Tool Types

Augers, Bits, Chisels, Draw Knives, Levels, Metal Planes, Saws, Wood Planes

Directory of American Toolmakers Information

While it is possible Charles E. Jennings worked under his name a few years before adding the "& Co.," it is obvious that the company grew out of acquiring other companies as evidenced by its factories' locations and numerous brand names. In 1901, the company took credit for the following marks: C.E. JENNINGS & CO.; C.E. JENNINGS; JENNINGS & GRIFFIN MFG. CO.; L'HOMMEDIEU; MERRILL & WILDER; WATROUS & CO.; NOBLE'S MFG. CO.; CLARK TOOL CO.; BRATTLEBORO TOOL CO.; PASSAIC MFG. CO.; E.H. TRACY; GEO. S. WILDER; PLINY MERRILL; HINSDALE MFG. CO.; and EXCELSIOR MFG. CO., all manufactured at the L'hommedieu Tool Works. Also in 1901 they took credit for the following saw brands: WM. B. ASTEN; JOSEPH HARRIS; THE ORIENT; EXCELSIOR SAW CO.; IMPERIAL; GENEVA SAW WORKS; THE TRANSVAAL; CLARK & CO.; MERRILL'S FAULTLESS; CLARK'S COMBINATIN; J. DOUBLEDAY; HORTON'S; NEW YORK SAW CO.; A.G. MORTON; S. MORRELL; KING; HOWARD & CO.; CLARK'S FARMERS; J.I. SEE; BRIGHTON; J.&G. MFG. CO.; THE MAGNETIC; NEW CENTURY and GRIFFIN'S. ARROW HEAD and LONDON SPRING were also theirs (Arrowhead appears twice on the cover of the catalog in the collection).

Identifying Marks

C.E.JENNINGS & CO/N.YORK; CHAS.E.CHANNINGS & Co; J (on an arrowhead); C.E.JENNINGS & CO./NEW YORK.U.S.A. (name line curved)

General Information
 
While part of Jennings & Griffin (1885-1900 and on), Jennings continued to stamp his tools "MERRILL & WILDER" because of the mark's widespread reputation.

Photographs

A postcard recently sold on eBay:

 References

Nelson, Robert E., Ed. (1999). Directory of American Toolmakers: A listing of identified makers of tools who worked in Canada and the United States before 1900. Early American Industries Association.

Jennings, C. E.  & Co. Jennings, Charles E. and Griffin, Francis B. (1985). Price list. no. 13: C. E. Jennings & Co., manufacturers of C. E. Jennings' Arrowhead high grade tools.  The Stanley Publishing Co., P. O. Box 689, Westborough, Mass. 01581.

Links

http://www.mwtca.org/OTC/ar000021.htm -- Article in The Gristmill including notes on C.E. Jennings