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Factory Signatures
The following illustrates the various Holtzapffel signatures during the 137 years they were in business.
Changes in signature text:
| 1794–1803 | John Holtzapffel, London | |
| 1804–1827 | Holtzapffel & Deyerlein (also H&D) | |
| 1828–1922 | Holtzapffel & Co. | |
| 1923–1938 | Holtzapffel & Co. Ltd. |
Changes in signature style:
(all dates below are approximate and serve only as a very rough guide)
| 1794–1827 | Hand engraved in ornate style on brass and bronze. Stamped for name marks on iron, numerals on brass. |
|
| 1828–1869 | Hand engraved (less ornate style than previously). Stamped for various items (straight, circular, oval). |
|
| 1870–1938 | Machine engraved. |
Examples
Hand engraved (square, c. 1804-1827)
Hand engraved (headstock, c. 1836)
Hand engraved (chuck, c. 1845)
Hand engraved (goniostat)
Hand engraved (headstock, c. 1846)
Hand engraved (turning tool)
Hand engraved (chuck, c. 1900)
Hand stamped (tools)
Oval stamp (set square)
Circular stamp (steel caliper)
Machine engraved (headstock, c.1903)
Machine engraved (blade)
Rarities
Unusual style
- Art Deco engraved style seen on carrier for pumping rosettes
- Old English / Gothic stamped style seen on steel squares
Incorrect spelling:
- Headstock No. 1587: "Holtzapfel"
- Sliderest from early 1800s: "Holtzapfel"
- Early 1800s saw blade for treadle saw: "Holtzapfel"
For additional information and examples, see SOT Bulletin 116:28-29 – "Engraving and Stamping of Holtzapffel Names" by John Edwards.