Thread: Niagara natural stone - Pierres du Niagara

Hi.

Catalog P. Fortin, Paris, edition of 1896 and 1897.

Like other sellers, but Fortin was one of the most important, already at the end of the 1800s the following were imported from the USA to Europe: Arkansas, Washita, Deerlick stones, other stones from Canada, etc...


Pierres du Niagara.

About 10 years ago I saw one from a French seller. The base was broken, and the stone was also cracked.
Obviously I didn't buy it, but it stuck with me.

I recently bought one that will probably arrive in a few months. There are no misunderstandings, it is exactly the one shown in the 1896 catalogue.

To specify, it has nothing to do with Carborundum CO. of Niagara Falls.
This is a hard natural stone, possibly from Ohio, Canada or neighboring areas. Mounted on a metal frame with 4 feet.

I tried to do some preliminary research. What interests me though, maybe I'm lucky, is if someone has found some identical piece or information, even in brochures or old catalogues.

Thank you.

That’s a cool find. I wish I knew more. Hopefully someone else will give us great info.

Found this using an online search bot:

Pierre du Niagara is a brand of sharpening stones used for sharpening knives and other tools. They are made of a type of silicate mineral called Novaculite, which is known for its hardness and ability to produce a fine edge on blades. The stones come in various grit sizes, ranging from coarse to fine, allowing for a range of sharpening options. The stones can be used with oil or water to aid in the sharpening process, and are considered by many to be a high-quality, long-lasting sharpening solution.

Pierre du Niagara sharpening stones are mined in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, USA. The Novaculite mineral used to make these stones is found in the region and has a long history of use for sharpening tools and weapons. The area is known for producing high-quality Novaculite that is hard, durable, and capable of producing a fine edge on blades. The Pierre du Niagara brand is known for sourcing its Novaculite from the Ouachita Mountains, and for producing sharpening stones that are highly valued by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Thank you very much.

My online searches had yielded no results.
However, it is a piece that I am happy to collect since it was sold in Europe in the late 1800s.
Maybe you can find something in an old advertisement or catalogue.

Another Italian seller, 1910/1920 imported sharpening stones from the USA, and I don't know the last term above. Does anyone know what "CHOTER" are?

From the ad it appears to be listed with some other trade names that other novaculite hones. I can boy guess that it was another trade name of a hone in that family.

That’s a very nice find!

I know the description David found says novaculite but that picture sure looks like a slate to me.