T)
Those stones appeared in France with the typical La Lune Label. Additionally the stones as the wooden box showed another logo or trademark which is a double Flag with T&T.
10.4. Pierres Belges, De Lorraine et Du Levant
Those stones appear in a very nice wooden Box on top the Logo of MF Manufrance St. Etienne Manufacture Francaise D’Armes et Cycles. The ones i’ve seen so far re-sample the PURPLE LA LUNE stones. The sawmarks on the sides and the coloration makes it easy to identify thos stones as “LA LUNE” Stones.
Another documented case where stones have been officially mislabelled. Actually i believe that during these times the belgian Stones have been
© 2020 / all rights reserved by Razorlovestones “RLS”
used by permission of Craig D.
11. A promise on quality! The warranty card,
or the “Bulletin de Garantie”
F.G.B.C. was concerned to give a promise on the quality of their products, surely with the intention to convince their customers and create a long binding to them. The “Bulletin de Garantie” was delivered with the fine “LA LUNE” and “SPECIAL STONES”.
Bulletin de Garantie (french original)
“La Pierre à huile à rasoirs naturelle “LA LUNE” ne peut être comparée à aucune autre. La finesse de son grain, sa pureté minéralogique permettent un aiguisage rationell et parfait, SANS DOMMAGE POUR L’ACIER. Une sélection rigoureuse de la matière première, provenant des meilleures carrières, une main-d’oeuvre spécialisée, utilisant des procédés millénaires font de cette pierre, LA PREMIERE MARQUE INCONTESTÉE du MARCHÉ MONDIAL.
N.B. – Soucieux des vos interests, votre fournisseur habituel vous conseiller a la marque “LA LUNE”. Seule pierre pouvant donner une satisfaction absolute. la Perfection dans la qualité !”
Warranty Card (englisch translation)
“The natural oil stone for razors “La Lune” cannot compared to any other stone. The fineness of the particles and his mineralogical purity enables efficiently and perfect honing without any damage to the steel.
The careful first choice from the best quarries, specialized workforce and long established methods make these stones uncontested to the Number Ones trademark of the world.
N.B. – Soucieux des vos interests, votre fournisseur habituel vous conseiller a la marque “LA LUNE”. This stone will satisfy you. Perfection in Quality!”
12. Combination Stones “Combinaison Stone”
12. Combination Stones “Combinaison Stone”
These are ones of the most interesting combinations stones being around. The stones were sold as “Combinaison Stone” under the article numbers AD12 (120x60mm) and AD20 (200x50mm). The stones are glued on a midsection of wood. Each side of the wooden box has a lid. Sometimes the lids were labelled with stickers or both wordings “La Lune” and “New Master Stone” were printed or punched inside of the lids.
13. Scythe Stones “Pierre a faux” made of Pierre Natural de Saurat
It seems that already in the earlier times there was a cooperation between F.G.B.C. and one of the older quarry owners who marketed the shale sandstones . The Quarry which is in the region of the Pyrenees down the Valley of Saurat. One of the more known Families running the business over three generations was the Cuminetti family. In 2006 the quarry was taken over form Mr. Alain Soucille who still runs the business to these days. The scythe stones appeared under the names of many different companies and under all kinds of different trade names and qualities.
Their page of Mr. Alain Soucille can be found here:
http://www.pierre-a-aiguiser-naturelle.com
14. Arkansas Stones from F.G.B.C.
As being a big importer of all kinds of sharpening stones also F.G.B.C. did import Arkansas Stones from the United states of America. Actually a lot of the companies dealing with sharpening stones and their supplies did this during the 19th century. They imported the stones and sold them on the local market under their own trademark. A very nice example appeared in 2015 and could be bought from a member of a German wet shaving board. Many thanks to Jörg (Jollo74) who did agreed that i can use this pictures here!
15. Other Stones made by F.G.B.C.
15.1. New Master Stone
F.G.B.C. has, as many other suppliers and producers of abrasives, used the trends to produce and sell men made stones. These stones were made out of Silicon Carbide D48.
15.2. R.C. La Lune “Extra-Fine”
Another “Special Stone” which was produced from F.G.B.C.. It reminds me a bit of the stones which have been produced from JGES and were named “Reform Brocken”. It is impossible to proof from which material/abrasives these stones were made. It is possible that for one of those sides dust from “LA LUNE” stones has been used.
