William T. Nicholson founded this company after inventing a file cutting machine, but in actuality was its agent Vice President. A series of buyouts followed, including the New American File Co. in 1890, the Great Western File Co. circa 1893 and the McClellan File Co. circa 1898. After 1900, numerous other companies were acquired, including M. Buckley & Co.; Eagle File Co.; Kearny & Foot; Arcade File Co.; J. Barton Smith Co.; Globe File Mfg. Co.; Mechanic's Star File Mfg. Co.; Toronto File Works; and G&H Barnett Co. Some of the company brand names persisted after the buyouts. Nicholson acquired file patents on 22 September 1864, 10 January 1865, 11 September 1866, 12 June 1877, 12 February 1878 and 4 June 1878. 18 February 1876 was patent-marked by the company ( later declared invalid) and 1 January 1878. In 1972, the company was bought out by Cooper Industries, though the brand name persists. (DATM)
Ray, I also have one by Kearney & Foot. Looks like they are in this list of co's purchased by Nicholson. I went through my drawer of old files when you asked and hadn't payed any attention to it until now. I also have one made by Keen Kutter (big file). I might make a knife out of it and leave the name and logo on.
Ramsey
