Machinist - Machine shop at Splitdorf Electrical Corp 1931 - Side by Side
by Mike Savad
Title
Machinist - Machine shop at Splitdorf Electrical Corp 1931 - Side by Side
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Colorized Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1931
Original Title: Machine shop at Splitdorf Electrical Corp
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Newark, NJ
Splitdorf was an American electrical company located in Newark, NJ, that got into automotive ignition components just as cars were becoming popular. They created magnetos, spark plugs, later generators, and starter motors. They became the standard equipment for many US car companies. In 1923, Edison bought them out and they became the Splitdorf-Edison company.
As you can see everything is made by hand on specialized pieces of equipment. Presumably each frame above each lathe probably has the blueprints of the parts they make.
The original was quite faded and quite sepia, but otherwise in pretty good condition. I think they shot this picture just before Edison bought this place. Hard to know exactly what they are making, I think it was brass, many of their devices were brass. Whoever had to deal with the belts had a nightmarish job I would think. So many belts.
I'd be curious to know the story of that belt catcher? Below the big wheel belt, they are found throughout the company. I assume when one broke it must have hit someone, looks like something they put up as an afterthought. It's possible that one is under the most tension? Because sometimes they can sag quite a bit. I'm sure someone had a story to tell after.
Uploaded
February 7th, 2024
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