16. F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie. Prix Courant “Price List from 1974”
In 2014 FERDI (a member of Coupe-Chou Club and SRP) finds an old price list from F.G.B.C. from the year 1974 and shares it thankfully with the community. That was a really important step to become an overview of the prices and the products F.G.B.C. sold on the market.
After talking back to FERDI he wanted to support the Razorlovestones Project. I really wanted to show that price list here in that company profile. Also here a big thank you to FERDI for the permission to use the price list here !
17. Unknown Products
During the last years several different products appeared which were not mentioned in the old Prix Courant / Pricelist from FERDI. There were f.ex. a “Pierre a Rasoir Naturelle LA LUNE” and “Double Face Extra Extra”. And the stone which i mentioned earlier with the ink stamp “PIERRE RASOIR”. Then there were those Razor Hones and Belgium Coticules with the double half moon labelled “Pierre Aux Croissants”.
Probably those products were sold by competitors or from predecessor companies of F.G.B.C.. Either those could have been sold in a time frame before or after the price list from 1974.
18. F.G.B.C. on the bigger trade fairs?
Looking back from today we are sure that the Ghelfis’ and their predecessors companies were also active on the bigger trade fairs. This is visible on some of the older Letterheads, besides this there are some old entries. F.G.B.C. received the following medal:
1894: London International Exhibition, Crystal Palace
1895: London International Exhibition, Alexandra Palace
1904: International Fair in Florence, Big Price and Gold Medal
19. F.G.B.C. and Manufrance
A french catalog company called “Manufrance”, which is still existent today, sold the Stones from F.G.B.C. during a certain time frame. So sometimes we find stones from F.G.B.C. which shows a MF “Manufrance Saint-Étienne” lable which was glued on the stones. Actually till today it wasnt possible to find a reference to these stones in the old Manufrance catalogues.
20. Collection and how to identify french stones
These are most of the stones from my collection which i got from France. Buying stones in France will also bring up very different types mostly out of Europe. I experienced to find the following types of stones in order of their appearance:
Coticules
Thuringian Stones
Washita / Arkansas Stones
Sometimes UK Slates in black and violet appear, also with a certain regularity Llyn Idwal Stones. So this makes it not too hard to compare the rare French Razor Hones with those types.
Sometimes it happens that a black/grey or grey/brownish stone appears. They show up a comparable glittering. In most cases these are a Pierre Naturelle de Saurat. These are also sold today with a lablel marked “Pierre à Menuiser”. These stones are less fine then the razor hones. I would rate them in between 4K-8K, some might be finer.
The main identifiers for the fine razor hones is in my point of view the type of metallic / bronze appearance of the stones. Talking about the violet/purple variant of the stones they will show up with a typical pattern and will have a bronze look. Talking about the blue/green metallic stones you will see that these show a metallic glittering in the light. The color ranges from a lighter grey-blue towards a blue-green, its also possible the greener areas appear in the stone. These show also the typical pockmarks which looks like little cracks (0,2-0,5mm) in the middle of these cracks you can see a darker spot.
