RARE DECLIVITÉ STREET INFORMATION PLAQUE, PARIS Cast iron, r - Lot 722

RARE DECLIVITÉ STREET INFORMATION PLAQUE, PARIS Cast iron, rectangular shape, with cut sides, bearing the inscription "Point où le cheval de renfort cesse d'être autorisé", in bas-relief in white letters. Second half of the 19th century. 20 x 30 cm. On wooden panel, 30 x 40 cm. The decree implementing the Grammont law of September 10, 1852, brought some order to the often abusive practices of reinforcement horse hire companies, which helped heavily-laden carts to climb steep gradients: henceforth, only entrepreneurs with authorization could hire horses, in compliance with the rates posted in the reinforcement delays. The decree detailed the sections of imperial and departmental roads on which the use of reinforcement horses was authorized. It specified that they could only be harnessed in the uphill direction of the road, and had to be uncoupled at the top of the ascent.