1863, Providence Tool and Armory, purchases to Brown and Sharpe, gun making


1863, Providence Tool and Armory, purchases to Brown and Sharpe, gun making

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.


Buy Now

1863, Providence Tool and Armory, purchases to Brown and Sharpe, gun making:
$21.51


This group of six documents, dated 1861-1863, is for purchases of goods from the Providence Tool and Armory to Brown and Sharpe....each document is 4x8, overall very good condition.

The Providence Tool Company was the outgrowth of the business ventures of two brothers. In 1834, Joseph and Jeremiah Arnold began manufacturing nuts and washers in Pawtucket. When Joseph retired, Jeremiah joined William Field, named their business William Field & Co., and moved to Providence in 1846. In April 1847 the name was changed to the Providence Tool Company.

            The company is known for its ammunition production. However, in its early years, it primarily made hammers, pick axes, marlinspikes, nuts, and bolts. In 1856 it merged with the Providence Forge and Nut Company. The Providence Tool Company was successful in supplying machine parts and tools across the nation.

            The Civil War created a demand for companies to make munitions for the Union army. The Providence Tool Company took up the call and began weapons manufacturing in 1861. The Company hired Frederick W. Howe, a former supervisor at the Robbins and Lawrence Armory in Windsor, Vermont, to help start the manufacturing of arms.

            During the 1860 and 1870s the company continued to produce hardware and machinery. The business expanded so much that in 1867 it opened an office in New York and London. In 1869 the London office closed and when the company encountered difficulty in 1875, the New York office closed as well. In 1873, it received a contract from Singer Sewing Machines to make sewing machines and made machines under other brand names.

Brown & Sharpe was founded in 1833 on South Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island by David Brown and his son Joseph R. Brown. The elder Brown retired in 1841, and the younger Brown formed a partnership with Lucian Sharpe in 1853, giving the company its name.

The early years were full of innovations and inventions, including the first automatic machine for graduating rules (1850) and the precision Gear Cutting and Dividing Engine (1855).

The company was incorporated in 1868. In 1866 Samuel Darling joined the partnership and the firm changed its name to Darling, Brown and Sharpe until Darling\'s interest was bought out in 1892.

This is from a collection of stamps, checks, letters and covers that have not been seen by the public for over 25 years. I now accept PAYPAL. I allow International buyers and will ship Internationally. Payment must be received within 5 days.

Please note: Due to continued problems shipping to China, all packages will be shipped Registered Mail at a cost of $11.75. Unfortun1809tely, there will be no exceptions made.

Shipping to United States destinations.

Free shipping. Domestic purchases mailed via US Postal Service First Class Mail. For items which sell for more than $100.00 I will mail via Registered Mail, with a fee of $11.75.

Shipping Fee Worldwide** (Do not ship to Mexico)

International shipping is NOT free. Postage on International orders under $100.00 is based on weight and mailed via US Postal Service First Class International Mail.

Total Orders over: $100.00 = $11.75 for Registered Mail Shipping plus postage.


1863, Providence Tool and Armory, purchases to Brown and Sharpe, gun making:
$21.51

Buy Now