Each iron has a different size; No. 4, 5 and 6.
These are intermediate sizes, on a scale from 0 to 8.
Since iron cools quickly, it was necessary to have several in advance…
This type of iron, used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, was placed against a specific furnace, with inclined sides, allowing it to be kept warm.
They bear the inscription "Gendarme", and a monogram "JG", surrounded by laurels and surmounted by a crown.
These indications make it possible to identify the Foundries and Rolling Mill workshops where it was produced, that of Vrigne-aux-Bois, in the Ardennes in France.
Its founder, Jean-Nicolas Gendarme (1769-1845) was mainly self-taught, acquired from his father, a master ironworker. With his nephew and son-in-law, he built an industrial empire, then ranked 11th in the country.
Production, initially devoted to weapons and cannonballs, diversified after 1815, notably with firebacks and irons.
IRON: No. 6
Length: 17 cm
Width: 9 cm
Height: 11 cm
WEIGHT: 1.33 kg
IRON: No. 5
Length: 17 cm
Width: 9.5 cm
Height: 11 cm
WEIGHT: 1.42 kg
IRON: No. 4
Length: 15.5 cm
Width: 8.5 cm
Height: 10.5 cm
WEIGHT: 1.42 kg