In 1891, W. H. Purdy licensed the patented overarm router design of H. M. Albee. By 1892 Purdy and Albee were operating as the Albee Machine co.
Albee's Champion router was used for carving of chair backs, chair legs, turned posts, etc. There was also a version available for engravers.
Information Sources
- An 1891 article in Manufacturer & Builder says of Albee's Champion router that "arrangements have been perfected by which the machine has been taken in hand by W. H. Purdy, Lincoln Building, Nos. 1 and 3 Union Square, New York, and placed upon the market."
- An 1892 Manufacturer & Builder ad for the Albee Machine Co. gives the same address, so it appears that Albee licensed his patents to Purdy, and Purdy (probably in partnership with Albee) formed the Albee Machine Co. to make and sell the machines. Albee's Champion router and carving machine, available in two sizes and with optional attachment for working on cylindrical work pieces. A separate version was available for engravers.