Results 1 to 10 of 26
Thread: New mystery French razor!!!
Threaded View
-
06-27-2012, 11:57 AM #16
- Join Date
- Apr 2008
- Location
- Essex, UK
- Posts
- 3,816
Thanked: 3164That is, of course, a distinct possibility.
Note that I say 'possibility' rather than 'surely' as you have, as Vierzon has quite an industrial lineage. There was a forge with a smelting works and iron works built there in 1779 on the banks of the river Yevre. The area is situated amongst forests - ideal for making charcoal for converting iron, and further down the Cher river are coalpits. Even if steel bar had to be imported (as a lot of steel made in Sheffield was - and still is - to France) then Vierzon is the confluence of major rail networks that propelled it into the Industrial Era, as well as the confluence of five rivers (the area is known as Le Pays des Cinq Rivieres). As well as foundries and iron works there were potteries and agricultural tool and implement manufacturers there. An 1834 treatise mentions the presence of tanning pits and paper mills, too. In fact, everything a practicing cutler could want!
In 1839 the first ironworks was re-equipped by Eugene Flachat, one of whose specialities was the recovery of heat generated by puddling to drive steam engines. Puddling, as we know, produces good quality carbon steel for use in knife, sword and razor making. Flachat installed a 60 horsepower wheel at Vierzon to drive the press and the rolling mills in the ironworks.
In conclusion, either scenario could be correct, but I feel there is more evidence of Dellac being the maker than there is of someone else being the maker. No doubt we will find out one way or another - some time!
Regards,
Neil
-
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Neil Miller For This Useful Post:
animalwithin (06-27-2012), bonitomio (06-27-2012)