M.W. Robinson / Davis Level & Tool

[Modelof1891]

Information found about M.W. Robinson and maybe with more research we might find they were purchased by a tool company.

I found this info while researching:

Davis Patent / M. W. Robinson Co. 1892 --

In 1892, the Davis Level & Tool Co. sold the Davis Patent rights to the M. W. Robinson Co. They sold the remaining Davis stock, and manufactured the carpenter style, the pedestal & hexagon pocket levels for an unknown time. Robinson levels are generally distinguished by round end caps replacing the Davis finials, and areas of simpler casting replacing some of the filagree on the 18" & 24" sizes. These levels are generally marked with some form of: MWR Co, Davis Patent.

This was a gradual transformation as the Davis stock was used up, and many levels are found with both Davis & Robinson characteristics.

Several Davis Level & Tool Co. inclinometer levels have been found in boxes labeled: M W Robinson Co. I haven't seen any evidence that Robinson manufactured any of the inclinometer levels themselves.

But I have observed that the later Davis inclinometer levels were modified by making the ends thicker - probably in response to complaints about corners breaking off.

Robinson did continue the offset inclinometer models, but they all have inclinometers marked Davis Level & Tool Co.

 

[mrcvs]

This doesn't surprise me because a level is a tool sold in a hardware store. It appears that many, if not the majority, of 19th Century revolvers were sold through a hardware, or quasi-hardware store. It is probable that M W Robinson sold, in addition to firearms, items sold in a typical hardware store, or maybe even general store, of that era.

 

[DWalt]

You are right. Some large wholesale hardware concerns such as Hibbard Spencer Bartlett (Chicago) and Belknap Hardware (Louisville) were also major gun distributors. Even Wolf and Klar (Ft. Worth) handled all sorts of other merchandise besides guns and has been described as sort of a combination large pawn/jewelry shop and hardware store.

 

[alanfir]

I have seen an add for the Union Spring Hinge Company, located at 79 Chambers Street in New York, with M.W. Robinson as agent. By 1883 a new four story warehouse was built on the site of 79 Chambers Street by M.W. Robinson and other tenants. The warehouse included door numbers 70 and 121 Chambers Street. Alanfir.