Napier Company / E. A. Bliss Co. silver designs - historical information

ADC staff
artdesigncafé - design | Design Meriden | 18 March 2016 | Updated 11 December 2021
LINK: Napier Co. / E. A. Bliss Co. silver designs in collections, at auction, and in exhibitions


The Napier Company: "[First,] the E. A. Bliss Company, with Mr. Bliss as its active head, was incorporated on July 17, 1882 in Massachusetts. The company made a varied line of jewelry and giftwares. In 1890, it moved to Meriden..."

"Mr. [James H.] Napier was elected president and general manager in 1920, and the company’s name was changed to the Napier-Bliss Company. In 1922, the present name, the Napier Company, was adopted."

"[In 1956,] Napier jewelry was shown at the opening in Rome of the summer 1956 collection of gowns for the Fontana sisters. It was the first time that American-designed jewelry had been featured by a European couturier. In addition to jewelry, the company produces sterling silver, silverplated and gold-plated giftwares, including such varied gifts as bar accessories, smokers’ accessories, and many other items."

— Excerpts from Wendover, Sanford H. (1956). 150 years of Meriden, pp. 179-80. (See entry below.)



Napier Company historical information (by year)


Napier Company; predecessors: Carpenter & Bliss (1875-1883); E. A. Bliss (1883-1920); Meriden Sterling Co. ("offshoot of E. A. Bliss"); Napier-Bliss (1920-22).


Material status: = online
= link to more info
= completely offline


1870s

Various newspapers, magazines and other sources

(1875-). Various newspapers, magazines and other sources - search engines. (Updated 7 August 2020. C01258; C01262-63).

1875 - patent - improvement in clasps for ladies’ dress-supporters

Egerton A. Bliss (predecessor of Napier Company). (7 September 1875; filed 10 April 1875). Letters patent no. 167,428: Improvement in clasps for ladies’ dress-supporters. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01204).


1880s

1880 patents

See the patents


1880 - patent - design for a lace-pin

Egerton A. Bliss (predecessor of Napier Company). (23 March 1880; filed 30 January 1880). Design no. 11,692: Design for a lace-pin. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01197).

1880 - patent - design for a watch-chain

Egerton A. Bliss (predecessor of Napier Company). (22 June 1880; filed 18 May 1880). Design no. 11,825: Design for a watch-chain. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01202).

1880 - patent - design for a watch-chain hook

Egerton A. Bliss (predecessor of Napier Company). (13 July 1880; filed 18 May 1880). Design no. 11,858: Design for a watch-chain hook. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01198).



1882 - patent - show-case for watch-chains

Egerton A. Bliss (predecessor of Napier Company). (20 June 1882; filed 23 January 1882). Letters patent no. 259,742: Show-case for watch-chains. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01199).

1884 - patent - watch-chain hook

Charles B. Carpenter, assignor to E. A. Bliss Company (predecessor of Napier Company). (22 April 1884; filed 18 September 1883). Letters patent no. 297,498: Watch-chain hook. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01203).


1890s

1890 - spotlighted news brief

(10 July 1890). Meriden’s new industry [E. A. Bliss Company; Napier Co. predecessor]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 3, col. 5. (Viewed 23 October 1890. F01591).

"E. A. Bliss of the E. A. Bliss company of North Attleboro, Mass., that is to locate in Meriden, visits this city regularly to direct the changes being made in the plan of the interior of the old Glass works to be used by the new comers... to locate here August 1". (Excerpt from above.)


1890 - news mention

(August 1890). Trade gossip [with paragraph about Meriden Britannia Co., Wilcox Silver Plate Co., and E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier Company predecessor)] The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 87. (Viewed 4 September 2018. F00246-47).

"The Meriden Britannia Co., and Wilcox Silver Plate Co., have each taken $8,000 worth of the stock of the E. A. Bliss Co., of North Attleboro, Mass., who recently moved their business to Meriden." (Mention in full from above.)


1890 - classified advertisement

E. A. Bliss Co. (15 August 1890). Advertisement: " Wanted— A lady assistant book keeper; must know type writing. Apply to the E. A. Bliss Co. [Napier Co. predecessor], Cambridge street, Meriden." Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 24 October 2020. F01592).

