Information Regarding Benedict Mfg.Co.

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A new and important industry is to be started in Bridgeport, Conn. The old plant of the Benham & Hawley Company, on Kossuth street, has been leased for five years and will be operated by a newly organized silver plate manufacturing concern, the Benedict & McFarlane Company. The factory will open early in December, 150 hands will be employed. The heads of the new company are F. H. McFarlane, treasurer and manager of the Bridgeport Silver Plate Company, now of Norfolk, Va., but formerly of Bridgeport, where Mr. McFarlane is widely known; and M. S. Benedict of the Benedict Manufacturing Company, of East Syracuse, N. Y. The new company is an entirely separate enterprise from either of the factories named. It will manufacture a different line, producing silver-plated table ware only, while the Norfolk factory makes casket hardware and novelties and the product of the Benedict company is hollow ware. The new company is capitalized at $150,000. It has placed orders for $20,000 worth of machinery, which will begin to arrive as soon as the building is in shape to receive it. The Benedict & McFarlane Company will be outside the trust.

Source: Home Furnishing Review - November 1899

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BENEDICT Mfg. Co., East Syracuse, N. Y., with New York office at 409 Broadway, are placing before the trade three large catalogues; one devoted to Hollow-Ware and the other two to Flat-Ware and Novelties. Of their Hollow-Ware catalogue they say: “We take pleasure in presenting to our patrons a line of Silver-Plated Hollow-ware, the patterns illustrated being of the very latest designs, and include Tea Sets, Fruit Dishes, Salad Bowls, Cake Dishes, Bon Bons, Bake Dishes, Candelabra, Trays of all descriptions, Vases, Smoking Sets, Prize Cups, Water Pitchers, Shaving Mugs, Child's Cups, Cracker Jars. and many other desirable articles. Illustrations and prices are given in their Flat-Ware catalogue of their De Witt, La Fayette, Shell, Windsor and Tipped patterns of Spoons, and of their line of Electric Silver and White Metal Ware, Nut Picks and Cracks. Their Novelty catalogue includes new designs of Clocks, Jewel Boxes, Statuettes, Trays, Ink Stands, Paper Weights, in the latest finish, including Ormulu Gold, Verdi Antique, Egyptian Bronze and French Gray; Napkin Rings, Salt and Pepper Shakers, etc., etc. .

Source: Hardware - 10th October 1906

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M.S. Benedict Mfg. Co. - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1905

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Benedict-Proctor Mfg. Company - Trenton, Ontario - 1920

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M.S. Benedict Mfg. Co. - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1905

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The stockholders of the Benedict Manufacturing Company met March 23 at its office in East Syracuse. The regular annual dividend of 7 per cent, on both preferred and common stock was declared, and the following officers and directors elected: H. L. Benedict, president; George N. Crouse, first vice-president; C. C. Graham, second vice-president; Charles Van Wagner, secretary: John Bailey, assistant secretary; R. B. Roantree, treasurer; Newton Owen, assistant treasurer; directors, George N. Crouse, Charles Van Wagner and H. L. Benedict. The company's prospects, from the present indications, look exceedingly rosy for 1909. A larger force of men is employed at the present time than ever before. Several departments have been working nights for the last month. The company has recently purchased the patents controlling the United States output of the natural rose hatpins, which have been such a fad for the last few months. These are being turned out at the rate of over 2.000 a day. Notwithstanding this, the orders are coming in faster than the output.

Source: The Metal Industry - April 1909

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THE IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ART

By A. F. Saunders - Chief Designer for the Benedict Manufacturing Company


It is interesting to note the great progress made in design as applied to the various lines of art metal wares seen in the shops of the present time. It seems safe to say that, without exception, we can not single out any one industry, where the element of art enters into its production that shows a greater improvement in aesthetic composition, originality of thought, or a closer incorporation of true principles than is found in the modern metal work of the last ten years.

