We know nothing about the artist with the exception of what he engraved on the object.
On the front:
MALINE MAÎTRE ARTISAN CORDONNIER – SOURD – MUET – IDIOT
[MALINE MASTER ARTISAN SHOEMAKER – DEAF – MUTE – IDIOT]
On the back:
1980
MALINE Luçien – AGEE 73 ans Sourd – Muet – IDIOT
Maître Artisan Cordonnier de PAUVRE – VIEUX POURRI
ANCIEN ELEVE INSTITUTION NATIONAL DES SOURDS MUETS
SAINT JACQUES DE PARIS (Arr 5)
Sans père – assez assez Enfant Martyr – âme en prison
Préfère la fin du monde repos au lit tranquille – sans histoire
HORAIRE 61 HEURES de TRAVAIL MAINS D’ŒUVRES – ADIEU
Lucien Maline
[MALINE Lucien – age 73 years Deaf – Mute – IDIOT Master Artisan Shoemaker of the POOR – OLD OLD Rotten FORMER STUDENT NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF-AND-MUTE
SAINT JACQUES DE PARIS (Arr 5) Without father – enough enough Child Martyr – soul in prison
Prefers the end of the world quiet bed rest – no fuss SCHEDULE 61 HOURS OF WORK LABOR – FAREWELL Lucien Maline ]