1891 - patent - design for a match-safe

Egerton A. Bliss (E. A. Bliss Co., predecessor of Napier Company). (17 March 1891; filed 28 January 1891). Design no. 20,586; serial no. 379,453: Design for a match-safe. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01200).


1892 articles

See the patents


1892 - news mention

(8 June 1892). Connecticut [mention of E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier Co. predecessor) "has been incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000".] The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 21. (Viewed 29 August 2018. B00237.)

1892 - news mention

(15 June 1892). Connecticut (with mention of E. A. Bliss Co. and stockholders). The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 21. (Viewed 5 September 2018. F00281.)



1893 - directory listing

(1893). "E. A. Bliss Co." (Napier Company predecessor) listing. In The New England business directory and gazetteer, [p. 1807 (Manufacturing Companies)]. (Sampson, Murdock & Co.: Boston, MA). (Viewed 5 May 2020. H01380).

1893 - spotlighted news brief - E. A. Bliss Co. starts up sterling silver department

(25 February 1893). Will be ready for the Fall [about E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier Co. predecessor)]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 1, col. 6. (Viewed 24 October 2020. F01593).

  • See worldcat.org for possible locations, or contact the Meriden public library.

"The E. A. Bliss company up north are actively engaged in preparing to start their new sterling silver department, but it will be July before the dies, machinery etc. are in readiness to allow them to begin work. The company will be in full trim for the fall trade, however." (Excerpt from above.)


1895 - news mention

(12 August 1895). Meriden’s factories [including mention of E. A. Bliss (Napier Company predecessor) as the 24th largest factory in Meriden]. The Daily Morning Journal and Courier (New Haven, CT), p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 27 September 2018. B00517-18).

c. 1897 - book section

Davis, William T. (Ed.) (c. 1897). On "E. A. Bliss" [Napier Company predecessor], "Meriden Sterling Co." ["offshoot of the E. A. Bliss Company" "strictly sterling goods"], (p. 929). In The New England states, their constitutional, judicial, educational, commercial, professional and industrial history, vol. 2. Boston: D. H. Hurd & Co. (Viewed 9 August 2020. A02626; L01994).


1900s

1901 - news brief

(15 August 1901). Business good with the E. A. Bliss Co. [Napier Co. predecessor]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 8, cols. 1-2. (Viewed 26 October 2020. F01596).

"... In novelties, Mr. Bliss finds that coral will be used almost exclusively for ornamentation this winter. Venetian styles, it is expected, will be very popular... The Bliss company turns out the highest grade of novelties... " (Excerpt from above.)


1901 - patent - design for a strap for ladies’ belts

William Rettenmeyer, assignor to E. A. Bliss Co. (4 June 1901; filed 22 April 1901). Design no. 34,611; serial no. 57,030: Design for a strap for ladies’ belts. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01201).

1902 - patent - method of mounting stones &c., in celluloid

Martin H. Brown, assignor to the E. A. Bliss Co. (25 November 1902; filed 15 September 1902). Letters patent no. 714,447; serial no. 123,447: Method of mounting stones &c., in celluloid. (Viewed 16 February 2021. R01205).

1903 - news mention

(May 1903). News mention: E. A. Bliss (Napier Company predecessor). House Furnishing Review, p. 334. (Viewed 2 September 2018. G01136.)

"The [E. A.] Bliss Company, manufacturers of novelties at Meriden, Conn., has begun the manufacture of various kinds of ladies’ celluloid combs." (Full excerpt from above.)



1905 advertisements

See the ads


1905 - advertisement

E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier predecessor company). (11 October 1905). Advertisement: "The Bliss comb girl..." [with illustration]. The Jewelers’ Circular — Weekly, p. 43. (Viewed 2 September 2018. H00392).

1905 - two advertisements

E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier predecessor company). (25 October, 8 November 1905). Advertisement: "The Bliss Cecilia belt girl..." [with illustration]. The Jewelers’ Circular — Weekly. (Viewed 2 September 2018. D00251; D00259).

1905 - two advertisements

E. A. Bliss Co. (Napier predecessor company). (22 November 1905). Advertisement: "The Bliss chatelaine girl..." The Jewelers’ Circular — Weekly. (Viewed 2 September 2018. D00264; D00267).



