Stanley Screen Door Hardware Display, c. 1950
Longhorn Steer Necktie Clasp, North & Judd Manufacturing
Naval Pistol, Made in 1808 by Simeon North, East Berlin Factory
Universal Coffeematic Percolator, c. 1955, Landers Frary & Clark
Cutaway Ball Bearing, Fafnir Manufacturing Co.
Copper and Brass Stanley Rule & Level Company Sign. Two of these flanked the main factory door at the corner of Church and Elm Streets, c. 1920-1935.
Office Message Box - Time Keeper, pat. 1911 by B. Jahn Mfg. Company, Predecessor of Okay Industries.
Our Collection
Out of the blacksmith forges populating 18th century New Britain grew 5 major industries that fueled daily life in America for most of the 20th century. From the lock on your front door and the key in your pocket to the appliances in your kitchen and the parts in your car, all of those things and more might be made in New Britain, contain New Britain parts, or have been made on a New Britain machine.
Five Major Industries.
Manufacturing Machines and Machine Parts (Including New Britain Machine; Union Manufacturing; Skinner Chuck; Peter Paul)
Hand Tools (Including Stanley Rule & Level/Stanley Tool; Union Manufacturing; New Britain Machine)
Ball Bearings (Including Fafnir Bearing)
Builders Hardware (Including P.F. Corbin; Russell & Erwin; Stanley)
Consumer Goods (Including Landers, Frary & Clark; North & Judd; Taplin; American Hosiery; Parker Shirt)
Learn more about New Britain’s most notable companies:
Fafnir Bearing
American Hardware
Stanley Works
North & Judd
Landers, Frary, & Clark
Help us Collect History
We collect stories as well as items. Did you work in a New Britain factory, own a business in town, or have a family member that did? Fill out a family work history and share your family’s New Britain story with us.
Questions? Please contact the Collections team (collections@nbindustrial.org) for more information.