This is obscured by paint drips, but has been added to the site, in the hope that some one can determine the distributor from a NYC Street Directory. The border is formed of a pair of lines that cross at intervals.
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Here we have pictures of label found on Aldrich Clamps. In my collection, there are four labels for Milton Aldrich, or his son, William. Only three are on the website at the moment.
This is obscured by paint drips, but has been added to the site, in the hope
that some one can determine the distributor from a NYC Street Directory. The
border is formed of a pair of lines that cross at intervals.
I have started to process this by hand, filling in gaps, to enhance legibility.
The label is a replacement for a rectangular label, revealed by a change in patina.
This is obscured by general deterioration, but has been identified as A J. Wilkinson,
by Charlie Newbold.
William Aldrich re-organized the firm in 1882. Two borders are known to be used
by him:
short dashes or outward rays illustrated below, and
a grecian border, or band of angular S shapes.
Distributors include Hammacher Schlemmer, and a Leominster MA hardware store.
I have not yet determined when H S was at this address.
The firm placed ads in the city and county directories, almost every year. These illustrate major changes in their appearance.
This is typical of the earliest ads. The only identified product is "wooden screws", without a mention of their use in hand screws.
Lowell, the "City of [textile] Spindles" had an enormous need for wood
turning to support the textile mills.
This is typical of somewhat later ads. The list of products is much longer: hand
screws, bench screws, cabinet makers' clamps, painoforte makers' clamps.
Wood turning is still provided.
This is typical of the later ads. William has taken over the firm, but trades
on the recognition of the established name.
This introduces the etching or line cut to illustrate the variety of products. I can find 4 bench screws, 4 pianoforte makers' or bar clamps, and 11 sizes of hand screws.
William continues to emphasize the continuity of the firm, established in 1844, and continuing until 1884, when he takes over. (Note that the dates for William taking responsibility vary, some sources giving 1882, here giving 1884.)
The meaning of "Celebrated oil-filled" is not clear. Perhaps a reader
can help.
This re-uses the line cut, but the text now mentions products made of metal: malleable
iron clamps, steel bar clamps, and vises. Also, mill baskets are named. This
diversification may be a sign of the declining market for wooden hand screws.
(However, the sale of kindling indicates a good deal of wood processing.)
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