1906 - advertisement

E. A. Bliss Co. [Napier Co. predecessor]. (14 June 1906). Advertisement: "The E. A. Bliss Co., Artistic Jewelers, Maker of Fine Leather Goods. Meriden, Conn, Salesrooms, 521 Fifth Avenue, New York" [no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 7, col. 1. (Viewed 23 October 2018. B01192-95).


1910s

1910 advertisements

See the ads


1910 - advertisement

Fred Weber, Meriden, CT. (5 April 1910). Advertisement: "E. A. Bliss Jewelry... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 12, col. 7. (Viewed 24 November 2020. F01896).

1910 - advertisement

Fred Weber, Meriden, CT. (6 September 1910). Advertisement: "Special display of beautiful Bliss jewelry... sole agent for celebrated Bliss ware... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 6, col. 7. (Viewed 24 November 2020. F01897).



1911 articles

See the article


1911 - news brief - sudden death of E. A. Bliss

(27 July 1911). Sudden death of E. A. Bliss at Magnolia; One of Meriden’s most prosperous manufacturers passes away while at summer resort in Massachusetts— funeral in Jersey City Friday afternoon. Meriden Morning Record, p. 9, col. 5. (Viewed 24 October 2020. F01594).

1911 - news brief

(14 September 1911). William E. Bliss elected president of company. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 2, col. 6. (Viewed 26 October 2020. F01595).



1911 - advertisement

Fred Weber, Meriden, CT. (9 May 1911). Advertisement: "For Wedding Gifts... Beautiful Bliss [Napier Co. predecessor] Jewelry... " [with no related product illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 12, col. 3. (Viewed 14 July 2021. R00265).

1912 - advertisement

Fred Weber, Meriden, CT. (10 December 1912). Advertisement: "... Select that Christmas present now... Sole agent for the E. A. Bliss Co. [Napier Co. predecessor] stylish jewelry... " [with no illustrations]. Meriden Morning Record, p. 10, col. 1. (Viewed 13 October 2020. F01517).

1918 - company listing

(1918). Manufacturers and their products... Meriden... "Bliss, E. A. Co. ... Jewelry and bayonet scabbards... " In State of Connecticut Public Document No. 33; Sixth Biennial Report of the Factory Inspection Department to the Governor for the Two Years ending September 30, 1918, (p. 64). State of Connecticut: Hartford. (Viewed 24 November 2020. E01622-27).


1920s


Please note: three researchers over many years have never seen a Napier Company silver objects trade catalogue. However, distributor and retailer catalogues might be worth looking into.



1921 - patent - mesh-bag

Frederick Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier-Bliss Company. (6 December 1921; filed Letters patent no. 1,399,576; serial no. 472,355: Mesh-bag. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01067.)

1922 - spotlighted news mention - Napier Company in Merchandise Fair, New York

(6 August 1922). Merchandise fair to open tomorrow [7 - c. 27 August 1922; with listing of exhibitor: "Napier Company, 366 Fifth Av., jewelry"]. New York Times, p. 31. (Viewed 7 December 2018. L00825).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1923 - spotlighted news mention - Napier Company in Merchandise Fair, New York

(22 July 1923). Merchandise fair to open tomorrow [at Grand Central Palace and 165th Regiment Armory; 23 July - 3 August 1923; with mention of exhibitors including: "Napier Co., The, Meriden, Conn.; gifts, novelties, jewelry"]. New York Times, pp. 1, 4. (Viewed 10 November 2018. D00453).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1923 - spotlighted advertisement - Napier Co. in National Merchandise Fair, New York

National Merchandise Fair, New York. (3 May 1923). Advertisement: "... exhibitors... The Napier Co. ..." New York Times, p. 9. (Viewed 9 December 2018. L00826).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.


1925 patents

See the patents


1925 - patent - bracelet

Emil A. Schuelke (not assigned to Napier Company). (8 September 1925; filed 1 June 1925). Design patent no. 68,159; serial no. 13,619: Bracelet. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01066.)

1925 - patent - powder holder

Emil Schuelke and Julius Ross, assignor to Napier Company. (9 February 1926; filed 10 July 1925). Patent no. 1,572,562; serial no. 42,650: Powder holder. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01065.)



