This maker of bandsaw guides is known to have been in business in 1888. He patented a guide in 1886.

Information Sources

• From The Railroad, Telegraph, and Steamship Builders' Directory, 1888: a listing under "Saw Guides—Band" for "Kratzer, Wayne, Allentown, Pa."
• From the April 1908 issue of The Horseless Age, in a column entitled, "Garage Notes": "Wayne Kratzer has sold his garage in New York city, and returned to Allentown, Pa., where he will open a garage and machine shop."
• From the September 1909 issue of Operation and Maintenance:

  LIGHT, AIR-COOLED DELIVERY WAGON

  A light delivery wagon, shown in the accompanying engraving, has been placed on the market by the Wayne Kratzer Automobile Company, of Allentown, Pa., to meet the demand for a moderate priced vehicle which can make rapid package deliveries. The machine here shown is fitted with a 12 horsepower double-opposed air-cooled motor. A noticeable feature of the construction is the steel wire wheels which are very durable and which are not influenced by atmospheric conditions. The machine has three forward speeds and center chain drive to the rear live axle. The oiling system has been very carefully worked out. The company will manufacture three models for varying loads and will equip the machines with either two- or four-cylinder motors. The wagon shown has open box body and lazy back to driver's seat.

• Kratzer received four patents: three for ball bearings, and one for his bandsaw blade guides.