From left to right:
Pierre Naturelle de Saurat (120x60x20mm)
Pierre Naturelle de Saurat (140x70x18mm)
Blue Metallic Razor Hone (140x70x22mm)
Pierre La Lune Combinaison Stone AD12 (120x60x18mm)
Special Stone only for Good Razors (180x45x22mm)
Pierre La Lune Combinaison Stone AD20 (200x50x25mm)
Violet/Purple Razor Hone (165x95x15mm)
Pierre La Lune (120x60x22mm)
Pierre La Lune (100x50x22mm)
Pierre La Lune (90x32x20mm)
Chronology of used Documents and Pictures:
1889
Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie. Pricelist
106, Rue de Faubourg, Saint-Antoine, 106
1893
D. Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi Pricelist 01.01.1893
84, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
Steamplant: 61 Rue de Charonne
Succursales in New York und London
1894
D. Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi Cheque 31.01.1894
84, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
1897
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi Cheque 25.11.1897
84, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
1898
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi
Office and Storage: 84, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
Steamplant: 61 Rue de Charonne
Succursales in New York und London
1903
D. Giovannacci & L. Belle Invoice 06.06.1903
84, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
Steamplant: 61 Rue de Charonne
Usine Hydraulique a Cartaro pres. Mass (Italy)
1909
L. Belle Cheque 18.03.1909
87, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
(CI-Devant 84 mème Rue)
1916
L. Belle Succr Letter 28.12.1916
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi
87, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
(CI-Devant 84 mème Rue)
1920
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Cheque and Invoice 20.06.1922
Maisons F. Ghelfi & Cie. et Birolleau réunies
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1922
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Letter 21.04.1922
Maisons F. Ghelfi & Cie. et Birolleau réunies
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1922
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Invoice 12.05.1922
Maisons F. Ghelfi & Cie. et Birolleau réunies
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1923
L. Belle Succr Envelope 27.06.1923
Maison D. Giovannacci & L. & B. Ghelfi
87, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
(CI-Devant 84 mème Rue)
1925
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Letter 12.12.1925
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1926
L. Belle Letter 29.03.1926
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi
87, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
(CI-Devant 84 mème Rue)
1931
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Invoice 12.12.1925
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1933
F. Ghelfi & Cie. Letter 30.10.1933
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris (Annexe, 7 rue de Charlot)
1935
Établissements Belle (Veuve Valentin Ghelfi Propriétaire)
Letter 22.08.1935
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi
87, Rue Du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
(CI-Devant 84 mème Rue)
1952
F. Ghelfi Birolleau & Cie. Invoice 11.06.1952
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
1966
F. Ghelfi Birolleau & Cie. Letter
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
1974
F. Ghelfi Birolleau & Cie. Pricelist 01.04.1974
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
1985
F. Ghelfi Birolleau & Cie. Letter
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
2015
Pictures from Mr. Wilson 13.10.2015
84, Rue du Faubourg, Saint Antoine
Picture Gallery:
References:
[1] http://iltirreno.gelocal.it
[2] Adriana G. Hollet – “Monteregio Pozzo E Parana”, Page 152
[3] http://genetk.overblog.com
[4] http://www.culture.gouv.fr
Many thanks to:
Alan (Mr. Wilson), Jethro (Fikira), Peter (Hatzicho), Jean (Ferdi), Mike (Modine), Jörg (Jollo74), Nicolas (Vierge de Fer), Craig D. and Andrea G. Hollat.
Without your work or contribution the article would not be that detailled and informative as it is now!
Pictures used by permission of:
Andrea G. Hollat
Craig D.
Hatzicho (Peter)
Jörg (Jollo74)
Mike (Modine)
Nicolas (Vierge de Fer)
© text and pictures
RAZOR LOVE STONES
created: 02.02.2016 / edited: 09.01.2020
PROFILE – 002
D. Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi “Établissements Belle”, 87 Rue Faubourg St. Antoine (M.P.O.P.) english
Eine neue Geschichte über F.G.B.C. (F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie.)
02.02.2016
DE – Eine neue Geschichte über F.G.B.C. (F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie.)
Bevor ich tiefer in die Details diese Firmenprofiles eingehe möchte ich gerne einigen wichtigen Personen danken die mich bei der Erstellung des Profils wesentlich unterstützt haben! Menschen die anscheinend ein genauso großes Interesse an der Geschichte von F.G.B.C. und an der Suche der Herkunft der feinen französischen Steine haben. Viele Stunden an geschriebenen Emails, fast hundert versendete Bilder und viele gestellte, beantwortete und unbeantwortete Fragen. Und wie so oft wäre diese geleistete Arbeit nicht machbar ohne Hilfe, Übersetzung und Interpretation zu spezifischen Inhalten – Deshalb spreche ich hier eindeutig von TEAM WORK, welches es erst ermöglicht dieses Firmenprofil zu veröffentlichen!!
Im ersten Schritt DANKESCHÖN an Alan (Mr. Wilson) für unseren gemeinsamen Austausch und unser gemeinsames Interesse an diesem Projekt !
Im Zweiten Schritt ein großes DANKESCHÖN an Jethro (Fikira), der ein großes Interesse an der der Geschichte auf der familiären Seite von F.G.B.C. hatte. Dadurch hat er es möglich gemacht, dass wir mehr und mehr Puzzleteile der Geschichte von F.G.B.C. und deren Familien gemeinsam haben aufdecken und zusammenführen können.
