Postby blakstone » Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:03 pm
Well, yes and no. The company traces its foundation to 1829 when Koch began working. But Bergfeld did not become a partner - nor the name "Koch & Bergfeld" - until 1859. I made the distinction because the mark here indicates this item was made before 1859, under Koch's name alone.
"Bergfeld" was actually two men, probably brothers: Ludwig Wilhelm Bergfeld (Master 1856) & Georg Gottfried Daniel Bergfeld (Master 1859); both were partners in the firm, and both were former apprentices of Koch.
I did make a mistake, though. Although Koch began working in 1829, he did not become a master in the Bremen guild until July 1830.
Hoping this clears things up!