Machine, Metalworking
Object number2014.137.3 a,b
Manufacturer
J.J. Kagan and Company
Datec. 1954
OriginLos Angeles, CA
MediumIron/Metal
Credit LineGift of Norman Karp and Family
DescriptionKagan Ring Sizer with removable ring disk. Also known as a ring stretcher and reducer.Dimensions(a) Height 7.25, Width 13.25, Depth 6.875.(b) Height 1, Diameter 3.813.
Inscriptions(a)
Mandrel has numerals 2-14 along top.
Marks(a)
Round blue and silver-tone metal plate on front with text "MFD. BY - J. J. KAGAN & CO. / The KAGAN / RING SIZER / 73 5228 / LOS ANGELES, CALIF. 90036 / P.O. BOX 36053 / PH. 213-934-1317 / MADE IN U.S.A."
Historical NotesPart of a collection of jewelers tools and equipment from various Karp family jewelry stores. David Karp (Kerpilof originally) was a Latvian immigrant and watchmaker. His children all went into the jewelry business as well. His eldest Reuben had a store in Kittanning, PA, called Karp’s Credit Jewelry. Middle son Elchan ran his father’s original store in Barnesboro until closing it and opening another in Clarion, PA. Third son Harry M. Karp, a WWII veteran and survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, opened Karp’s Jewelry store in Tarentum, PA, after the war and operated it until his retirement in 1987. The youngest and only daughter Lillian was an optometrist and worked in the Barnesboro store during WWII. She went on to open a jewelry store in Alliquippa, PA, with her husband Milton Yeager. Donor Norman Karp is the son of Reuben, his maternal grandfather was also a watchmaker from Latvia named Abraham Berman.
Related institution
Karp's Jewelry Store
On View
Not on view
C. and E. Marshall Company
C. and E. Marshall Company
c. 1850
