Construction of forge 1ère moitié du XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Period of construction of iron martinet.
1958
End of activity
End of activity 1958 (≈ 1958)
Production definitely discontinued.
28 mai 1979
MH classification
MH classification 28 mai 1979 (≈ 1979)
Classification of the forge and martinet.
5 décembre 1992
Registration MH
Registration MH 5 décembre 1992 (≈ 1992)
Registration of the Laouza mills.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Former forge, including martinet (Case B 424): classification by order of 28 May 1979 - All the mills of Laouza, namely: oil mill with its devices and mechanisms; remnants of the flour mill; External hydraulic installations (Cases B 423 to 425): inscription by order of 29 December 1992
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any specific historical actors related to this monument.
Origin and history
The Bracco forge, located at Le Martinet in Contes (Alpes-Maritimes), is a rare example of iron martinet dating from the first half of the 19th century. Installed near the Laouza oil mill, it illustrates the ingenuity of pre-industrial techniques. Its hydraulic system operated a 45 kg oak hammer, allowing the braiding, stretching and plating of iron to produce agricultural tools such as ploughshares or false blades. This mechanism, described in the Encyclopedia of Diderot and d.
The site retains two vertical hydraulic wheels: one for the hammer and the other for a stone wheel. Among the tools preserved are an anvil, a shear and hammers, all from the 19th century. The forge, classified as a historical monument in 1979 and registered in 1992, is now owned by the commune of Contes. Its architecture and features make it a major technical heritage, reflecting the importance of iron mills in the Provencal rural economy before the industrial era.
The activity of the Bracco forge could go back to a period prior to the 19th century, although the current remains date back to that time. Its classification covers the workshop with its martinet, while the 1992 inscription includes all the mills of the Laouza (oil mill, remnants of flour mill and hydraulic installations). This site offers a complete testimony of traditional metallurgical know-how, related to hydraulic energy and local agricultural life.