1926 - patent - vanity box

Frederick Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (6 April 1926; filed 16 July 1925). Patent no. 1,579,842; serial no. 43,895: Vanity box. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01064.)


1927 patents

See the patents


1927 - patent - vanity box

Julius Ross and Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (11 October 1927; filed 13 June 1927). Patent no. 1,645,351; serial no. 198,327: Vanity box. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01068.)

1927 - patent - vanity box

Emil A. Schuelke and Julius Ross, assignor to Napier Company. (27 December 1927; filed 13 July 1927). Patent no. 1,654,271; serial no. 205,367: Vanity box. (Viewed 10 March 2018. AAA01069.)



1928 patents

See the patents


1928 - patent - design for a pocket lighter

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Co. (10 January 1928; filed 19 August 1927). Design no. 74,241; serial no. 23,150: Design for a pocket lighter. (Viewed 24 March 2018. AAA01482.)


1928 - patent (Canada) - pocket lighter / allumeur de poche

Emil Arthur Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (1 May 1928). Patent CA 279831: pocket lighter / allumeur de poche. (Viewed 11 October 2021. Q00899).

1928 - patent - design for a necklace or similar article

Emil Arthur Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (20 November 1928; filed 9 February 1928). Design no. 76,960; serial no. 25,308: Design for a necklace or similar article. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01624.)

1928 - patent - design for a necklace or similar article

Emil Arthur Schuelke, assignor to Napier Co. (11 December 1928; filed 9 February 1928). Design no. 77,188; serial no. 25,307: Design for a necklace or similar article. (Viewed 24 March 2018. AAA01483.)



1929 advertisements

See the ads


1929 - advertisement

The Napier Co. (5 December 1929). Advertisement: "The Napier Co.; Silversmiths; Meriden, Conn." [with no illustrations]. Meriden Record, presumably p. 7, col. 1. (Viewed 25 June 2020. F01202).

1929 - advertisement

The Napier Co. (12 December 1929). Advertisement: "The Napier Co.; Silversmiths; Meriden, Conn." [with no illustrations]. Meriden Record, p. 7, col. 1. (Viewed 25 June 2020. F01208).



1929 patents

See the patents



1929 - patent (Canada) - pocket lighter / allumeur de poche

Emil Arthur Schuelke and Julius Ross, assignors to the Napier Company. (2 July 1929). Patent CA 291024: pocket lighter / allumeur de poche. (Viewed 6 November 2021. Q00900).

1929 - patent - design for a metal link for jewelry

Frederick Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (8 October 1929; filed 5 March 1929). Design no. 79,257; serial no. 30,323: Design for a metal link for jewelry. (Viewed 24 March 2018. AAA01484.)


1930s

1930 patents

See the patents


1930 - patent - combined desk blotter and box

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (16 December 1930; filed 30 September 1929). Patent no. 1,785,229; serial no. 396,053: Combined desk blotter and box. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01070.)

1930 - patent - metal unit for jewelry

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (18 March 1930; filed 16 December 1929). Design patent no. 80,741, serial no. 33,799: metal unit for jewelry. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01072.)



1932 - patent - tongs for table service

Otto C. Schaefer, assignor to Napier Company. (10 May 1932; filed 31 October 1931). Patent no. 1,857,979; serial no. 572,277: Tongs for table service. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01073.)

1933 - advertisement

Brown Thomson, Inc., Hartford, CT. (18 June 1933). Advertisement: "... Silver Plated Ware and Pewter... Tell U How Napier cocktail shaker in silver plated, quart size... " [with no related illustrations]. Hartford Courant, p. 3. (Viewed 20 October 2018. D00387).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.


1933 patents

See the patents



1933 - patent (Canada) - drink mixer / sorbetiere

Le Roy Haviland Fontan, assignor to the Napier Company. (23 May 1933). Patent CA 332702: drink mixer / sorbetiere. (Viewed 6 November 2021. Q00901).

1933 - patent - liquid measuring device

Emil A. Schuelke and Julius Ross, assignor to Napier Company. (29 August 1933; filed 23 March 1932). Letters patent no. 1,924,809; serial no. 600,674: Liquid measuring device. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01610.)

