Anchor Silver Plate Co., St. Paul, MN 1898-1905

Although they were in business a very few years, the Anchor S.P. Co. listed their goods as manufacturer of jewel boxes, glove cases, trinket boxes, handkerchief Cases, silver-plate novelties, inkstands, pin cushions, napkin rings, plated hollow ware, ornamental clocks, framed mirrosr, fruit knives, drinking cups, soup ladles, ornamental lamps, sanctuary lamps, alter vessels, and more. 1899 Seeger and Guernsey’s Cyclopædia of the Manufactures and Products of the UNITED STATES

The Art Metal Works, Newark, N.J.

Louis V. Aronson, inventor of a valuable metal plating process and industrialist, founded The Art Metal Works in 1897. His career extended over 30 years, a self-made master of the subjects of metallurgy and the science of electro-metallurgical chemistry. He gained several patents, and retained as consulting chemist for a number of large manufacturers in and outside the US.  Art metal novelties manufactured include clocks, jewel cases, desk articles, smokers’ articles, toilet novelties, vases, candelabra, electric portables, ink wells, and much more. Aronson patents included variations on lighting matches, which eventually led to the RONSON Lighter.   ADVERTISEMENT BELOW 1903

AMONG the various enterprises connected with the industrial life of our city, prominent and commendatory mention should be made of the Art Metal Works, a concern which has been in active operation many years and has earned a most excellent reputation, and is annually increasing its output and extending its trade territory.

The factory and main office of the Art Metal Works are in Mulberry street covering lots 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15. Here the spectator may see well-equipped quarters and find one of Newark’s busy and prosperous establishments. The New York office is in the Everett Building 45 E 17th street, and the Chicago office is in the Kesner Building, Madison street and Wabash avenue. A complete line of samples of the company’s output is kept on display in these salesrooms, which are visited by large numbers of persons.

Among the products manufactured by this house, the recognized leaders in art metal novelties, are clocks, jewel cases, desk articles, smokers’ articles, toilet novelties, vases, candelabra, electric portables, ink wells, calendars, religious and church goods, frames, statuettes, thermometers etc. The entire list includes more than ten thousand numbers.

As the company has unequalled facilities for buying raw material and turning out finished stock, its products are not equalled for richness of design, beauty of finish, quality or price. All this cannot be gained in a year or two, but has come as a result of more than thirty years of constant effort to produce the best, to keep the price at a reasonable figure, and to give the purchaser goods in every respect as represented in the catalogue.

The man whose energy, enterprise and business acumen has developed this business is Louis V. Aronson, a prominent citizen of Newark, and a gentleman whose public service to the play- ground commission has been favorably commented upon by the local press. He is thoroughly identified with Newark and the city’s progress, and is one of the citizens who stands ready to help forward the various movements for the city’s good. Mr. Aronson’s career extends over a period of more than thirty years, the success he has gained in his own work, makes his ability as a leader and if opportunity affords he can doubtless prove to the public his qualifications for successfully filling other and more important offices than that of Commissioner. The Art Metal Works, of which Mr. Aronson is president, is capitalized at $150 000, and was incorporated in 1896. The secretary of the company is Alexander Harris, and the employees number from one hundred and fifty to two hundred persons. Fully 100,000 square feet of floor space is used…… Newark, the city of industry: facts and figures concerning the metropolis of …By Board of Trade of the City of Newark (Newark, N.J.)  1912.

(M. S.) Benedict Manufacturing Company, Syracuse, NY.

1910  Assyrian Gold, a new and original line of gold-plated novelties. 1911 Silver Plated Ware and Metal Novelties. The firm also made a variety of items in Karnak brass and Florentine brass.  1912 An extensive line of engraveable Oriental ivory. 1916 Athenic Bronze. BELOW 1912 ADVERTISEMENTWe were obliged to call our twenty-one salesmen in off the road, November 1, and give them a vacation, as we were oversold. Our factory simply could not produce any more and there was no use taking any more orders. We could have doubled our shipments providing we could have obtained the necessary help. We were very conservative the spring and summer on our methods and our arrangements for taking care of the fall trade. When we did realize conditions, we found it impossible for us to fill our factory with skilled workmen, although we advertised in not less than a dozen of the leading cities of the country where there are similar manufacturers to ours. Everything points to a banner year in our line, 1910. We have not a shadow of a doubt but that we will have the biggest year in our history. The Benedict Mfg. Co., East Syracuse, NY. Silver Plated Ware, etc. Harry L Benedict, President. 1909 American industries, Volume 10, By National Association of Manufacturers (U.S.)

