www.925-1000.com

dognose wrote:A. KÖHLER & Cie.

Westbahnstrasse 9, and Graben 14, and Mariahilferstrasse 71a, Wien
A. Köhler & Cie. - Wien - 1901
<snip>
Established by Albert Köhler in c.1880. Acquired by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) in 1900. Following the acquisition by WMF, items produced by A. Köhler & Cie. continued to be marked 'AK & Cie' until around 1914,

Trev.

Can you tell me, please, why an Austrian company is using "Cie." in its name? I'm assuming its the abbreviation for French, "Compagnie," but why French?

Hi Diana,

I'm afraid I have no idea of the answer to your question. Let's hope another member can enlighten us.

Trev.

The term "Compagnie" for Partners in a firm was common in the German speking countries until late in the 19th century. The reason is simple. French was the language in fashion. For business, and many other areas. As normal as it is nowadays, that languages enriche their vocabulary with English words, so normal was it in the past 300 years to do the same with French words. As nowadays English words are taken over with new devices and processes (for example Computer Age...) the French words were adapted for new Technologies and methods to operate a firm.

Kind regards

Jörg

Thank you for the explanation, Joerg.