Stamp piston

When studying the history of Pomeranian crafts, it is easy to notice that some guilds were more privileged than others – for various reasons. This was due to their importance to the local economy, the wealth of their members, and their numbers. Undoubtedly, the guild of butchers enjoyed some exceptional respect, all due to the fact that it was a rather special profession. Above all, it required physical strength from the worker. Other work in the butchery, such as skinning and portioning meat, also required a great deal of strength. Butchers – particularly those skilled in using axes and long butcher's knives – were also highly valued during armed conflicts, especially sieges of cities, where each guild had a section of the walls, which they were supposed to defend. The guild seals of the butchers’ corporation are also particularly special; on the one hand they depict the tools of the trade, and on the other hand they also feature elements ennobling this profession – a crest, wreaths or flowers. The seal of the guild of butchers from Gardziec nad Odrą is no different in that regard – it features crossed axes and a head of an ox between the stars. Above it, we can see a crown. The seal is framed by a wreath of palm branches.

Mieszko Pawłowski