Rhineland (Rheinland) Business and Occupations

Here is a link telling about the profession of sword and knife making in Solingen

(text in German):

http://www.zeitspurensuche.de/02/auswan0.htm

Goldsmiths from Trier (1300-1800)

     At any given time between the five centuries lived a great many goldsmiths in Trier, who demonstrated a high niveau of know-how and artistic comptetance in gold working. These craftsmen were not just locally known but were also able to sell their goods in fairs and markets elsewhere. In the 17th century the goldsmiths were less prosperous because of religious turmoils, epidemcis and rising prices. Articles made of gold were again sought after in the 18th century.

     The author Anne-Marie Zander did not just make a list of members of the profession, but explained based on records details about an individual in chronological order. There are also pictures of some of the things produced by the goldsmiths.

     The list was published in Archiv für Sippenforschung, Jahrgang 43, Heft 67 (1977). The periodical is available at FamilySearch, Family History Library, call number 943 B2as.