This perhaps may seem a rather broad assertion but stop and consider for a moment. Go back in memory, think of the limited amount of metal ware produced say twenty years ago that was worthy the much abused name art. Aside from the work of the gold or silversmith it was quite impossible to procure any American product in metal, that in design or finish there entered any artistic taste whatsoever. Whereas now there can plainly be seen a widespread movement practically universal among the manufacturers of metal ware of all kinds to improve their product, especially from an aesthetic standpoint as well as that of utility. This progress not only applies to the development of the gold and silversmiths' craft, but also, and if anything to a greater degree does it apply to the metal work of a less costly nature, such as silverplated ware, articles in bronze, copper, brass, pewter, spelter and even so common and cheap a metal as lead.



ART BRASS DESK SET, MODERNIZED EGYPTIAN, GREEN AND DULL BRASS, COLOR HARMONY IN FINISH.


It should be a source of keen satisfaction and gratification to our metal designer to see this growing appreciation of his untiring efforts for the advancement and betterment of his craft. I say craft because the modern intensive designer not only studies the formative and decorative possibilities of his art, but is in constant and close touch with the production and commercial side of the industry. Through this co-operation and his practical understanding only, has it been possible to attain this gradual development along lines of artistic design, practical utility and commercial success.

This progressive art movement in the metal industry has not only proven a developer of business to both the manufacturer and the merchant, but has also been of great educational value to the ultimate consumer who has become far more discriminating today than was the case not so very many years ago. This progress is without question due principally to a better understanding and consequent appreciation of the value of good design, also a closer relationship between the production and art department.



ART BRONZE AND SILVER SMOKING SET - Example of modern treatment in design, color harmony in combination finishes.


It is a common mistake to suppose or assume that factory-made wares cannot possess truly artistic or aesthetic quality and we must admit that while the individual handwrought article possesses a certain amount of personal value and charm lacking in like articles manufactured in quantities and supplemented in their production by the aid of the machine; it should, however, be remembered that the latter have a greater influence upon the tastes of the great masses of purchasers frequenting the marts of the present time, hence any real artistic improvement of the factory-made product is most commendable, and should be given every encouragement. Undoubtedly the arts and crafts movement has greatly influenced the advancement of modern design and workmanship. It has developed new lines of thought and has created a growing desire for newer and better things, its very keynote is simplicity, a fundamental principle of good design. This spirit has entered largely into the designing of metal wares of the past few years and with most pleasing results.

Broadly speaking, there is a growing feeling toward art in this country, a greater desire than ever before to secure things that are beautiful and artistically correct. We are rapidly outgrowing that apparent love for mere show, so pronounced in the over-decorated period of the last century. We are no longer content with the copying of hackneyed decorative styles of former periods having long out grown their usefulness, and entirely devoid of any meaning to the art of America. While there is a growing appreciation of the simple yet truly beautiful style of our Colonial period this feeling is most proper and can be understood as being most representative of our best ideals. In no industry is this Colonial revival more pronounced than in the work of the silversmith, and it has aroused the modern metal craftsman to the artistic value of good form and simple decoration in the designing of his product.



CAST JEWEL BOX - Modernized Assyrian, finished in antique gold.


Again referring to the development of art metal work in materials (other than the precious metals) where gold and silver are used in small proportions either from an economic standpoint or for purely decorative purposes, such as gold or silver plated work or in decorative combination with such cheaper metals as bronze, copper or brass, here are unlimited possibilities for the designer and there is no reason for a lack of good form, judicious decoration or artistic finish in his work.

It is truly remarkable the progress made in what has come to be known as art brass, and whilst the vast quantities of crude productions have been turned out under this name, nevertheless there has developed a widespread demand for brass ware of real artistic merit. Again I say that without question this demand has been created through the application of good design. It matters not what the nature of a material may be, it possesses artistic possibilities of its limitations, manipulation and proper finish is thoroughly understood. Such knowledge combined with a good training in the true principles of design must place our metal work on a higher artistic plane. Surely the outlook is most encouraging for an even greater improvement and development both in the design and production, of art metal wares of every description.

