Query on maker's mark

Billman · 26th March 2014, 06:12 PM

In the V&A museum in London is a cooper's knife, known as a cochoir in France (see: http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/17380) This one has an acid etched blade, and is dated 1702. It also has a cast brass handle, similar to those found on certain swords.

The shape of the blade is typical of those from Alsace, a province of France which has also been part of Germany at various times. The writing on the blade is in German, but not in blacktype: it is a more legible common script, which suggest it is possibly not German in origin.

Most intriguingly, it appears to also have two maker's stamps, which could be the gallic cockeral (le coq gallois), a symbol used in France. It was used by Coulaux Frères, later Coulaux et Cie who took over the Klingenthal Manufacture of Arms (also in Alsace). However, the manufactury was not founded until 1733, and Coulax did not become involved until about 1830...

The Manufacture only made weapons (as far as I know), but Coulaux later diversified into edge tools and scythes.

So, if this tool is genuinely from 1702, who used the coq as a mark?? Does it correspond to any know bladesmiths from the period??

26th March 2014, 06:12 PM	#1
Billman Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 129	Query on maker's mark In the V&A museum in London is a cooper's knife, known as a cochoir in France (see: http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/17380) This one has an acid etched blade, and is dated 1702. It also has a cast brass handle, similar to those found on certain swords. The shape of the blade is typical of those from Alsace, a province of France which has also been part of Germany at various times. The writing on the blade is in German, but not in blacktype: it is a more legible common script, which suggest it is possibly not German in origin. Most intriguingly, it appears to also have two maker's stamps, which could be the gallic cockeral (le coq gallois), a symbol used in France. It was used by Coulaux Frères, later Coulaux et Cie who took over the Klingenthal Manufacture of Arms (also in Alsace). However, the manufactury was not founded until 1733, and Coulax did not become involved until about 1830... The Manufacture only made weapons (as far as I know), but Coulaux later diversified into edge tools and scythes. So, if this tool is genuinely from 1702, who used the coq as a mark?? Does it correspond to any know bladesmiths from the period?? Attached Images