Chattanooga, TN
The Samuel Stamping and Enameling Company was established by William R. Samuel in 1926 located in Chattanooga, TN. The business first produced equipment and stove parts. Mr. Samuel was a pioneer in the switch from nickel-plated to enamel-finished stoves. The facility housed the southeast’s first continuous enameling furnace when it was installed in 1929. The device enables the company to increase its production using some of the same principles as continuous kilns used by chinaware manufacturers. A second furnace was added to the plant in the middle of the 1930s.
In addition to producing goods under its own brand, Samuel also completed contract stamping and enameling work for other businesses. They also produced porcelain enamel advertising signs for various companies including Ford and Chevrolet just to name a few. All of their signs have a makers mark across the bottom that reads “Samuel Signs • Chattanooga”. Samuel was one of many American businesses that were converted into defense facilities during World War II. They produced blitz containers, the military’s big gasoline cans. William R. Samuel was awarded the Quartermaster Corps’ Outstanding Performance Medal for his efforts in this field.
At the age of 79, William R. Samuel passed away in 1964. When creditors started selling off the company’s assets in November 1967 as a result of financial problems, the Samuel Company was no more.
Below are a few examples of Samuel Stamping & Enameling items:
