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Found a little information here scattered throughout the forum on Bronson and Townsend Company and wanted to attempt to focus the information for easy research and if new light is shed on old information.
The Bronson and Townsend Company was a hardware and tool distributing company that operated in New Haven, Connecticut from the late 1880s through the early 1930s. The company was a distributor, and not a manufacturer of axes/tools. During its history, most records show that the majority of tools sold by the company were produced by the Bradley Axe Company of CT and later NJ. However other prominent manufacturers produced for the company as well.
Connecticut Industry
Late 19th into the early 20th century forged Connecticut pattern axe.
The Bronson and Townsend Hardware Company was as the advert from 1901 stated, a wholesale and retail dealer of hardware and agricultural tools. The company operated in New Haven, Connecticut from the late 1880s through the early 1930s. The information i have been able to find, reasons that the majority of edged tools sold by the company were produced by the Bradley Axe Company of Weston CT., but as the anchor here suggests, this Connecticut pattern axe was possibly made by The Joseph Mann Company, early 20th century. Or even Plumb, or Kelly Axe & Tool?
I lean toward Joseph Mann, even suggesting the possibility Joeseph Mann was making axes for Kelly at this time.
Walter Whittlesey Bronson, was born in 1848, and became one of the founders and the first president of The Bronson & Townsend Company, New Haven. Walter retired in 1906.
"Walter Whittlesey Bronson, of Washington, son of William Clark and Lucy Ann (Whittlesey) Bronson, was born in that town, February 18, 1848. His boyhood was spent on the farm, his active business life in the mercantile business, he having been one of the founders and the first president of The Bronson & Townsend Company, New Haven. Since retiring from active business in New Haven, in 1906, he has again taken up his residence at the old Bronson Homestead in Washington Connecticut."
Passing away in 1927, buried at the Washington Green Cemetery, Washington, Connecticut.
Information cited from:
-Gunn Historical Museum-
I did find this thread that covers some great info with great conversation...
www.bladeforums.com
️️
The Bronson and Townsend Company was a hardware and tool distributing company that operated in New Haven, Connecticut from the late 1880s through the early 1930s. The company was a distributor, and not a manufacturer of axes/tools. During its history, most records show that the majority of tools sold by the company were produced by the Bradley Axe Company of CT and later NJ. However other prominent manufacturers produced for the company as well.
Connecticut Industry
Late 19th into the early 20th century forged Connecticut pattern axe.
The Bronson and Townsend Hardware Company was as the advert from 1901 stated, a wholesale and retail dealer of hardware and agricultural tools. The company operated in New Haven, Connecticut from the late 1880s through the early 1930s. The information i have been able to find, reasons that the majority of edged tools sold by the company were produced by the Bradley Axe Company of Weston CT., but as the anchor here suggests, this Connecticut pattern axe was possibly made by The Joseph Mann Company, early 20th century. Or even Plumb, or Kelly Axe & Tool?
I lean toward Joseph Mann, even suggesting the possibility Joeseph Mann was making axes for Kelly at this time.
Walter Whittlesey Bronson, was born in 1848, and became one of the founders and the first president of The Bronson & Townsend Company, New Haven. Walter retired in 1906.
"Walter Whittlesey Bronson, of Washington, son of William Clark and Lucy Ann (Whittlesey) Bronson, was born in that town, February 18, 1848. His boyhood was spent on the farm, his active business life in the mercantile business, he having been one of the founders and the first president of The Bronson & Townsend Company, New Haven. Since retiring from active business in New Haven, in 1906, he has again taken up his residence at the old Bronson Homestead in Washington Connecticut."
Passing away in 1927, buried at the Washington Green Cemetery, Washington, Connecticut.
Information cited from:
-Gunn Historical Museum-
I did find this thread that covers some great info with great conversation...
This Connie surprised me…
I bought it knowing it was marked Kelly Axe & Tool Co Charleston WVA U.S.A. HAND 💪 Forged But when I received the axe I saw a large 5 dead center in the cheek on the opposite side as well as the stamp B&T co⚓ Below the poll. The axe weighs 3lb 10oz and has a 3 stamped under the eye. Not sure...
www.bladeforums.com
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