1933 - patent - bottle lock

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (28 November 1933; filed 3 January 1933). Letters patent no. 1,937,295; serial no. 649,903: Bottle lock. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01611.)



1934 patents

See the patents


1934 - patent - design for a combined coffeepot, cream pitcher, and sugar container

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (13 November 1934; filed 14 September 1934). Design no. 93,854; serial no. 53,285: Design for a combined coffeepot, cream pitcher, and sugar container. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01612.)

1934 - patent - design for a shaker or similar article

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (18 December 1934; filed 18 July 1934). Design no. 94,098; serial no. 52,627: Design for a shaker or similar article. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01613.)

1934 - patent - design for a shaker top

Le Roy W. Campbell, assignor to Napier Company. (25 December 1934; filed 18 June 1934). Design no. 94,116; serial no. 52,215: Design for a shaker top. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01614.)



1935 patents

See the patents


1935 - patent - shaker rack

Le Roy H. Fontan, assignor to Napier Company. (26 February 1935; filed 3 July 1934). Letters patent no. 1,992,657; serial no. 733,585: Shaker rack. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01615.)

1935 - patent - design for a hand mirror

Harry A. Werfel, assignor to Napier Company. (16 July 1935; filed 30 April 1935). Design no. 96,288; serial no. 56,628: Design for a hand mirror. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01623.)

1935 - patent - drink mixer

Le Roy Haviland Fontan, assignor to Napier Company. (3 September 1935; 9 September 1932). Letters patent no. 2,013,615; serial no. 632,383: drink mixer. (Viewed 28 March 2018. AAA01616.)

1935 - patent - cocktail shaker

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (3 September 1935; filed 6 October 1932). Letters patent no. 2,013,616; filed 6 October 1932: Cocktail shaker. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01622.)

1935 - patent - drink shaker

Harry A. Werfel, assignor to Napier Company. (3 September 1935; filed 23 February 1933). Letters patent no. 2,013,617; serial no. 658,000: Drink shaker. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01622.)

1935 - patent - design for a service stand for the display of hors d’oeuvres

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (22 October 1935; filed 27 August 1935). Design no. 97,603; serial no. 58,321: Design for a service stand for the display of hors d’oeuvres. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01625.)

1935 - patent - design for a hand mirror

Henry A. Werfel, assignor to Napier Company. (3 December 1935; filed 18 September 1935). Design no. 97,749: serial no. 58,610: Design for a hand mirror. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01626.)



1936 articles

See the articles


1936 - article mention

(17 April 1936). The year each business was established (with mention: "Napier Company, Est. 1875 by E. A. Bliss Co. Succeeded by the Napier Bliss Co. Succeeded by the Napier Company."). The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page number. (Viewed 25 November 2020. F01935).

1936 - article mention

(17 April 1936). Chronological list of business firms (with mention: "1875— [Carpenter & Bliss /] Napier Company... "). The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page number. (Viewed 26 November 2020. F01934).

1936 - article mention

(17 April 1936). Changes in fifty years; in business concerns [with mention: "... the old Meriden Flint Glass company became the E. A. Bliss Co. and finally the successful Napier company"]. The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page number. (Viewed 26 November 2020. F01913).



1936 - patent - [penguin] design for a cocktail shaker or similar article

Emil A. Schuelke, assignor to Napier Company. (13 October 1936; filed 22 August 1936). Design patent no. 101,559; serial no. 64,524: [Penguin] design for a cocktail shaker or similar article. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01075.)

1939 - spotlighted news mention - display at G. Fox & Co., Hartford

(17 February 1939). Goods made in state to be exhibited; Exhibits and demonstrations to feature Connecticut-made Week at G. Fox store [with mention of Napier Jewelry in list of exhibitors]. Hartford Courant, p. 6. (Viewed 24 October 2018. D00388).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1939 - spotlighted advertisement - display at G. Fox & Co., Hartford

G. Fox & Co., Hartford, CT. (19 February 1939). Advertisement: "... for the third week of February... Third Annual Connecticut-Made Week... 150 distinctive displays... it’s a great educational show... Napier Jewelry ... " Hartford Courant, p. 8. (Viewed 24 October 2018. C00316).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1939 - patent - display article holder

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (11 April 1939; filed 29 December 1938). Design patent no. 114,199; serial no. 82,046: Display article holder. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01074.)



Click the following link to see designs and documentation for other historical silver companies from the Meriden area, and those that were connected to the International Silver Company; go to the historical Meriden design overview page and scroll down to section D: "ISC, predecessors & divisions" and E: "Other featured companies".


1940s

1940 - spotlighted advertisement - display / exhibit at G. Fox & Co., Hartford

G. Fox & Co., Hartford, CT. (February 1940). Advertisement: "... Feb. 10 to 17, Fox’s Fourth Annual Connecticut-Made Week... expected to have displays or exhibits... Napier Jewelry ... " Hartford Courant. (Viewed 24 October 2018. C00314; C00317).

  • Offline - 9 February 1940, p. 3; 14 February 1940, p. 3. See worldcat.org for locations.

1941 - two spotlighted advertisements - display / exhibit at G. Fox & Co., Hartford

G. Fox & Co., Hartford, CT. (February 1941). Advertisement: "Connecticut-made week", Fox’s fifth observance Feb. 8 thru 15th... Napier Jewelry Co." [with no illustrations]. Hartford Courant. (Viewed 25 October 2018. C00322-23).

  • Offline - 9 February 1941, p. 6; 13 February 1941, p. 3. (See worldcat.org on locations.)

1942 - advertisement

The Little Traveler’s Shop, Meriden, CT. (22 November 1942). Feminine Topics; Advertisement: "... We were enchanted by that delightful collection of Napier, Gaylord Farms, and International Silver costume jewelry which we saw at The Little Traveler’s Shop, 766 Broad Street, Meriden... " Hartford Courant, p. A4, col. 7. (Viewed 20 October 2018. D00394).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1942 - advertisement

Ruth van Schaack, Hartford, CT. (6 December 1942). Feminine Topics; Advertisement: "... Just the mere mention of the name ’Napier’, spells beauty, quality and fine craftsmenship in costume jewelry, and at Ruth van Schaack’s shop, 922 Farminghton Avenue, they carry this jewelry exclusively... "Hartford Courant, p. A4, col. 6. (Viewed 20 October 2018. D00395).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.

1942 - patent - match packet and cardcase

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (9 June 1942; filed 1 April 1941). Patent no. 2,285,836; serial no. 386,273: Match packet and cardcase. (Viewed 9 March 2018. AAA01071.)


1950s

1955 - patent - jewelry pin or the like

Eugene E. Bertolli, assignor to Napier Company. (11 October 1955; filed 28 December 1954). Design no. 175,757; serial no. 33,716: Jewelry pin or the like. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01627.)

1956 - historical information

Wendover, Sanford H. (1956). On Napier Company, (pp. 179-81; photo of building in unpaginated photo section after p. 276). In 150 years of Meriden. Meriden: Meriden Sesquicentennial Committee. (Published in connection with the observance of the city’s sesquicentennial, June 17-23, 1956). (Viewed 12 June 2016. A00789-90.)

1957 - patent - clown bank or similar article

Warren O. Dontigney, assignor to Napier Company. (26 February 1957; filed 10 September 1956). Design no. 179,765; serial no. 42,880: Clown bank or similar article. (Viewed 26 April 2018. AAA02579).

1959 - patent - liquid measuring cup or similar article

Frederick W. Rettenmeyer, assignor to Napier Company. (17 March 1959; filed 3 September 1958). Design no. 184,638; serial no. 52,481: Liquid measuring cup or similar article. (Viewed 29 March 2018. AAA01628.)

1950s - reprinted postcard

(1950s). Reprinted Napier Company postcard, (p. 35). In: Franco, Janis Leach. (2010). Meriden. Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, SC. (Viewed 15 December 2016. DM.)


1960s

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "E. A. Bliss" [with marks], (p. 20). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 5 August 2020. L01882-83; L01888).

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "Carpenter & Bliss" [Napier Company predecessor], (p. 28). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 8 August 2020. L01882-83; L01966).

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "Meriden Sterling Co." [E. A. Bliss "offshoot"] [with mark], (p. 115). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 8 August 2020. L01882-83; L01907).

