"ALTO" of Solingen-Ward, Germany

[DianaGaleM]

I have a little "sardinengabel" (sardine fork, length 135 mm or 5-5/16"):



with these marks:


This is a close-up of the "rabbit" from another piece:


and the most useful mark:


From the above, I've gathered there was a flatware manufacturing company in the Borough of Wald in the City of Solingen named, "Alto." I'm writing to ask...

Does anyone know anything about this company?

[dognose]

Hi Diana,

The 'Hare grasping the knife' mark is that of Richard Haastert & Bull, Solingen-Wald. I'm afraid I've been unable to find any information about the company.

Trev.

[DianaGaleM]

You mean it's not a snow bunny holding a ski? Dang.

Seriously, thank you. Knowing the company name is a big help.

[dognose]

Please keep us updated with any information you find regarding this company.

Trev.

[DianaGaleM]

I found the firm mentioned in John Walter's book, German Bladesmiths: an illustrated guide to the brand names, trademarks and monograms found on swords, knives, cutlery, razors and bladed tools, 1871-1945 (2013, Nevill Publ., East Sussex).

In the section labeled "Directory of names and marks," I found "Richard Haastert & Büll" associated with FLECKNIMA (p. 38), NONOXYDO (p. 65), and PADOMA (p. 69).

In the section labeled, "PART TWO: ANIMALS," on p. 98 it shows "Hare with a knife: R. Haastert & Büll."

In the section labeled "PART TEN: OBJECTS," on p. 110 is shows "Rich. Haastert & Büll" under "Knife: –fruit," and on p. 113 it shows "R Haastert & Büll" under "Yacht: –sailing."

[DianaGaleM]

There is online a copy of Volume 26 (1905) of the "Journal der Goldschmiedekunst." In it, there is a paragraph about Richard Haastert on p. 263. Here is the best I could do with the image:


There is also an advertisement on p. 467:

[DianaGaleM]

Oh, bleep. I just noticed I put "Ward" in the title, instead of "Wald." I plead senior moment – and the fact that, for days, I've been extracting New York census records, so I have "ward" on the brain.