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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:16 BST (UK)

Title: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:16 BST (UK)
S
Hi

I was wondering if someone could tell the occupation on this document, I can read the word locksmith but the other words are baffling me, I think it is something ........... man , any help would be appreciated

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: philipsearching on Monday 04 June 18 07:26 BST (UK)
I read it as Locksmith Journeyman

(a Journeyman has completed an apprenticeship, but has not yet qualified as a Master craftsman).

Philip
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: Rhododendron on Monday 04 June 18 07:41 BST (UK)
I read it as Locksmith Journeyman too.
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:43 BST (UK)
Rhododenron and philipsearching, thank you ever so much, can I ask what a journeyman is please
Kind Regards
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: philipsearching on Monday 04 June 18 07:55 BST (UK)
Quote from: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:43 BST (UK)
Rhododenron and philipsearching, thank you ever so much, can I ask what a journeyman is please
Kind Regards

There were three stages in a craftsman's working life:
Apprentice (to a master craftsman) usually 7 years starting as a boy - to learn the trade
Journeyman - has completed his apprenticeship and can earn a living
Master - his work is judged to be of high enough quality for him to be recognised as a master craftsman by the relevant Trade Guild.  He can charge higher prices and take on apprentices (for a fee!).

Only a minority of Journeymen attained the rank of Master Craftsman.

Philip
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:58 BST (UK)
Thank you kindly for clarifying this
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: philipsearching on Monday 04 June 18 08:09 BST (UK)
Quote from: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 07:58 BST (UK)
Thank you kindly for clarifying this

You are very welcome.

As a "fun fact" to impress family and friends, you could tell them the origin of the word masterpiece.
Originally, a masterpiece was a piece made by a Journeyman which he submitted to the Trade Guild so they could examine it and decide if it demonstrated high enough skill and quality to make the applicant worthy to be admitted to the Guild as a Master.  A Master Piece.

Philip
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: Greensleeves on Monday 04 June 18 08:39 BST (UK)
And a fact relating to the name 'Journeyman':  it comes from the French 'jour' (day),  because Journeymen were commonly paid by the day for their work.

Regards
GS
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: mochara on Monday 04 June 18 09:45 BST (UK)
philipsearching and Greensleeves, again thank you both
Title: Re: Need help to read the occuption on this document
Post by: Greensleeves on Monday 04 June 18 09:58 BST (UK)
You're most welcome, Mochara - and a slightly belated welcome to Rootschat!

Regards
GS