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "Napier-Bliss Co.", "Napier Company" [with marks], (pp. 121-22). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 8 August 2020. L01882-83; L01910-11).


1970s

1973 - advertisement

Frank H. Adams, Albany, NY. (8 May 1973). Advertisement: "... Brides... 46 reasons why you should register patterns at Adam’s... Silver Companies... Napier ... " [with no illustrations]. Times Union / The Knickerbocker News Union Star (Albany, New York), Bridal section, p. 6, cols. 1-2. (Viewed 3 February 2021. R00992).

  • Online - fultonhistory.com. (Search the archive, "Albany NY Knickerbocker News Union Star 1973 04933", and scroll down for the link.)


1980s

1987-88 - exhibition labels - Napier Company in Hartford exhibition

Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford. (c. 1987). Exhibition labels / checklist for A decade of collecting Connecticut industrial arts (1 December 1987 - 31 August 1988). [The list might be incomplete.] [Exhibited: Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1934-35). Breakfast tea service. CT Historical Society collection; possibly exhibited with patent drawing.] (Viewed 25 November 2018. B01209-17; B01219-20).

  • Offline - exhibition labels / checklist - Connecticut Historical Society, curatorial area, Hartford.
  • Offline - pre-exhibition planning documentation, 6 pp. - Connecticut Historical Society archive, Hartford.

1988 - secondary source

Vumbaco, Brenda J. (1988). On Napier Company, (p. 78 - historical; p. 104 - c. 1988). In Meriden – Connecticut crossroads: An illustrated history. 144 pages. (Updated 19 April 2017. A00804. DM.)


1990s

1992-99 - exhibition checklist and show venues - travelling exhibition

The Museums at Stony Brook. (c. 1997). Exhibition checklist for Shaken, not stirred: Cocktail shakers and design exhibition (3 May - 4 September 1997). (For six other venues and exhibited design, see Napier Company exhibitions section above. (Viewed 28 November 2018. B01222-13)

  • Offline - The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages (formerly The Museums at Stony Brook, Long Island, New York). (Also supplied venues and dates.)

1997 - photos and mentions in book

Yelavich, Susan. (1997). Photos of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company’s penguin-form cocktail shaker (1936). In Design for life: Our daily lives, the spaces we shape, and the ways we communicate, as seen through the collections of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, pp. 22, 64. 192 pp. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. (Viewed 10 December 2018. D00650-55).

1998 - magazine mention and photo - Napier Company in travelling exhibition

Henderson, Helen B. (November 1998). Shaken not stirred collectible bar ware [with mention and photo of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). Penguin cocktail shaker, patent no. 101,559. Silver plate and exhibitions at Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach and San Francisco International Airport Museum]. (For other venues in the traveling show, see the Napier Company exhibitions section above.) Antiques & Collecting Magazine, pp. 38-40+. (Viewed 28 November 2018. D00580).

  • See worldcat.org for locations.


2000s

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "E. A. Bliss" (Napier Company predecessor) [with marks], (p. 33). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 7 August 2020. A02909; 2909b; 2909c).

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "Carpenter & Bliss" [Napier Company predecessor], (p. 42). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 2 August 2020. L01967).

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "Meriden Sterling Co." [E. A. Bliss "offshoot"] [with mark], (p. 159). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 8 August 2020. L01942-43).

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "Napier-Bliss" [with marks] (predecessor), "Napier Company" [with marks, and mention of predecessor companies], (pp. 167-68). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 7 August 2020. A02937-38).

2005-07 - Napier Company in exhibition

Stern, Jewel. (2005). Modernism in American silver. [Includes Napier Company designs.] 392 pp. Dallas Museum of Art and Yale University Press. (Book accompanied exhibition at 5 American venues.) (Updated 17 April 2017. DM.)

> Exhibition venues: Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC; Nevada Museum of Art, Reno; Dallas Museum of Art; The Wolfsonian, Miami Beach, FL; The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis, TN.


2010s

2011-12 - Napier Co. in Brooklyn Museum exhibition

(c. 2011). 19th-Century Modern at Brooklyn Museum, New York (2 September 2011 - 1 April 2012) exhibition announcement. [Exhibited designs by Napier Company: Flask (1925-30) and Mirror (c. 1928). (Both Brooklyn Museum collection, listed above).] (Updated 9 November 2018. A00006; L00808.)