Athenic Bronze Goods for Stationers: ATHENIC BRONZE, the latest triumph of the Benedict Art Studios, was inspired by the classic decorative art of ancient Athens It embodies a rich, ivory cameo effect on a French bronze finish and is moulded in the subtle lines of Greek proportion which, without doubt, is the most refined and dignified of the various period styles of form and decoration. The subdued old ivory of the cameo on a rich French bronze forms a most striking and refined color contrast, thoroughly in accord with the mahogany and ivory white interiors of the modern home. In design, too, each piece is thoroughly in harmony with the prevailing styles of interior decoration Particularly appropriate is this new bronze for gift purposes. It is unique, distinctive and “different.”  The wide range of prices makes it especially suitable for card prizes, holiday gifts and birthday or wedding presents. Though new in the field it has already achieved an immense popularity and our sales are steadily growing. It will help your sales, too.

The line includes a large number of articles that can be advantageously handled by stationers. The numbers shown here include a desk set and ink well. There are, however, many others, details of which may be obtained from the Benedict Manufacturing Company East Syracuse NY. American Stationer, Volume 79, 1916

Benedict-Proctor, Trenton, Ont. Canada

Benedict-Proctor, 1913-24, was a subsidiary of the Benedict Manufacturing Company of Syracuse, NY. It was a manufacturer of silver plate, bronze, brass and metal goods, novelties, clock frames and jewel cases.  In the ‘20’s they were the largest manufacturers of Silver Plated Soda Fountain Service in America.  Canadian Factory: Benedict INDESTRUCTO Silver.

Benedict Mfg Co East Syracuse NY Filed March 9, 1921 INDESTRUCTO Trade mark consists of the word Indestructo. Particular description of goods: Silver Plated Table Ware and Articles Plated with Precious Metal as Follows: Trays Cups Pitchers Small Pots Bowls Spoons Finger Bowls and also Silver Plated Cups for Soda Fountains. Claims use since on or about Jan 1, 1919

Benedict Indestructo Silver keeps the fountain profits out of the rubbish barrel and into your bank account because it puts an end to broken glassware and paper cups. It eliminates chipped glasses and gives you a quicker classier service made of 18 nickel silver Sheffield silver plated. It will give many years wear and pay for itself the first year by stopping glass and paper expense. It is made in a handsome lustrous finish that does not scratch and is free from crevices that collect impurities. Meyer Brothers druggist: Volume 43  1912

Brainard & Wilson Co, Danbury, Conn.

First Patent for Jewel Casket.  New York showrooms opened in 1908. “The line of samples displayed therein comprises many new designs in art and metal wares including clocks, jewelry boxes, candelabra, etc.  Mr Fred J. Foster, who was for about twenty years with Unger Brothers of Newark, is now in charge of the New York salesroom.”

P.A. Coon Silver Manfucturing Co., Syracuse, NY

In 1898 Percy A. Coon, was a Syracuse traveling salesman who represented the M.S. Benedict Mfg. Co. The following year, Coon alleged that M. Stewart Benedict of Benedict Mfg. Co. did not live up to his agreement.  Wm. A. Rogers Ltd. of Niagara Falls NY filed a complaint against the P.A. Coon Silver Mfg. Co. of infringement in 1911.  A short-lived and evidently troubled company that created interesting and beautifully designed jewel boxes.

