Kerr & Co
Encyclopedia
William B. Kerr Co. was a manufacturer of jewelry, flatware and hollow-ware. Established in Newark, New Jersey in 1855. They are listed in the 1915 Edition of the Trademarks of the Jewelry and Kindred Trades as having been located at 144 Orange St. in Newark, NJ.
- a single-bit axe with rods bound with straps. They used this trademark of a medieval axe from 1855 until 1892. Other hallmarks include a hammer, and three "X" marks.
pieces, most especially the American Beauty series, as well as many different patterns of flatware and holloware for children featuring nursery rhymes and images.
. Gorham
was purchased by Textron
in 1967. Gorham was owned by Brown-Forman Corporation
from 1991 to 2005 until it was sold to Department 56
in the Lenox holdings transaction.
Hallmark
Kerr's hallmark was a fascesFasces
Fasces are a bundle of wooden sticks with an axe blade emerging from the center, which is an image that traditionally symbolizes summary power and jurisdiction, and/or "strength through unity"...
- a single-bit axe with rods bound with straps. They used this trademark of a medieval axe from 1855 until 1892. Other hallmarks include a hammer, and three "X" marks.
Styles
Kerr was known for elaborate and unique Art NouveauArt Nouveau
Art Nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that were most popular during 1890–1910. The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art"...
pieces, most especially the American Beauty series, as well as many different patterns of flatware and holloware for children featuring nursery rhymes and images.
Sale to Gorham
The William B. Kerr & Co was sold to Gorham Manufacturing CompanyGorham
Gorham or Goreham is a surname, and may refer to:*Arthur F. Gorham , American soldier*Benjamin Gorham , American politician*Christopher Gorham , American actor...
. Gorham
Gorham
Gorham or Goreham is a surname, and may refer to:*Arthur F. Gorham , American soldier*Benjamin Gorham , American politician*Christopher Gorham , American actor...
was purchased by Textron
Textron
Textron is a conglomerate that includes Bell Helicopter, E-Z-GO, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Greenlee, among others. It was founded by Royal Little in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company, and is headquartered at the Textron Tower in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.With total revenues of...
in 1967. Gorham was owned by Brown-Forman Corporation
Brown-Forman Corporation
The Brown-Forman Corporation is one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business.Some well-known brands of the corporation include Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Canadian Mist, Early Times, Old Forester, and Korbel champagne.-...
from 1991 to 2005 until it was sold to Department 56
Department 56
Department 56 is a manufacturer of holiday collectibles, ornaments and giftware, known for their lit Christmas village collections and their Snowbabies collection. It is owned by Enesco.-History:...
in the Lenox holdings transaction.