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OBERTINO MORTEAU represents three centuries of expertise in the making of bells and other outstanding pieces, combining tradition, robustness and quality craftsmanship.
A traditional foundry
The manufacture of bronze bells has been closely linked to the family of Jean OBERTINO for more than three centuries. As itinerant bell founders who travelled from Italy through Switzerland before settling in France at the beginning of the 20th century, and in 1931 in Morteau, several generations of OBERTINO family members have perpetuated this age-old expertise right up to the present day.
Yves and Sylviane OBERTINO were the worthy successors of this family saga until the end of 2017. Since 2018, Siv-Chheng TIV, the current director, has taken up the torch to write a new page in the history of OBERTINO in Morteau.
What we propose
More than 200 different models of bells are made in our traditional foundry in Morteau, with strict respect for tradition. From souvenir bells to cattle bells, medals or bas-reliefs, each model is hand moulded before being cast and decorated by hand.
All the bells made at the OBERTINO MORTEAU foundry, which has been recognised since 2011 as a ‘Living Heritage Company’ (label EPV), can be customized on request.
Our story
Siv-Chheng TIV,
managing director
From Cambodia to France!
Who would have thought that one day a Cambodian woman named Siv-Chheng TIV would take over a traditional bell foundry called OBERTINO MORTEAU in the depths of France. It all began for her at the age of 9, when she was forced to leave her native country because of the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge in the 70s. She found solace with her family in France, and more specifically in Franche-Comté, in the Haut-Doubs region of France, home to Montbeliarde cows and far from the Koupreys, the grey oxen of Cambodia.
New country, new life! The ‘’ little ‘’ family had to get used to this new culture and these new customs. Born into a family of 15 brothers and sisters, Siv-Chheng TIV had to prove herself and went off to study in nearby Besançon. Thanks to her determination and strength of character, she graduated with a degree in import-export, as well as a strong knowledge of languages and a MBA. After studying in Lyon, Scotland and the United States, she acquired a wide range of business and marketing skills. She went on to hold a series of senior positions with major multinationals in the metal industry.
Back in her host country, the sound of the bronze bells carried across the fields by our beautiful Montbéliardes still appeals to her as much as it did when she was a child. In 2018, Siv-Chheng TIV decided to take over the bell foundry that has been run by the OBERTINO family for generations.
After spending 6 months alongside Yves OBERTINO, learning how to run the business and putting all her skills to good use, the foundry saw a breath of fresh air blow through it to gain new momentum in the months that followed.
Fascinated by traditional craftsmanship and age-old expertise of which she is very proud, and never taking anything for granted, she is determined to take the company as far as it can go, while maintaining a focus on quality above all else.
The different jobs involved
in the foundry OBERTINO MORTEAU :
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Moulder
The moulder's job is at the heart of bell making at OBERTINO MORTEAU. This ancestral expertise relies on the crafting of an entirely hand-shaped mould. The decorations are carefully applied, pattern by pattern, to the outside of the bell. This stage, which requires patience and precision, produces finely adorned moulds before the bronze is cast.
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Caster
The casting is one of the most spectacular steps in the manufacturing process. The caster heats the bronze to 1200°C before pouring it, molten, into the moulds carefully prepared by the moulders. Perfect mastery of this stage, combining melting and pouring, embodies all OBERTINO MORTEAU's expertise.
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Deburrer-Turner
The deburrer-turner is involved in the final stage of manufacturing a bronze bell. Through precise, mastered gestures, he refines every surface and relief of the bell to enhance the details and ensure a perfect finish. His meticulous work reveals the beauty of the decoration and gives each OBERTINO MORTEAU bell its brightness, elegance and unique character.
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Saddler
The OBERTINO MORTEAU foundry has its own leather workshop, where each piece is crafted entirely by hand. Our leather craftsman cuts and decorates the leather with precision to create the magnificent straps that will adorn the bells. Each strap is made to measure, matched to the size of the buckles and adjusted to the animal that will wear it. This craftsmanship, perfected over the years, guarantees the excellence of OBERTINO MORTEAU's work.
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Administrative / Sales
At OBERTINO MORTEAU, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our enthusiastic and experienced team will provide you with expert advice to help you choose and use our products in the best conditions. From the moment you are welcomed in the shop, through to delivery and personalised follow-up, we ensure that we offer an efficient and caring service. Whether in shop, by email or by telephone, our sales advisors are at your service to answer all your questions and guarantee you a premium experience.