From studies on craftsmen’s guild signs – 19th century stamp of shoemakers’ guild in Szadek

Abstract

The stamp of the shoemakers’ guild in Szadek was made at the beginning of the 19th century, in accordance with legal regulations of 1816, which reorganized craftsmen’s guilds in the Kingdom of Poland. These regulations, in force throughout the whole 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, defined the structure and the way of managing a guild, professional competences of masters and craftsmen, and rules for professional advance. The regulations of 1816 also affected the shape and functions of craftsmen’s stamps. Under these rules, a guild was governed by a board of elders, which was reflected in the legends of the stamps. The term “profession” to refer to the work of craftsmen was introduced at that time. The legend of the seal of the shoemakers’ guild in Szadek speaks about “the shoemakers’ profession”. As regards the appearance of craftsmen’s stamps, they differed from other official stamps (e.g. those of administrative authorities) of the Kingdom of Poland in that they contained elements representative of particular “professions”. In the case of Szadek shoemakers’ it was a high boot with a heel spur, a knife and an awl. This stamp was evidently carved by a very skilful engraver. It is now part of the collection of the Sieradz Museum.