Dann gibt es noch einige Personen die einen wichtigen Anteil in Form von Inhalten (Bilder, Dokumente, Scans) zu dem Firmenprofil beigesteuert haben, also DANKE an Jörg (Jollo74), Mike (Modine), Jean (Ferdi), Peter (Hatzicho) und Adriana G. Hollet!
Es hat uns nun doch einiges an Zeit gekostet dies alles zusammenzufassen. Aber jetzt sind wir am Ende und ich denke wir haben abgeliefert! Meine Ankündigung “Firmen Profile” auf Razorlovestones.com zu veröffentlichen ist schon wieder ein halbes Jahr her.
Ziel ist es, interessante Firmenprofile von Herstellern abrasiver Stoffe oder Hersteller und Verkäufer von Schleif- und Abziehsteinen abzubilden, diese mit umfangreichen allgemeinen und historischen Informationen und Bildern zu füllen. Und nicht nur dies! Ich möchte diese Profile so interessant gestalten, dass Sie die Aufmerksamkeit des Lesers anregen, hoffentlich ist dies in dieser Form auch auf Dauer so umsetzbar!
Als Projekt Nr. 1 hat mich am meisten ein Profil der Firma interessiert, die die “feinen französischen Abziehsteine für Rasiermesser” mit dem Namen “Pierre La Lune” und “Special Stone only for Good Razors” auf den Markt gebracht hat. Wenn wir über F.G.B.C. (F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie.) reden, dann reden wir von umfangreicher Geschichte, vielen Änderungen während den fast 160 Jahren ihrer Existenz und von vielen in das Geschäft involvierten Familien. Ein Profil welches sich ebenso umfangreich mit den Familien beschäftigt, die unter den Namen Giovannacci, Ghelfi, Bardotti, Birollau und Belle bekannt sind.
Haben wir die Herkunft der “feinen französischen Abziehsteine für Rasiermesser” gefunden?
Um genau zu sein haben wir wirklich einen großen Umfang an Informationen finden können. Informationen über die alten Verkaufsläden und deren Standorten, Ihre Produkte, ihre Familien und ihre umfangreichen Veränderungen während der Existenz von F.G.B.C. und deren Vorgängerfirmen. Wir haben Informationen gefunden wo die Steine verarbeitet wurden, wo ihre Lagerhallen waren und vieles vieles mehr. Aber was wir bisher nicht wirklich haben aufdecken können sind die Standorte der alten Brüche. Wir haben bisher keine belegbaren Spuren über eine detaillierte Lage der Brüche gefunden. Trotzdem sind wir sicher, dass dieses Profil eines der umfangreichsten über F.G.B.C. ist und auch in Zukunft sein wird.
Dies ist darin begründet, dass wir gerade bei den Recherchen einen wirklich guten Job gemacht haben entsprechende Informationen zu finden. Zum anderen ist eines auch klar, wir haben anzuerkennen, dass heute das Internet mit seinen Möglichkeiten und Vorteilen, erst die Möglichkeit bietet so viele Informationen zu finden und zusammen zu tragen.
Wir haben die komplette Geschichte in drei verschiedene Artikel aufgeteilt. Im erste Schritt um Inhalt zu reduzieren und besser aufzuteilen. Im zweiten Schritt um die einzelnen Kapitel ihrem zeitlichen Ablauf der Existenz der F.G.B.C. Firmen zuzuordnen.
Wir haben folgende Artikel erstellt:
1. Der Artikel der sich mit der Gründung, der Auswanderung von Italien nach Frankreich und den ersten Schritten der Firma (18.-19. Jahrhundert) als Sie ihre interessanteste Zeit hatte und wie folgt bekannt war
D. Giovanacci & L. Ghelfi “Etablisséments Belle, 87, Rue Faubourg St. Antoine (Inhalt von “Razorlovestones” mit großer Hilfe von Mr. Wilson)
2. Der Artikel der sich mit der Zeit in Frankreich beschäftigt, eine Zeit in der Höhen und Tiefen normal waren, ein eher optisches Profil mit Bildern alter Geschäfte und Erklärungen zu Produkten, der Preis Liste von FERDI aus dem Jahre 1974, der Garantiekarte und all dies
F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie. (F.G.B.C.), 47, Rue de Saintonge
(Inhalt von “Razorlovestones” mit großer Hilfe von Mr. Wilson)
3. Der Artikel, der sich mit den sehr wichtigen Informationen über die hinter F.G.B.C. stehenden Familien und seiner Folgefirmen beschäftigt. Ein sehr gut recherchierter und fast komplett historischer, sehr persönlicher Artikel von Jethro (Fikira).
