Finsterau Open-Air Museum
The smithy from Grattersdorf
Cow chains and oven doors, fittings for wagon and plough – and horseshoes for the draught horse
Almost every farmer made their own simple equipment from wood. And if he did not do that, there were enough small farmers and cotters who wanted to earn extra income making sticks for rakes and scythes, shingles, wattle fences and the like.
But farmers were dependent on the village blacksmith for anything which involved steel and iron. That is why he usually enjoyed a special standing in the village. He made the fittings for the wagons, ploughs and harrows. He forged window and door fittings. He made oven doors, chains and also simple locks. And he was responsible for shoeing the horses and draught oxen, including hoof and claw care.
The smithy stems from Grattersdorf in the Deggendorf administrative district. It was probably built in the 18th century. It was reconstructed around 1835/36. The blacksmith adapted the equipment in his workshop to the requirements and possibilities of the era.
A small farm belonged to the smithy. The former farming section with stable and barn is a newly built part of the museum, where the administrative areas are located.
Dismantled in 1978, rebuilt in 1979 – redevelopment in 1990 with horse chestnut tree and baking oven from Bösmaign – since 2010 there has been an exhibition in the former living quarters featuring craftsmanship from the village smithy
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