The Domestic Electric Co. was established in 1915 to make fractional-horsepower electric motors. They were located at 7223 St. Clair Ave., N. E., Cleveland, Ohio. In 1929 they were acquired by Black & Decker, and in 1930 they became Black & Decker Electric Co. of Kent, Ohio.

Information Sources

• EMF electrical year book, V1, 1921 pages 483-494
• A few people have reported motors from this firm, with patent dates spanning roughly 1911 to 1919; we have found patents explicitly assigned to this firm spanning 1917 through to 1929. The early patents suggest a connection—perhaps a licensing agreement—with Allis-Chalmers.
• Page 225 of the EMF Electrical Yearbook, Volume 1, released in June of 1921, reveals the following information:

  DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CO., THE.—Cleveland, Ohio. Manufacturer of small motors. Business established 1915. President and general manager, C. A. Duffner; vice-president M. H. Spielman; secretary and treasurer, A. N. Kellogg; sales manager, W. H. Lamar. Also cited is the trade name and address information: DOMESTIC.- Trade name for small motors manufactured by the Domestic Electric Co., 1071 Power Ave., Cleveland, Ohio

• November 1930 Electrical Merchandising Week, page 75.

  Domestic Electric Now Black & Decker
  R. J. Lamb President of New Organization

  A change of company name of much interest to business circules has just been announced by S. Duncan Black, President of The Black & Decker Mfg. Co.—that is, "The Domestic Electric Company" will henceforth be "The Black & Decker Electric Co."

  The company, which has been wholly owned by The Black & Decker Mfg. Co. for more than a year, will continue as in the past the manufacture and development of fractional horsepower electric motors at its fine modern plant, Kent, Ohio.

  At the same time, Mr. Black announced publicly some changes in the executive staff, which is now as follows:

  R. J. Lamb becomes President. Mr. Lamb, who is a resident of Cleveland, has served as a director and as attorney for the company since its inception.

  M. H. Spielman is Vice-President and General Manager and is know as one of the country's outstanding engineers on fractional horsepower motors. Mr. Spielman has also been connected with the company since its beginning.

  Oscar C. Kiehne, treasurer and auditor, was formerly treasurer and auditor for The Van Dorn Electric Tool Company.

  A. E. Nash, now secretary, was long chief accountant for the old Domestic Electric Company.

  Walter Poese, plant manager, has also been with the company since its inception and is looked upon as a very capable manufacturing executive.

• December 1930 Electrical Merchandising Week, page 67 carries a full-page text ad. "The change of name of the Domestic Electric Company to the Black & Decker Electric Co. created an important advantage for manufacturers of electric appliances... the Black & Decker nameplate carries to the appliance manufacturer the assurance that he is getting fractional horsepower motors of the very highest efficiency. For to the extensive facilities of the former Domestic Electric Company have been added the broad experience, the financial strength, the extensive resources for engineering and research, the world-wide distributing and service facilities of Black & Decker.... Black & Decker Electric Co. Kent, Ohio".