Update 16.02.2017:
Jethro hat diesen Text nochmals überarbeitet und in einzelne Kapitel herunter gebrochen, dies erleichtert das lesen und man kann einfacher zu einzelnen Kapiteln springen.
Who were the People behind F.G.B.C.?
Ghelfi Family
Birolleau Famlily
Demosthènes, Malaspinas
L. Belle
Zanarelli, Galtié
Short detailled chronology & in conclusion
Der Artikel ist bisher nur in Englisch vorhanden!
Wir wünschen Euch viel Spaß bei dem was wir die letzen 24 Monate zusammengetragen und recherchiert haben!
Sebastian (Doorsch), Jethro (Fikira) and Alan (Mr. Wilson)
02.10.2015
Das ist ein neuer Promotion Trailer zu dem ersten Firmenprofil auf Razorlovestones!
Es geht um einen der interessantesten Stein- und Schleifmittelhersteller in Frankreich….
F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie. (F.G.B.C.)
Es geht um die Geschichte dieser Firma, die “LA LUNE” Steine,
die “SPECIAL STONES ONLY FOR GOOD RAZORS” und vieles vieles mehr!!!
Ihr werdet sehen es ist wahrscheinlich das bisher umfänglichste Firmenprofil mit einem großen Anteil an neuen Informationen, Interpretationen und Bildern.
….also schaut hier gerne wieder vorbei…Veröffentlichung ist im Oktober 2015!
Dank an:
Alan (Mr. Wilson), Jethro (Fikira), Mike (Modine), Jörg (Jollo74)
Andrea G. Hollat
© text and pictures
RAZOR LOVE STONES
created: 02.02.2016 / edited: 16.02.2017
Introduction – 001
Company Profiles
English Version / Deutsche Version
The idea behind Razorlovestones.com in the first step, was to offer a plattform with videos and pictures and a description about the usage and properties of the stones. It was the intention to give possibilities to identify stones in concerns of their
appearance and their individual properties.
But often there is lot more behind these stones. There is a lot of history about the stones themselves, on the company trading the stones and also on the older markets. So my next step planned is to offer some “important” company profiles on the most well known companies dealing with sharpening stones and abrasives.
Here is the actual overview list which are the companies I’m personally interested in, and where i would like to create a company profile. I will start with the already “dead” companies, just due the legal issues which occur if there are still rightholders alive or the company still being active. Feel free to make proposals and also forward me any information if the information might help to correct any data in the profile or might improve the profile.
If you have any personal intend, probably due being named in person here, please contact me so i can remove these details if you want them to be removed. I try to prove any detail in concerns of copyright or personal issues, but it can happen that errors are made. So if any detail has to be removed, email me here before:
razorlovestones@yahoo.de
Alphabetical Short Links:
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi, Paris
Escher&Co, Sonneberg
J. G. Escher Sohn KG Spielwaren, Sonneberg
Pike & Escher Schleifmaterialien GmbH, Hamburg
B
Bardotti, Ghelfi & Cie. (status: released)
106, Rue de Faubourg, Saint Antoine, Paris
founded: no information closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
B.T.Co. / BTC
Bösenberg, Trinks & Co. (B.T.C.), Sonneberg (status: draft)
subsidiaries: Hamburg
founded: XXXX closed: XXXX
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
Bracher, Carl Jr. / Carl Bracher Jr., Sonneberg (status: planned)
subsidiaries:
Carl Bracher Co., Newark
The Bracher Co. Inc, Belleville, N.J.
founded: XXXX closed: XXXX
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
Brächer, Karl Jr. (KBjr,), Sonneberg
subsidiaries: Carl Bracher Co., Newark
founded: XXXX closed: XXXX
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
Burton Grandjean et Fils (Veuve J.E.)
