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Freedom7
·Disclaimer: (as if I have to mention this) I am an absolute neophyte when it comes to knowing what many of you learned years ago about supposed facts such as the following.
Some ten years ago or more, I'd scribbled short notes after discussing the history of Jacoby Bender with a hand engraver who was also self-described jewelry history buff (he wasn't versed much in watches). He's since passed on and I have zero proof of what he told me. In addition, surprisingly, info on the internet is rather scant (at least what I could find). I'm hoping someone can tell me if the following is true:
Prior to its bankruptcy in 1964, sometime between mid 1962 and late 1963, the Forstner Jewelry Co. (successor in name of the Forstner Chain Co.) of NJ entered into a mutual licensing agreement with Jacoby Bender, Inc. of NY wherein JB could employ the use the Forstner manufacturing methods to make mesh bracelets, and Forstner could adopt the use of JB’s variable-width end attachments.
Why am I asking? I keep seeing the following statement on the internet ( I paraphrase): "Jacoby Bender bought Forstner in 1963" and this: "JB Champion, Forstner's successor..." I can't find anything at all to back up either of the latter 2 statements, and they're at odds with the licensing facts.
As I mentioned, whether what was explained to me is true, I have no idea. I suppose proof could be found in the existence of a bracelet identical to JB’s mesh, variable end one, but with Forstner’s name on it along with JB’s patent number (3030686). Has anyone ever seen such an animal?
The relationship between the two companies, if any, sure is confusing.
Thanks for any help!
Some ten years ago or more, I'd scribbled short notes after discussing the history of Jacoby Bender with a hand engraver who was also self-described jewelry history buff (he wasn't versed much in watches). He's since passed on and I have zero proof of what he told me. In addition, surprisingly, info on the internet is rather scant (at least what I could find). I'm hoping someone can tell me if the following is true:
Prior to its bankruptcy in 1964, sometime between mid 1962 and late 1963, the Forstner Jewelry Co. (successor in name of the Forstner Chain Co.) of NJ entered into a mutual licensing agreement with Jacoby Bender, Inc. of NY wherein JB could employ the use the Forstner manufacturing methods to make mesh bracelets, and Forstner could adopt the use of JB’s variable-width end attachments.
Why am I asking? I keep seeing the following statement on the internet ( I paraphrase): "Jacoby Bender bought Forstner in 1963" and this: "JB Champion, Forstner's successor..." I can't find anything at all to back up either of the latter 2 statements, and they're at odds with the licensing facts.
As I mentioned, whether what was explained to me is true, I have no idea. I suppose proof could be found in the existence of a bracelet identical to JB’s mesh, variable end one, but with Forstner’s name on it along with JB’s patent number (3030686). Has anyone ever seen such an animal?
The relationship between the two companies, if any, sure is confusing.
Thanks for any help!