Source: The Metal Industry - January 1913

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The Benedict Mfg. Co. of East Syracuse, N. Y., manufacturers of art metal novelties, have recently placed a new line of brass novelties on the market and which are called "Karnak" brass goods.

Source: The Brass World and Platers' Guide - July 1909

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Benedict Mfg. Company - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1916

'Athenic Bronze'

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Benedict Mfg. Co. - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1906

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M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co., East Syracuse, have recently added new buildings, with an additional floor space of more than 20.000 square feet, to their factory. The company have recently added a 300-light machine to their electrical plant. They also have a gas plant of their own on the premises. Since the concern located in East Syracuse they have run full time.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 31st March 1897

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Benedict-Proctor Manufacturing Company, Limited - Trenton, Ontario - 1920

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Benedict-Proctor Manufacturing Company, Limited - Trenton, Ontario - 1920

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M.S. Benedict Mfg. Co. - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1902

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John Leslie, traveling for the T. N. Benedict Mfg. Co., East Syracuse, N. Y., is in town with his bride, making his headquarters with H. J. Gute & Co., 150 Post St. He is combining a tour of the world, on which he will visit many remote spots, with a honeymoon. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie will sail soon for the Orient.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 11th August 1920

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BENEDICT OUTING

The salesmen of the Benedict Manufacturing Company held their annual spring convention at the company's plant at East Syracuse, N. Y., during the week of May 8. One of the main purposes of the gathering was to prepare for the coming holiday business on the new line of electric portable lamps recently placed on the market by The Benedict Manufacturing Company. These lamps are in brass with unique and original art shades which have been patented. So well have these already taken with the buying public that the company is preparing to erect an addition to their factory, which will be devoted exclusively to the manufacture of these lamps. This will materially increase the floor space of the plant as well as necessitate more employees. Steps also are being taken to protect the valuable patent on these lamps and shades.

In addition to many interesting and instructive conferences at the offices of The Benedict Manufacturing Company during the week an outing was held at South Bay on Oneida Lake, which was attended by the members of the selling force and H. L. Benedict, president; R. B. Roantree, treasurer; C. C. Graham, sales manager, and A. F. Saunders, designer. The trip to the lake was made in automobiles which left the factory at noon, and the afternoon was spent in fishing. The travelling men in town were: C. C. Graham, New York City; John Bailey, Pittsburg, Pa.; F. A. Weatherley, Chicago, Ill.; J. P. Kane, Syracuse, N. Y.; H. H. Jackson, Syracuse, N. Y., Edward Dorner, New York City; W. A. Van Patten, Columbus, Ohio; Newton Owen, St. Louis, Mo.; J. P. Deal, Atlanta, Ga.; I. G. Proctor, Toronto, Ont.; E. E. Fuller, New Orleans, La.; F. O. Vermilyea, Milwaukee, Wis.; J. H. R. Proctor, Toronto, Ont.; A. C. Barrie, San Francisco, Cal.; 0. D. Irwin, Boston, Mass; L. K. Phreaner, Los Angeles, Cal., and R. N. Pembroke, Portland, Ore.

Source: The Metal Industry - June 1911

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DEATH OF M. S. BENEDICT

M. Stuart Benedict, president of the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Company, manufacturers of Silver Plated Ware, with factories at East Syracuse, N. Y., and Ottawa, Ill., whose death was recently announced, was born in 1849, his first business experience being with the Howard Cutlery Company, by whom he was employed for 15 years. Four years previous to leaving that concern he established, with E. R. Wallace, a jewelry jobbing house at Syracuse known as Benedict & Wallace. After an interval of eight years, he having left the Howard Cutlery Company, Mr. Benedict purchased Mr. Wallace’s interest and changed the firm name to the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Company, this concern embracing Mr. Benedict’s interest in the Union Metal Works. He was also interested in the Benedict-Clarke Silver Company. Ottawa, Ill.; the Hamilton Mfg. Company, Chicago, Ill, and the Benedict & Dunn Company, Bridgeport, Conn. January 1, 1902, these several companies were consolidate and incorporated into the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Company, with an authorized capital stock of $600,000 paid in. Early in 1899 Mr. Benedict's son, Harry L. Benedict, was admitted as a partner. When M. S. Benedict dissolved partnership with Mr. Wallace in 1894 the jewelry business was discontinued and his attention turned to jobbing Silverware exclusively.

Eight years ago the town of East Syracuse made Mr. Benedict a proposition, agreeing to furnish him with a three-story brick building 100 x 150 feet for manufacturing Silverware and provide a certain bonus if he would locate there and undertake to maintain for five years a weekly pay roll of not less than $600. At the end of the time the building would be deeded to Mr. Benedict. This offer was accepted and a factory was started in East Syracuse, and the jobbing business was still continued at Syracuse proper. At the end of three years the pay roll was doubled, and East Syracuse made a proposition that if Mr. Benedict would move all of his Syracuse business to East Syracuse and put up another building the size of the original building, they would deed the factory and the ground to him at once. This offer was accepted. and the old factory was increased and equipped with the best machinery for manufacturing Silverware that could be obtained.

Mr. Benedict is survived by a widow and one son.

Source: The Iron Age - 19th February 1903

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The Benedict-Proctor travellers are starting out this month with a line that will interest the trade, known as Polychrome. Mr. L. G. Proctor, president, is looking forward to seeing his many friends in Montreal and Quebec during September and October.

Source: The Trader - September 1920

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Benedict Manufacturing Company - East Syracuse, N.Y. - 1922

'BENEDICT INDESTRUCTO SILVER'

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Employes of the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co. Form a Union and Are Locked Out

Syracuse, N. Y., May 9.—Two hundred employes of the M. S. Benedict Mfg. Co., East Syracuse, found themselves locked out when they returned to their work after dinner. Monday noon. Upon making inquiries they were told that the cause of the shutting down of the factory was that repairs
were to be made to certain of the boilers, but the workmen say that the lockout is due to the fact that they have lately signified their intention of forming a union.

It is said that Mr. Benedict has expressed himself as very much against this procedure and bases his objections on the fact that all the silver plate factories in the country have so far kept aloof from unionism and he does not care to be the first to change this situation. He said that the employes had never reported any grievance and he saw no reason for the organization of a union. The men stand firm for what they believe to be their rights, and many of the men upon receiving their pay left the town. There is general regret at East Syracuse over the situation.

A member of the union says that Mr. Benedict’s statement in regard to the East Syracuse shop being the first union shop is incorrect. He say's it is one of the last shops to be unionized. Such factories as that of the E. G. Webster & Son. Brooklyn, and the Meriden Britannia Co., Meriden, Conn., have strong unions in their shops and everything is peaceful between the manufacturers and employes.


Mr. Benedict makes the following statement to The Circular-Weekly, regarding the lockout:

“Our reason for our action is that there is not a single union, that we know of, in the Britannia metal business, and we did not, and do not, propose to run a union shop here, while all the other factories are operated by non-union labor. In fact, we do not wish a union of this kind to be started in our factory. Our employes, when interviewed, do not claim to have any grievance whatever ; simply claim to have organized in order to protect themselves against any future trouble or grievance they might possibly have. The factory has run steadily, 10 hours per day, throughout the year for the last six years, never having any trouble of any nature whatever before, the most of our employes having been with us since we started up. We have now been shut down for one week and are making needed repairs in our plant. Our hollow ware department will not start up until we can do so with non-union labor. A peculiar thing about the formation of this union is, that the entire factory has gone into the same union, namely, the Tinsmiths’ Union, while there are at least a dozen separate and different trades in our factory, as any Britannia metal manufacturer knows.’’

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 15th May 1901

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