P.A. COON AND H.N. GALE FORM NEW SILVERWARE COMPANY Syracuse, N. Y., June 27.—A company have been organized for the manufacture and sale of silver plated ware and metal goods by P. A. Coon, formerly connected with the Oneida Silverware Mfg. Co., and H. N. Gale, formerly associated with the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co., East Syracuse. The business will be located in the Hier factory building, in N. Clinton St. The company are now making up samples and say they expect to have five or six men out by July 15 for Fall business.
Mr. Coon negotiated for some time for the purchase of the Oneida Silverware Co. factory, but finally decided to locate the business in this city.
The Jewelers’ Circular – 3rd July 1901, pg 568

Extensive additions are now being made to the plant of the P. A. Coon Silver Mfg. Co., of Syracuse, N. Y., manufacturers of silver plated ware. Improvements are also being made in the equipment of the factory so that a capacity of over 2,000 pieces per day will be had. The plant is located at 135 North Warren Street. The Brass World and Platers’ Guide – July 1909

 

Weidlich Brothers Manufacturing Company,  Bridgeport, Conn.

Weidlich Bros. received at least 67 patents for their designs, many of which were for jewel cases.They advertised their various lines in the Jewelers’ Circular Weekly 1907-13+:  A 1907 ad was for their Original Swastika Souvenir Spoons, and from a 1907 sales catalog: “Very popular at the present time, the Swastika is an old Indian symbol for good luck, long life, happiness and prosperity, brought to the wearer by the four winds of Heaven represented by the four arms of the cross.” Parisian Art Silver, Athenic Bronze, Colonial Ware, Pompeian Gold, Sterling Silver, French Gold finishes.

 

 

Kronheimer and Oldenbusch Company, 1899-1941 Brooklyn, NY

Manufacturers of Britannia Novelties, Hollow Ware, Copper & Fancy Metal Goods. Patents taken for Inkwell, Frame, Lady’s Belt Buckle. Advertised frequently in Jewelers’ Circular 1906-11+: Jewel Cases, Jewel Caskets, Trinket and Hat Pin Boxes and other Novelties, often made of Nickle Silver or German Silver;  Antique Brass, Butler’s Silver, Oxidized Silver, Rose Gold, Pompeian Green, etc finishes. Extensive lines of Souvenir Goods.

The following 1912 article from GEYER’S STATIONARY not surprisingly emphasizes K&Odesk sets. However, the company was equally well known for all manner of “fancy” art metal wares: jewel boxes, cases, caskets, trinket boxes, souvenir boxes, hat pin boxes, napkin rings, candlesticks, souvenir spoons, frames, mantel novelties, etc., etc., etc.

A Manufacturing Business Founded On Original Ideas That Has Met With Success  In a modest small three-story factory about 30 x 50 feet, a little more than a decade ago, was started a business that has since grown to such proportions that the productions are known throughout the civilized world. The first line of samples cost but a few dollars and could have been packed into a steamer trunk and still have room for wearing apparel; today the sample line costs over $22,000 and each of the several travelers have good sized bills for excess during their trips.

The concern that has had so phenomenal a growth is that of the Kronheimer & Oldenbusch Co. which has a five-story brick factory, 125 feet frontage on Butler Street, Brooklyn, and one of the handsomest display rooms in this country at 561-563 Broadway, New York City. Less than 50 hands were employed when the business was started but today over 250 people are required to transact the affairs of the firm.

There is no secret in the wonderful success of the K&O Co.– as they are best known to the stationery trade of this country. When Ernest Oldenbusch who still superintends the making of every piece of metalware, and J.E. Kronheimer, who died several years ago, joined hands to manufacture silver and brass desk sets, single pieces and novelties, they resolved to make them well, to put into each article the best possible value, to skimp in no way detrimental to their productions; in short to be honest, painstaking, courteous, look to the needs of the times and their trade and give a full dollar in value for every dollar spent with them. This has always been done, and no firm in the world stands higher for square dealing than does the K&O concern.

As he did when he began manufacturing, Ernest Oldenbusch dons blouse and overalls, rolls up his shirtsleeves and goes right into the making of each article. He sees that the little detail so necessary is not slighted, that the finish of each number is right up to the standard. Mr. Oldenbusch is not only a metal worker, but is the originator of many of the best styles and of processes for making this kind of merchandise, winning fame the world over. At the factory, having charge of the business end in his capacity as treasurer, is N.H. Stewart, who has been with the K&O Co. for many years, aiding greatly in making the success that this firm has attained.

