Nicholson File Company
Nicholson File Company
- Only one piece available...
- Inventory on the way
You will receive the exact certificate pictured
Guaranteed authentic
Over 100 years old
Capital stock
May 11, 1908
Issued, canceled
International Bank Note Company
Hand signed
10 1/2" (w) by 7 1/4" (h)
NA
Historical Context
William T. Nicholson founded the Nicholson File Company in 1864. Born in Pawtucket, Nicholson began his career in the machinist’s trade at age 14, at a time when Providence was a center of technological innovation and industrial production. Companies such as Brown and Sharpe (now The Foundry), Corliss Steam Engine, and American Screw were leading the production of standardized tools, interchangeable parts, and machines for industry that made possible an exponential growth in manufacturing across the US. Nicholson set his sights on mechanizing the production of metal files and rasps, indispensable tools for makers of all sorts. By 1864 he had been granted several patents for machines to create ‘increment cut’ files, which he began producing that year.
In 1865, construction began on the Nicholson File company complex on a large parcel close to both the Woonasquatucket River and a newly-built railroad spur. As production of files exploded to meet growing demand, so did the factory complex.
William Nicholson died in 1893 with 98 patents for file production, and his son Samuel succeeded him as president of the company. Where William had laid the technological foundations for the company, Samuel ushered in a new era of business growth by buying out competing file manufacturers. By 1901, the Nicholson File company’s multiple factories were producing over 120,000 files per day. They supplied 80% of the US market for files, and were sold in 40 countries worldwide.
Even as the company was growing production in factories around the country, it continued to expand its original complex in Providence. A 3-acre parcel purchased in 1919 would come to house its later buildings, including the final building of the complex, its 1943 power house with giant smokestack inscribed vertically in brick ‘Nicholson File Co’. Most of this stack was later taken down so only ‘e Co’ remains. In 1959, the company closed its flagship Providence factory and moved production to its plant in Anderson, Indiana. The business stayed under family leadership through much of the 20th century until Paul C. Nicholson, Jr. ceded his position in 1969, just as American manufacturing began its collapse. 3 years later the Nicholson File company was bought by Cooper Industries.
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Additional Information
Certificates carry no value on any of today's financial indexes and no transfer of ownership is implied. All items offered are collectible in nature only. So, you can frame them, but you can't cash them in!
All of our pieces are original - we do not sell reproductions. If you ever find out that one of our pieces is not authentic, you may return it for a full refund of the purchase price and any associated shipping charges.
FAQ
Are the certificates offered on your site genuine or reproductions?
All of the certificates you see on our site are genuine pieces, we do not sell any reproductions.Are the certificates you sell negotiable on any of today's stock markets or indexes?
No. All of the pieces we sell are either canceled or obsolete and have collectible value only.
Are the images presented in your product listings of the exact piece I will receive?
It depends. We try to present images of the exact piece you will receive whenever possible. However, when we are offering quantities of a piece, this is impossible. Within every product page we detail whether or not you will be receiving the exact certificate listed, or if the image is a representative example of the one you will receive.
How will you ship my order and how much do you charge?
We ship all orders via the United States Postal Service. Most domestic orders are shipped via Ground Advantage. USPS International, Priority and Express Mail, UPS and DHL services are also available, and costs are calculated during checkout. Current charges may be reviewed here.
Can I return my purchase?
Absolutely. You may return any merchandise, for any reason, within 30 days of the purchase date for a full refund of the purchase price.
We guarantee all of our pieces to be authentic. If you ever determine that a piece is not authentic, it may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price as well as any associated shipping charges.
Shipping
If your order exceeds $35, and the shipping address is within the United States, shipping via USPS Ground Advantage is FREE!
We make every effort to ship out all orders within 24 hours of receipt.
We ship the majority of orders via the USPS, with domestic orders using the Ground Advantage service.
Shipping is calculated during checkout. Upgraded services such as Priority and Express Mail, as well as UPS and DHL options, are also available.
As soon as your order is shipped you will receive your tracking information via email.
OVERSEAS ORDERS PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DECLARE FULL ORDER VALUE ON ALL SHIPMENTS. CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL VAT/CUSTOMS CHARGES.
Returns
Our goal is to make sure every item you receive is exactly what you had in mind. If you not happy with your purchase, we’ll help you get it sorted in a timely and professional manner.
You can return anything we offer for an exchange, refund or store credit within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping costs may apply, and the item must be in its original condition and packaging.
Any shipping charges collected on the original order are not eligible for a refund.