Nicholson File Company

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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