1874
Beginning in about 1851, this maker originally operated as T. R. Bailey; L. W. Vail's name was added sometime about 1871 when they started making a key-seating machine patented by Bailey.
Information Sources
- From 1851-1856 articles in Scientific American
- 1872-06-22 Scientific American page 26 classified ad: "T. R. Bailey & Vail, Lockport, N. Y., Manufacturers of Gauge Lathes, Chair Machinery, Stave and Shingle Machines, Engine Lathes, Key Seat Cutting Machines, Upright Drills, &c. &c."
- 1873-1875 ads in Manufacturer & Builder.
- Listing in the 1874 work, Wiley's American iron trade manual of the leading iron industries of the United States as a maker of "wood-working machinery of all kinds".
- Listed in Kenneth Cope's American Cooperage Machinery and Tools. 2004 pg 11. Cope provides Vail's initials and the year their partnership was formed.