Pratt, Read Corporation Records, 1839-1990.

Pratt, Read Corporation Records, 1839-1990.

Pratt, Read and Company (creators, donor).

Pratt, Read Corporation Records, 1839-1990.

Phy. Description:

84 cu. ft. : 37 boxes and 28 oversize folders.

Bio / His Notes:

Connecticut company which was the world's largest producer of ivory products. They started out making ivory combs, eventually expanded to produce piano components and other products, including military aircraft and other products during World War II. The company closed in 1986.

Scope and Content:

Records documenting Pratt, Read and Company; its early competitor and later partner, Comstock, Cheney and Company; and a number of predecessor, subsidiary and related companies. Other topics include the late 19th century African ivory trade and Pratt, Read's production of troop-carrying gliders during World War II.

Divided into 6 series: Series 1, Predecessor and Miscellaneous Companies; Series 2, Comstock, Cheney and Company; Series 3, Pratt, Read and Company; Series 4, Gould Aeronautical Division; Series 5, Subsidiary and Related Companies; and Series 6, Information on Related Companies.

In addition to the papers donated by the company, several individuals donated Pratt, Read materials in their possession.

Register available in Archives Center.

Pratt, Read Corporation Records, 1839-1990, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.

Fees for commercial reproduction.

Copyright transferred to Smithsonian Institution in Deed of Gift.

Subject-Topical:

Gliders (Aeronautics)

Subject - Geographical:

Ivoryton (Conn.)

Design drawings

Manufacturing Records

Legal documents

Advertisements -- 20th century.

Motion pictures (visual works)

Correspondence -- 20th century

Correspondence -- 19th century

Photographs -- 19th century

Employee records

Financial records

Repository Loc:

Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History : Archives Center. P.O. Box 37012, Suite 1100, MRC 601, Constitution Ave., between 12th and 14th Sts., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20013-7012. Call 202-633-3270 for appointment. Fax: 202-786-2453.

1989.3047 (NMAH Acc.)

Steinway, Henry Z. (donor).

Johnson, Hanford (donor).

Nickse, Hugo (donor).

Comstock, Cheney and Co. (creator).

Horizon Information Portal 3.09_74.01

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