“Carrières, Fabrique et Magasin de Pierres à Rasoir,
à Aiguiser et à Polir”
Successeurs de Veuve Burton Walrant, Sart-Vielsam
founded: no information closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / GERMAN Version
C
CFLS
C. Luthardt, Fikken & Sohn, Steinach (status: planned)
founded: XXXX closed: XXXX
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
D
D. Giovannacci & L. Ghelfi (status: draft)
“Scierie de Pierres” 84, Rue de Faubourg, Saint Antoine, Paris
steam plant: 61, Rue de Charonne, Paris
waterworks: à Canevara, besides Masss (Italy)
subsidiaries in New York and London
founded: 1845 closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi (status: released)
“Établissements BELLE” veuve Valentin Ghelfi proriètaire
Meules, Pierres, Outillage, Produits a aiguiser et a polir (M.P.O.P.)
87, Rue de Faubourg, Saint Antoine. Paris
founded: no information closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
D. Giovannacci, L. & B. Ghelfi (status: released)
“L BELLE Succor” Meules & Pierres a Aiguiser & a Polir”
87, Rue de Faubourg, Saint Antoine. Paris
founded: no information closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
DSG
Deutsche Schleifmaterialien GmbH, Steinach
status: planned
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
DSW
Deutsche Schleifmittel Werke
status: planned
“Bösenberg, Trinks & Co.”
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
E
Escher & Co. (E&Co.), Sonneberg (status: planned)
Wetz- Polier- und Abziehsteine aller Art en Gros
Steinschneiderei
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE Version
F
F. Ghelfi & Cie.
“Maisons F. Ghelfi & Cie. Birolleau Réunies”
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
before: 7, Rue Charlot, Paris
founded: latest 1922 closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
F. Ghelfi, Birolleau & Cie. (F.G.B.C.)
“Nouvelle Société des Anciens Etablissements”
Société à Responsabilité Limitée
47, Rue de Saintonge, Paris
founded: latest 1976 closed: no information
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
G
Gustave Jacques & Fils (status: planned)
“Carrieres et Fabrique de Pierre a Aiguiser”
founded: no information closed: no information
J
J. G. Escher Sohn, Sonneberg
Aufteilung von J.G. Escher Sohn in zwei Abteilungen
a) Kom. Ges. J.G. Escher Sohn Spielwaren, Sonneberg
b) Kom. Ges. J.G. Escher Sohn Schleifmittel, Sonneberg
founded: no information closed: 22.12.1922
J. G. Escher Sohn KG Spielwaren, Sonneberg
Folgefirma nach Aufteilung von J.G. Escher Sohn, Sonneberg
in zwei Abteilungen
founded: 22.12.1922 closed: XX.XX.XXXX
J. G. Escher Sohn KG Schleifmittel, Sonneberg (JGES)
Folgefirma nach Aufteilung von J.G. Escher Sohn, Sonneberg
in zwei Abteilungen. Verlegung des Dienstsitzes nach Unterlind am 10.09.1927
founded: 22.12.1922 closed: 04.09.1934
M
Maucci, Ricardo (MR) (status: planned)
“Manufacture de Pierres a aiguiser”
Italie – Exportation / Les Fils, Successeurs
Mulazzo, Par Pontrmoli (Italie)
60, Rue de Genève, Aix-Les-Bains
founded: no information closed: no information
P
Pike & Escher Schleifmaterialien GmbH, Hamburg
Steinbruch- und Steinschneiderei Betriebe
IMPORT & EXPORT
founded: no information closed: no information
S
Schleifmittel Aktiengesellschaft (SAG), Sonneberg (status: draft)
Marienstraße 9, Sonneberg (Headquarter)
Deichstraße 54, Hamburg (Subsidiary)
founded: 21.12.1923 closed: 09.10.1934
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
S.R. Droescher Inc. (S.R.D.), Hechingen / New York (status: draft)
Severin Robert Droescher, Hechingen
58 Warren Street, New York
founded: 1891 closed: 1924
ENGLISH Version / DEUTSCHE VERSION
* red Dates are based on actual existent documents and not on proved dates of any company register data, so these are just plain estimations.
© text and pictures
RAZOR LOVE STONES
created: 11.08.2015 / edited: 21.12.2019
Company Profiles – 001
Razorlovestones 
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