Ad from 1878 "Rochester Directory"

Albert H. Shipman and Julius F. Binder, Jr., founded Shipman & Binder sometime between 1873 and 1876. They manufactured a patent scrollsaw. Binder left the partnership in 1877, and Shipman continued on his own as A. H. Shipman. His specialties were engine lathes, wood lathes, and scrollsaws. Shipman remained in business until at least 1886. See the Shipman Engine Manufacturing Co. for information on successor firms.

A. H. Shipman claimed, with some justification, to be the "first to manufacture a cheap, practical foot-powered scroll saw for home use". His first model, introduced in 1876, was the Iron Centennial. Here is the list of all the Shipman scrollsaw models that we know of.

• Iron Centennial (available in both wood-frame and all-iron models)
• Demas for 1880
• Demas No. 4
• Demas No. 5
• Prize Demas
• Chilou
• Holly No. 1
• Holly No. 2
• Holly No. 3
• Prize Holly.

Information Sources

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art has an 1877 Illustrated Catalogue and Manual of Amateur Tools & Patterns from Shipman & Binder.
• 1877 Dres, Allis & Co.'s Rochester Directory lists Shipman & Binder, a partnership of Julius Binder, Jr. and Albert H. Shipman, as "bracket saw manufs. 111 North Water."
• American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 218
• Mr. Shipman wrote a book on woodcarving. The March 1882 issue of Manufacturer & Builder published a lengthy extract with many figures.
• Mentioned in 1881 issue of Manufacturer & Builder.
• Ad in December 1882 issue of Manufacturer & Builder: Demas Scroll Saw No. 5, $10.
• Article in March 1884 issue of Manufacturer & Builder about a small steam engine made by A. H. Shipman.
• The 1884 Rochester Directory lists "SHIPMAN, ALBERT H. & CO. (W. N. Hartshorn), bracket saws and steam engine manufs. Bismarck pl. house 265 Andrews; 68—See opp. page 888"
• Dana Batory's inventory shows 1881 and 1886 catalogs.
• The EAIA "Directory of American Toolmakers" indicates that this maker used the "Companion" name for some of their products.
• The New Scroll Saw Handbook, by Patrick Spielman, 2002.

  In 1876, A. H. Shipman of Rochester, New York, claimed to be the first to manufacture a cheap, practical foot-powered scroll saw for home use. Appropriately named the Iron Centennial because of the year, Shipman's saw, though crude, was sold in the United States and abroad with great success

  The treadle on Shipman's foot-powered saw produced a rotary motion that was converted to a vertical reciprocating sawing motion. Other saws produced by Shipman's company were given names such as the Demas for 1880, Demas Nos. 4 and 5, the Prize Demas, the Holly, and the Prize Holly.

• Industrial Advance of Rochester 1884, pg. 86.

  One of the most unique and useful branches of industry in Rochester is that of the business of the above-named house. The introduction of mechanical art into households as a vehicle of amusement and recreation is a step in the right direction, and the avidity with which appliances of this nature are seized by youths and boys, as well as adults, clearly demonstrates that a long-felt, popular want has been filled.

  The business was first established by the present proprietor in 1816 and has since been conducted by him with increasing success, which has been mainly due to the enterprise displayed and the careful adoption of every idea which experience teaches and which ingenuity can improve.

  The premises occupied for the business consist of a building covering a space of 100x46 feet, and with a complete floorage area of 17,103 feet. The most improved of available machinery is here utilized in the manufacture of the goods, and a force of forty-five skilled mechanics are given employment.

  Of the products of the concern we will first speak of the Prize Holly Scroll Saw and Lathe, which is a combination of both scroll saw and lathe. as the name indicates, or either can be purchased separately and the rest obtained at a future period at the same rate of expense as if purchased together. In fact, the entire parts of this machine being on the interchangeable system, any portion of it can be procured at immediate notice, so that in case of breakage or accident, the whole can again be made perfect at but a nominal expense. The Prize Holly is especially adapted for youths and beginners, and by its aid very fine work can be done. It is constructed of the best material, and for simplicity of construction, durability, ease of operation and price, is infinitely superior to anything of the kind ever placed on the market.

  The Prize Demas Lathe and Scroll Saw is the result of five years' watchful experience, that in this machine as near perfection shall he obtained as the ingenuity of the mechanic and human brains can effect. It is by far the most powerful and practical machine of the kind in existence and executes the largest and greatest variety of work. The Demas No. 4 and No. 5 Lathe and Scroll Saws are designed rather for mechanical purposes than for the amateur, and are adaptable either to steam or water power or independently of either.

  Besides the above Mr. Shipman manufactures a variety of attachments and other tools incident to these appliances, as well as wood-carving tools, suitable for the amateur.

  The Shipman engine made by this concern is one of the most ingenious and useful little engines manufactured. For a cheap and practical motive power they are most durable, and are particularly suited to small places where no power is available.

  Mr. A. H. Shipman is the sole proprietor of this business and has been a resident here since 1876. The business has been built up. owing to the energy and enterprise displayed by him in the conduct of his affairs and by pursuing that course of giving full value for money, which, in the main, is sure to succeed.