2012 - mention in presented paper

Murphy, James. (2012). Shaken not stirred— the evolution of the cocktail shaker [with mention of Napier Company, p. 9]. Presented paper at the First Dublin Gastronomy Symposium, (June 5-6). (Viewed 16 October 2018. C00301).

2013 - book

Lewis, Melinda L. (2013). The Napier Co.: Defining 20th century American costume jewelry. 1012 pp. Benicia, CA: Life by Design Publishing. (Viewed 29 November 2016. A01284.)

2016 - spotlighted news mention and photo - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Joseph, Dana. (2 November 2016). Dallas Museum of Art exhibition to explore the art of the cocktail [announcement of Shaken, Stirred, Styled: The Art of the Cocktail show (18 November 2016 - 12 November 2017), with mention and photo of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). "Penguin" cocktail shaker. Gilded silver plate. (Dallas Museum of Art collection.)]. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. (Viewed 28 November 2018. B01228-30).


2016 - other articles

See the articles


2016 - news mention and photo - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Dangremond, Sam. (28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [photo gallery with captions, including Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). "Penguin" cocktail shaker. (Dallas Museum of Art collection.)] Town & Country. (Viewed 29 November 2018. B01224-27).

2016 - design in photo gallery Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! (Lifestyle section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01309-11).

2016 - design in photo gallery - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! (News section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01313-15).

2016 - design in photo gallery - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! Canada (News section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01316-18).

2016 - design in photo gallery - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! India (News section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 17 July 2020. F01319-21).

2016 - design in photo gallery - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! Singapore (News section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01322-24).

2016 - design in photo gallery - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

(28 September 2016). Cheers! Here’s some of the best barware of all time [with photo of Napier Company penguin cocktail shaker (1936), and link to Town & Country article online]. Yahoo! UK (News section) / Town & Country. (Viewed 20 July 2020. F01325-27).

2016 - news mention with photo - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Hostetter, Alaena. (23 November 2016). DMA’s intoxicating exhibit celebrates the artistry in cocktail makers’ tools [with mention and photo of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). "Penguin" cocktail shaker; Gilded silver plate. (Dallas Museum of Art collection.)] Dallas Observer. (Viewed 29 November 2018. B01231-40).

2016 - news mention with photo - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Beach, Laura. (20 December 2016). Shaken, stirred, styled: The art of the cocktail [with mention and photo of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). "Penguin" cocktail shaker; Gilded silver plate; (1934). Cocktail shaker. Silver plate. (Both Dallas Museum of Art collection.)] Antiques and the Arts. (Viewed 29 November 2018. B01242).



2016-17 - exhibition checklist - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Dallas Museum of Art. (c. 2016). Exhibition checklist for Shaken, stirred, styled: The art of the cocktail (18 November 2016 - 12 November 2017). [For the list of exhibited Napier Company designs, see the exhibitions section above.] (Viewed 28 November 2018. AAA000155-56; AAA00542-43).

2017 - news mention and installation photo - Napier Company in Dallas Museum of Art exhibition

Voon, Claire. (6 October 2017). A stirring history of cocktail design [with mention and installation photo of Emil A. Schuelke for Napier Company. (1936). "Penguin" cocktail shaker; Gilded silver plate. (Dallas Museum of Art collection)]. Hyperallergic. (Viewed 29 November 2018. B01244).

2017-18 - exhibition catalogue - Napier Company in Cooper Hewitt and Cleveland exhibitions

Coffin, Sarah D. and Harrison, Stephen. (2017) The Jazz Age: American style in the 1920s exhibition catalogue. 379 pp. Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Art. [Venues: Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York (7 April - 20 August 2017) and Cleveland Museum of Art (30 September 2017 - 14 January 2018); exhibited design: Napier Company. (1925-30). Flask. (Brooklyn Museum collection)]. (Viewed 29 November 2018. A02036-41; A02766; B01246-49).


n. d.

n. d. - Wikipedia entry

(undated). "Napier Company" entry. Wikipedia.org. (Viewed 11 December 2021).




DESIGN MERIDEN:
On Napier Co. / E. A. Bliss Co. - 1: designs in collections, etc. | 2: historical information