The writer recently had the pleasure of inspecting their New York salesrooms, and although he expected to see a superb line of their goods, he was amazed with the extent and remarkable variety of the complete line. The illustration below shows a corner of their remarkable salesroom, giving but a faint idea of the display room as a whole.

As the visitor enters, the first impression is of having been ushered into a gorgeous Aladdin palace, his eyes meeting on every side a profusion of beautiful things of metal, the general effect got which is gold, silver, copper and a great variety of other colors.

As one begins to make a detailed examination of the various pieces, exquisitely arranged on tables and cases, the wonder increases, as every article shown is in reality a thing of beauty well calculated to be a “joy forever.”  The completeness of each artistic design, faultlessly executed in every mechanical detail, explains at once the reason for the company’s phenomenal growth and success.  Every piece, however small or inexpensive, bears the certain earmarks of originality and distinctiveness. In other words the K&O products “stand out,” which gives to the line an exclusiveness hard to imitate.

When the company first started in a small way they adopted this policy of making only a distinctive line of goods, always of the first class, and that they have steadfastly clung to this principle is evidenced even by a casual glance. Each piece has a personality that suggests the art craftsmanship of a genius thoroughly in love with his work. Were the designs wrought in solid gold more care could not be given to the workmanship.

To describe the complete line of the K&O Co. would be a hopeless task, running as it does into thousands of numbers, each of which would be well worthy of special mention. Glancing briefly over a few of their most popular specialties sold largely by stationers, however, particular mention should be made of their famous desk sets, which have been frequently illustrated and described in GEYER’s STATIONER.

The illustration gives some idea of how these are arranged on several long rows of tables, but only a personal inspection can give an adequate impression of the beautiful color effects and superb beauty of the individual pieces. In all there are approximately 95 different numbers, ranging in price from $1.50 to $26.50. There are a wide variety of finishes, including brushed and polished brass, gray and polished silver, gun metal, old brass, rose gold, ivory, etc.

At the present time brushed brass seems to meet most with the popular fancy of the public, and the K&O line in this finish is both extensive and exquisite in every particular. The numbers include designs that are likely to meet every fancy, especially of those with a discriminating taste. These sets, in common with all of the other numbers, have flexible or solid desk blotters, covering a wide variety of designs, styles and sizes.

It, of course, goes without saying that all of the K&O goods are made of solid brass. They do not manufacture veneer and cheap “imitation” goods, although their prices are but a trifle more than this class of goods.

Of equal popularity with brushed brass, especially during the past few months, are the old brass, rose gold and gun metal finishes. These, as well as the brushed brass, of late are being sold extensively for wedding presents, favors, etc. To a buyer anxious to select a gift “different” from the others these desk sets fill a “long felt want.” Notwithstanding the moderate prices, K&O sets are purchased by the most wealthy clientele, being seen frequently at prominent society weddings, notably the recent Gould wedding, two K& O sets being included among the most expensive gifts of gold and silver.

One of the secrets of the extreme beauty of all K&O designs is that everyone is hand etched, irrespective of price or finish. The result is an effect as superior to stamping and other methods as a steel engraving is to ordinary type or drawings.

A particularly popular number among the desk sets consists of 7 pieces, consisting of paper knife, pin tray, inkstand, calendar, stamp box, paper rack and desk pad. The design is a beautiful floral effect. These are offered in a variety of finishes.

A valuable feature of all K&O sets is that the number of pieces in a set can be added to at will. For instance, if a purchaser originally buys a 3, 4 or 5 piece set he can constantly keep adding to it from time to time, at will. In every design there are made up paper weights, picture frames, postal scale, candlesticks, clocks, thermometers, card counters, scissors, card pads, bridge pads, book racks, smoking sets, card index boxes and a great many other specialties of various kinds. All of these “accessori” carry the same designs as the original desk sets, thus affording the stationers opportunity to make additional sales. When a customer buys a small set he usually spends all the money that he cares to invest at that particular time, but at future periods, when he sees other pieces displayed with the same design previously purchased, it is easy and natural for him to add, frequently, other numbers to his set, such as picture frames, a clock or a thermometer, or a new and more elaborate ink well, and so on. This is a feature that a clever stationer can utilize with profit. There are even pipes, cigarette cases and a dozen or more other specialties made up in the principal designs.

