Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A substantial and comprehensive reference, this 1961 Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Company Catalog No. 121 represents a hallmark of mid-20th-century wholesale hardware distribution. Hardbound in durable cloth-covered boards, the volume measures 10.25 x 8.5 inches and weighs an impressive 9 pounds, reflecting its extensive content and robust construction.
The cover is boldly marked with "Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Co." alongside the iconic Blue Grass trademark, emphasizing the company’s reputation for quality.
Containing 4524 numbered pages, this catalog serves as a vast resource for mechanics, contractors, and hardware retailers, detailing an immense variety of products ranging from hand tools and electric lighting fixtures to kitchenware, outdoor equipment, and specialized industrial tools. The interior is carefully organized into departments, with illustrations and detailed specifications for every item, making it a practical and invaluable guide for its time.
The catalog features a richly designed title page for Department 1, Mechanics Tools, showcasing Belknap’s sprawling Louisville facilities, which at the time boasted 46 acres of floor space. Each page is a testament to the company’s meticulous attention to detail and the breadth of their offerings, with sections including everything from rolling pins and butter molds to precision compasses, stopwatches, and electrical fixtures.
This piece stands not only as a functional reference of the 1960s era but also as a historical artifact, capturing the scope and scale of a company that played a pivotal role in the American hardware industry. Its combination of utility and historical significance makes it a noteworthy addition for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of industrial history.
CONDITION REPORT ~ Remarkably well-preserved condition for its size and age ~ Clean, perhaps never put out for use, with Interior pages remainoing intact and clean.
HISTORY of BELKNAP HARDWARE & MANUFACTURING
Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Company was established in 1840 by William Burke Belknap in Louisville, Kentucky. It began as a modest iron shop, producing items such as horse and mule shoes, nails, and spikes. Over time, the company expanded into one of the largest wholesale enterprises in the United States, distributing a vast array of hardware products.
By its centennial in 1940, Belknap had grown to operate a complex of 37 buildings, covering 37 acres of floor space under one roof. The company offered over 110,000 different products, including tools, firearms, padlocks, lawn mowers, and bicycles. Belknap developed several well-known brands, including "Blue Grass" tools and "John Primble" knives, with the latter being manufactured in Louisville between 1947 and 1985.
Despite its prominence, Belknap faced significant challenges during the latter half of the 20th century. After more than 140 years of operation, the company declared bankruptcy and ceased operations in 1986. In 1993, two of its large warehouse buildings were demolished in a highly publicized implosion.
In 2023, the Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Company name was revived, marking a return to business after a 40-year hiatus. This resurgence seeks to honor the company’s rich heritage while adapting to modern market needs.
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