In 1871 Charles Elterich was a toolmaker for Western Union when he invented and built—but did not patent—the first round split tapping die. In 1877 he invented and patented the first adjustable-size tap wrench as well as an improved drill chuck. The following year he opened a shop at 62 Chatham Street in New York City and under the Charles Elterich name, began making drill chucks, taps, dies, and tap wrenches. At first his products were distributed exclusively through Frasse & Co. of that city. His 1877 tap wrench patent and drill chuck patent were granted to Elterich and one-half assigned to Andrew H. Briggs, co-owner of Frasse & Co.
Within a decade or so Elterich seems to have dropped his drill chuck line in favor of taps and dies. He remained in business until at least 1909 when he was 70 years old. By then he had a collection of 100,000 master taps—most of them, of course, of non-standard sizes that he had made at one time or another.
- Trow's 1878-79 New York City Directory lists "Briggs Andrew H. tools, 62 Chatham, h 156 Sussex, J. C." Also listed is "Elterich Chas. machinist, 120 Mercer, h 612 Sixth".
- 1879-07-26 American Machinist.
In giving a list of tap and die manufacturers in our July 12th issue, we inadvertently omitted the name of Charles Elterich, New York City, which should have appeared in that list. Though one of the latest to engage in the business, Mr. Elterich has secured an excellent reputation for his productions. Frasse & Co., 62 Chatham St., are sole agents for their sale.
- Trow's 1880-81 New York City Directory lists "Briggs Andrew H. tools, 62 Chatham, h 156 Sussex, J. C." Also listed is "Elterich Charles, machinist, 115 Walker, h 32 Rivington".
- Trow's 1884-85 New York City Directory lists "Briggs Andrew H. tools, 62 Chatham, h 206 Grand, J. C." Also listed is "Elterich Charles, machinist, 191 Worth,, h 490 E. 78th".
- Trow's 1891-88 New York City Directory lists "Briggs Andrew H. tools, 82 Park row, h 206 Grand, J. C." Also listed is "Elterich Charles, machinist, 191 Worth,, h 513 E. 86th".
- 1897-10-07 American Machinist has an article on a new tap and die made by Charles Elterich, Worth street, New York.
- 1909-06-24 American Machinist article describes John Elterich's shop and his ability to make custom taps and dies. Well worth reading!