Blacksmith’s sign

In France before 1950, the blacksmith was the linchpin of rural life, making and repairing farming tools, but also certain domestic utensils, as well as caring for and shoeing the animals that were crucial to transport and other work. The “St. Eligius bouquets”, the name given to this type of object in reference to the patron saint of metalworkers, are assemblies of smaller versions of different irons, instruments and tools. These were a real demonstration of expertise and served as the blacksmith’s shop sign. Presenting a sort of product catalogue, they testified to the artisan’s technical ability whilst expressing his pride: some signs were actually the craftsman’s masterpiece, created at the end of his tour of France and training period.