26 Oct metallic compression casting company builders’ hardware
the metallic compression casting company manufactured “house trimmings,” such as knobs, hinges, escutcheons, bell pulls, along with dies for printing wall paper, and for bookbinders. the highly successful inventions of charles and michael smith during the 1860’s, were used extensively at their foundry in bomerville, near boston, mass. the two founders (j.j. c. smith, president and jesse a. locke, treasurer) revolutionized metallurgic art, so far as fine casting is concerned.
numerous design patents were secured by both the metallic compression casting company and russell & erwin in 1870. some of the most sought after doorknobs (e.g., “lion” and “dog”) were designed and patented by ludwig kreuzinger for the metal compression casting and/or russell erwin mfg. nearly all of the patented designs quickly appeared in russell & erwin’s builders’ hardware catalogs soon after.
by 1872 the struggling metallic compression casting company filed for bankruptcy (district courts of the united stated, massachusetts district) and russell & erwin absorbed the company, including their foundry located outside of boston. the metallic compression casting company was dissolved shortly thereafter.
all images courtesy of eric j. nordstrom and urban remains. all rights reserved. 2021.