We have mentioned only briefly the desk set department of the K&O Co. They are the largest manufacturers of metal picture frames in the world and in many other particulars they have a unique line that every stationer seeking additional profits other than those that staple lines yield should investigate. GEYER’S STATIONARY APRIL 1912 Vol.53

Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Company,  Bridgeport, Conn.

Jennings Bros. manufactured clocks, jewel cases, candelabra, art metal items and silver plated flatware. In 1903, Jennings Bros. claimed Ormolu gold plate was manufactured exclusively by them and marketed under the trademark J.B. “Ormolu gold.” Bronze finishes were also produced  in competition with imported goods of French manufacture, and were sold under the name of “Nouveau Bronze” or “Art Nouveau.”  The company shipped to all states and territories of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, England, Africa, South America and Hawaii.

In 1892 the name was changed to Jennings Brothers Mfg. Co.; their officers remained the same to 1926, when Henry A. Jennings was named secretary. In 1927 Henry A. Jennings became president, and Erwin S. Jennings, son of Henry A., became secretary. Erwin M. and Henry A. both died in 1937.

In 1903, The Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Company, located at Bridgeport, Conn. USA, was one of the leading and most enterprising manufacturing concerns in Connecticut; it began business in the year 1890, occupying to begin with, less space for its entire business, than it now utilizes for office room alone. The hard work, aggressive and sagacious management, combined with liberality and fidelity in dealing with customers, has won for The Jennings Brothers Mfg. Co. a clientage and reputation equalled by few and excelled by none.

Its business is the manufacture of clocks, in metal cases, candelabra, art metal and silver-plated flatware. Among the numerous finishes applied to its many designs and large variety of goods made, is its Ormolu gold plate which was manufactured exclusively by this company, and marketed under the trademark J. B. “Ormolu gold.” This finish is the most beautiful and durable of any similar gold finish made, and is the result of years of investigation and experiments, and is now acknowledged to excel anything produced here or abroad.

Bronze finishes are also produced, and are most popular, as applied to art goods: their many dainty colorings perfect and bring out the artistic features and detail of the designs, to which it is most appropriately applied. These goods are in competition with imported goods of French manufacture, and are sold under the name of “Nouveau Bronze” or “Art Nouveau,” which is at present so much in vogue. French grey silver, and old brass finishes are also applied to novelties in candelabra, inks, trays, etc., and make most pleasing objects of art and utility. Silver plated flatware is sold under the company’s exclusive trade mark, “1890 Jennings Bros.,” and in each package is furnished a certificate of guarantee that the goods are as represented, or purchase money refunded. Such a guarantee gives some idea of the integrity of the company’s dealings with its customers. On such products as are not sold under one of the regular trade-marks when practicable, the initials “J. B.” appear on the article, for the purpose of identifying the company’s product.

The floor space now occupied approximates 100,000 square feet which gives some idea of the rapid growth since the business was established in 1890. Goods of its manufacture are shipped to all states and territories of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, England, Africa, South America and Hawaii. The company is capitalized at $100,000 and its officers and directors have continued the same since its organization and to these men, who have given their undivided time, is due the success of The Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Company. Its officers are Erwin M. Jennings, President; Edward A. Jennings, Treasurer; and Henry A. Jennings, Secretary; three brothers reared on a Connecticut farm, entering business to make their own way, and who now enjoy the confidence of all who know them. Public documents of the State of Connecticut, Volume 1 1903.

 

N.B. Rogers Silver Plate Company,   Danbury, Conn.

 In 1885 Nathaniel Burton Rogers helped organize the Rogers Silver Plate Company and in 1886 he moved to Danbury to establish a plant, he being secretary of the company. In 1907 he was president of the re-organized company and also president of the Rogers Telephone Company, of Danbury.  N. B. Rogers jewel boxes were pictured as late as 1920 in Sears Catalogs.