In about 1889 Frank J. Schmitt and Gus. A. Kruttschnitt established F. J. Schmitt & Co. to manufacture machinery for jewelers and silversmiths. They also made the Vaughn patent hammer which was intended for forging use. The company seems to have survived into 1891 but disappeared shortly thereafter.
Information Sources
- 1891 Newark, N. J. Illustrated: A Souvenir of the City and Its Numerous Industries "F. J. SCHMITT & CO.—THIS firm, although established only about two years ago, is at present conducted by Frank J. Schmitt and Gus. A. Kruttschnitt, and in this short time they have enjoyed a large and growing patronage from all the leading jewelry houses in Newark and vicinity. They have added new lines of manufacture to the large variety of jewelers' and silversmiths' machinery, which they now make. They are the sole manufacturers of the Vaughn Patent Power Hammer used largely for forging purposes. One of the latest branches they have added to this line is the manufacture of pearl button machinery in every variety. Their business is increasing very rapidly, and in the fall of 1891 they were forced to add a new addition to their factory in order to be able to fill orders more promptly, and the indications are they will soon have to add more room."