THE JACOB BROMWELL® LEGACY
For more than two centuries, Jacob Bromwell® has produced objects meant to outlive the people who buy them — flasks, lighters, and kitchen tools built with patience, precision, and respect for tradition. Founded in 1819, when much of America was still frontier, our company stands among the oldest continuously operating brands in the United States. We do not chase trends. We continue traditions.
MOST BRANDS STARTED IN GARAGES. WE STARTED BEFORE THE LIGHT BULB.
When the Civil War began, Jacob Bromwell® had already been in business for 42 years. For those who appreciate history, the milestones below trace the extraordinary journey of a company that has survived wars, depressions, industrial revolutions, and two centuries of change.
Jacob Bromwell is Born
• 1785 •
Our story begins in 1785 with the birth of our founder, Jacob Bromwell (1785–1866), in Richmond, Virginia. Educated in the Quaker schools of Baltimore, he developed a strong foundation of discipline, craftsmanship, and enterprise. After serving as a young soldier during the War of 1812, Bromwell returned home determined to build a business of his own—one that would ultimately endure for generations.
The Company is Founded
• 1819 •
In 1819, Jacob Bromwell traveled west along the Ohio River to the rapidly growing frontier city of Cincinnati. Despite the economic uncertainty of the Panic of 1819—America’s first major financial crisis—he established what would become the nation’s first wire goods and housewares manufacturing company. Operating from a six-story building at 181 Walnut Street, the business soon offered more than 1,000 products to households across America.
Patented First Flour Sifter
• 1835 •
In 1835 the company patented the world’s first flour sifter, marking one of the earliest innovations in American kitchenware. Throughout the 19th century, Bromwell continued developing practical household tools designed for a growing nation—products crafted largely by hand and supported by early mechanical production methods.
A Pie Plate with a Pedigree
• 1848 •
During the California Gold Rush of 1848, resourceful prospectors found an unexpected use for Bromwell pie plates—panning for gold in the rivers of the American West. Originally designed for baking, these durable pans became trusted tools for pioneers seeking fortune. The same design remains in production today, linking modern kitchens with a remarkable chapter of American history.
Tin Drinking Cups
• 1862 •
During the Civil War, Bromwell supplied tin drinking cups to soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Marked “U.S.” for Union troops and “C.S.” for Confederate soldiers, these cups became standard military equipment. The same design is still produced today using many of the same techniques and machinery that have defined the company’s craftsmanship for generations.
A Lasting Legacy
• 1866 •
Jacob Bromwell passed away in 1866 after establishing a thriving manufacturing enterprise and a reputation for integrity and craftsmanship. By this time, demand for the company’s products—from tin cups to popcorn poppers and graters—continued to grow, ensuring the founder’s legacy would endure long after his passing.
Official Incorporation
• 1883 •
After decades of growth, the business formally incorporated on February 12, 1883 under the name The Bromwell Brush & Wire Goods Company. This milestone reflected the company’s expanding scale and its growing reputation as one of America’s most established housewares manufacturers.
100 Year Anniversary
• 1919 •
In 1919 the company celebrated its 100th year in continuous operation. With more than 1,000 employees across multiple states, Bromwell had become one of the largest manufacturers of its kind in the United States and a trusted supplier of household tools nationwide.
The Company Splits
• 1923 •
In 1923 the business underwent a structural change. The fireplace division was acquired by the Gerwe family in Cincinnati, while the housewares division continued under new ownership through Leigh Products, Inc., ensuring the continuation of the Bromwell manufacturing legacy.
The Move to Michigan City, IN.
• 1925 •
Under the ownership of Leigh Products, operations moved to a four-story manufacturing facility in Michigan City, Indiana. Despite the economic hardship that followed during the Great Depression, the company continued operating—keeping Americans employed and its production alive during one of the nation’s most challenging periods.
Numerous Distinctions Earned
• 1945 •
By 1945 the company had earned recognition as one of the oldest manufacturers of tin and stainless steel products in the United States and one of North America’s longest-standing housewares companies—an achievement built on more than a century of continuous production.
1 Millionth Popcorn Popper
• 1952 •
In 1952 the company celebrated the sale of its one-millionth Original Popcorn Popper—one of the most enduring products in its lineup. By mid-century, Bromwell goods were distributed widely through national retailers and had become staples in American homes.
New Ownership
• 1987 •
In 1987 Leigh Products sold Bromwell Housewares to a private investor. Under new ownership the company continued distributing its well-known household products through major national retailers including Walmart, Target, K-Mart, and Ace Hardware.
Relocation of Headquarters
• 1991 •
Corporate headquarters relocated to Phoenix, Arizona while the Michigan City factory continued operations. During this period many American housewares manufacturers shifted production overseas, but Bromwell maintained elements of its domestic manufacturing tradition despite increasing competition from imported goods.
Turnaround of an Icon
• 2010 •
After nearly two centuries in operation, the company faced a pivotal moment. New ownership stepped in to revitalize the historic brand, streamline the product line, and refocus the business on craftsmanship, quality, and heritage. The modern Jacob Bromwell® brand was born from this transformation.
The Move to Markle, IN.
• 2011 •
Production resumed at a new facility in Markle, Indiana equipped with modern machinery and improved working conditions. The company continued manufacturing iconic products such as the Classic Tin Cup and Original Popcorn Popper while rebuilding its reputation for American craftsmanship.
Creators of a New Category
• 2012 •
Jacob Bromwell® introduced the world’s first solid copper flask, establishing a new category in premium spirits accessories. The product quickly gained national attention and helped position the brand as a maker of heirloom-quality goods.
Greensburg Factory Conversion
• 2014 •
One of the company’s historic factories in Greensburg, Indiana—already listed on the National Register of Historic Places—was converted into residential apartments, preserving an important piece of Bromwell’s manufacturing heritage.
Indiana State Museum Exhibit
• 2015 •
Historic Bromwell machinery and artifacts were donated to the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, becoming part of a permanent exhibit highlighting the company’s role in American manufacturing history.
200 Year Anniversary
• 2019 •
In 2019 the company celebrated 200 years in continuous operation—an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a handful of American companies. Today Jacob Bromwell products are cherished by collectors, outdoorsmen, designers, and enthusiasts of traditional American craftsmanship.
Pewter Flask Line
• 2021 •
Jacob Bromwell® introduced a luxury flask line crafted from solid pewter, using many of the same techniques employed in its copper flasks. Designed for durability and timeless style, these flasks are intended to be carried and passed down for generations.
Entry Into Luxury Watches
• 2023 •
Building on its heritage of craftsmanship, the company entered the world of luxury timepieces—developing watches that incorporate authentic historical materials from its own products. Each piece transforms a fragment of the past into a wearable heirloom.
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