Founded in 1861, this firm is known from an 1895 ad for axe-handle and spoke lathes. Based on patent records, the principals were August Klotz and Otto Kromer. Kromer was the inventor of the pair, receiving at least four patents for spoke lathes, and one earlier patent for a dovetailing machine.

The firm reorganized in 1900 as the Klotz Machine Co. The company survived until at least 1922.

Information Sources

• The 1874 work, Wiley's American iron trade manual of the leading iron industries of the United States, lists Klotz & Kromer: "Steam engines, machinery, and iron foundry."
• The May 1889 issue of "The Wood-Worker" had an ad from this company. "Klotz & Kromer Machine Co., Sandusky, O., manufacturers of spoke, hub and wheel machinery. Axe and other handle machinery. Lathes for turning irregular forms of all kinds. Saw mill machinery, automatic and common slide-valve engines, and boilers, improved pulleys, shafting, hangers, etc." Pictured is "Kromer's new patent duplex spoke turning lathe. A great improvement in spoke lathes. Will turn more spokes than any other."
• The January 1895 issue of The Wood-Worker carries an ad for this firm: "Latest Improved AXE HANDLE LATHES.  SPOKE TURNING LATHES.  Kromer's New Patent Duplex Spoke Turning Lathe.  A great Improvement in Spoke Lathes.  Will turn more spokes than any other."
• Carriage and Wagon Makers Machinery and Tools by Kenneth L. Cope, 2004 page 126