Historical information

Johann Friedrich Dick founded the company in 1778 to manufacture files, the company continued in the manufacture of files as its main product line until 1873, when Paul Friedrich Dick took over the company and began the production of sharpening steels, with the logo of “F Dick” on their products. One hundred years after the founding of the company, a factory in Esslingen began construction. At that time the company had 20 employees. In 1881, company commissioned Germany's first file production machine. In 1889, Friedrich Dick built a new factory in Kollwitz/Fleischmannstrasse in Esslingen, employing 100 people and expanding the product line to include knives for butchers and chefs, cleavers and other specialized tools. Files manufactured ranged from the smallest watchmaker's file to the largest (over 45 cm in length) square file. In 1997, the F Dick company moved to a new headquarters in Deizisau, Germany. The old factory in Esslingen is now a class listed monument and the town's landmark.

Significance

An item made by a world class manufacture of cutlery for chefs, the subject item is significant as its manufacture was probably early in the firms beginnings when Friedrich Dick took over in1873 when he specialised in making sharpening steels. The company is still producing these items today as well as other specialised knives for professionals. Early manufactured steels such as the subject item are sought after today by collectors and quite rare.

Physical description

Sharpening Steel or Knife sharpener with bone handle with ribbed pattern, brass knobs and ring at end of handle

Inscriptions & markings

Marked F Dick Esslingen