We've discussed several times the connections between major gun producing centers in Europe and what later became centers of bicycle builders.? Examples are:? Eibar, Spain and the connection with Zeus; Graz, Austria and the connection with Austro-Daimler and Puch.
Today, a co-worker brought in an 1879 French bayonet.? Engraved on it was that it was manufactured in St. Etienne, France.? I did a google to see what type of arms industry existed there and voila, St. Etienne was?a center of the French arms producing industry for several centuries before it became a center for bicycle production.? Norris Lockley has mentioned many French builders from this area, but until today, I didn't associate it with the "other" steel industry.?
Lou Deeter, Orlando FL USA