French Copper


	The French have a long tradition of making excellent copper and brassware. Copperware is known generally as Dinanderie after one of the earliest centres of excellence. Production has followed all the needs of the interior decorator from simple and minimalist through all the recognised periods. Intricate designs are frequently found in well crafted castings.
	Much metalware that is recognisably French in design and manufacture bears no makers mark. Other marks are proving difficult to identify. Help will be much appreciated and acknowledged.
	Dinanderie - a mark under a souvenir jug from the historical brassmaking town of Dinant-on-Meuse, Belgium. Interestingly, birds are perched on the crossed hammers of the metalworkers. Also stamped 'Made in Belgium' since borders have moved.

	The last of the dinandiéres still working in Rue du Moulin, Dinant, Belgium. He is raising the characters on a nameplate.

	Breveté Sans Guarantie du Government, design registration mark, without government guarantee. This is a near-equivalent to 'Patent applied for' and was used after 1844. (Thanks to Greg Rahn and the BL)	Bté S.G.D.G.
	http://www.robic.ca/publications/Pdf/246-SLA.pdf

	'L C ' and fouled anchor mark found on a copper coffee pot and similar items. The anchor is said to represent the French Naval Medical service but the mark appears on many items for the domestic market.

	AFC (Co?) unknown mark on an old decorative string pot with scissors, said to be French.

	Christofle & Cie., Saint Denis, France, founded 1831, was one of the earliest and most important European suppliers of japonisme (Japanese-inspired) metalwork. The firm still flourishes and remains a leading European producer of silver and electroplated art metal ware. Many of their best items were designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich but they also made a range of factory made Dinanderie. This mark is under a porringer.

	Eclat unknown mark on table lighter.

	FAIB, unknown mark on copper tray.

	DeHillerin , cookware, founded 1820. Paris, France. (Photo courtesy Sarah & John Hardcastle)
		http://www.e-dehillerin.fr/

	AR (or AP?) unknown mark on cast brass French pen tray. More information welcome.

	Guaranti Villedieu plus a one pint capacity mark on a Guernsey jug. Villedieu-les-Poêles is a town some distance South West of Caen in Normandy, France. It has been a copper-working centre since it was granted to the Knights Templar by Henry 1, King of England and Duke of Normandy in the 12^th century. The Corporation of Coppersmiths of Villedieu was recognised by the subsequent Kings of France in the 14^th century which has lead to the ‘Guaranti Villedieu’ warranty of origin. The town has escaped the worst effects of wars through the centuries and retains medieval charm and a number of shops making and selling copperware from souvenirs through cookware to complete batteries de cuisine. Bell foundries were set up by immigrants from Lorraine about 1780 and visits are still possible.
	http://www.atelierducuivre.com http://www.ot-villedieu.fr/commerce.jsp
	AJM Couteil, 2 rue Carnot. Boutique de la Fonderie de Cloches (Bell Foundry) Rue du Pont Chignon Cadeaux Souvenirs, 8 Rue Carnot Cuivres Gallien, 08/10 Place de la République Etienne Dulin Atelier du Cuivre, 54, Rue du General Huard, F50800 Villedieu les Poêules. (Visitable factory and shop) Hier et Aujourd'hui 11 Place des Chevaliers de Malte La Boutique du Dinandier, 33 place de la République La Cuivrerie Sourdine, Michel Lelegard, 20 Rue Carnot
	'FH' monogram of an unknown maker over a Viking type longboat with 'guaranti Villedieu France'.

	Paris Bimetal - this mark found on small silver-lined copper serving bowls with handles used for the service of warm brandy or rich sauces. The maker using the crown and clasped hands symbols is not yet identified. The British agents were T. Goode & Son of 19, South Audley Street, London. The broad arrow may mean that it was for use by service personnel.

	Mark on a good small copper saucepan supplied recently in France by Cuivre de Cerdon. It is believed that the items may have been made in Morocco for distribution in France.