Williams Manufacturing Company

You will receive the exact certificate pictured Over 150 years old Capital stock February 21, 1871 Issued, canceled Hosford & Sonsy Hand signed 11 1/8" (w) x 7 1/8" (h) NA Historical Context The Williams Manufacturing Company was incorporated in Massachusetts and based in Northampton. The company manufactured splint and rattan baskets.L. B. Williams began the business in Huntington, Massachusetts in the mid 19th century with Roland S. Bartlett. The business moved to Northampton in 1862 and the name of the firm was changed to L. B. Williams & Co. In 1867 the concern was incorporated under the name of the William Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $100,000. At the time, the company had the largest basket factory in the world - operated by a seventy-five horse power steam engine, and with the capacity to produce ten thousands baskets per day.The company used lumber from its own property behind the plant and purchased additional inventory locally, using oak,