Hi:
While we are looking for manufacturers, here is a new one that I've never seen before on a Darby. "R. Blunn & Co." (Could also be "H. Blunn"). Anyone run across this name before? Joe has pics if he decides to load them.
Stan
Never ceases to amaze me how we are still coming across items with manufacturers names that have never appeared before. Seems our handcuff industry in England must have been quite profitable in the late 19th / early 20th century. One thing we do know is that during the general strike of 1926 Hiatt's were rushed off their feet to supply the police. However, I still find it hard to believe there were more than 4 or 5 actual manufacturers. Having worked as a professional Safe & Vault engineer and looked at the history of Safes in England it is quite surprising the number of companies that did (and still do) simply supply items to be badge engineered. Again I can not comment on say kitchen appliances in the US but over here we have numerous high street hypermarkets who sell washing machines - many say if you can buy cheaper we will refund the difference + 10%. So you buy a Bosch machine No 2345d for £400- then you see the same model at £380- but this store calls it No 2345n. Sorry this has turned out to be such a long reply but I believe the majority of these odd names were made by either Hiatt, Froggatt or more likely Hudson.
Chris Gower
