John E. Hand & Sons. est. 1873

In 1873, optician John Enos Hand came to the United States on the Sir Robert Peel with wife Caroline from Liverpool. That same year he established John E. Hand in Philadelphia, manufacturer of surveyor's instruments and navigational equipment and also provided service as compass adjusters. On various US Census', Hand's occupation is listed as watchmaker and compass maker.

Hand Company built instruments for all types of floating vessels including those for the US Navy. Binnacles, azimuths, wrist compasses, barometers, boxed compasses, taffrail logs and clinometers were among the extensive stock production.

In 1911, Hand expanded to Camden, NJ and added dental and surgical equipment to their manufacturing product line. And soon after created chain service and retail stations in Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans and Washington.

from Philadelphia Inquirer, 25 Dec 1934

 

Researched and compiled by Susan Donnelly