This firm was founded in Gowanda, New York in 1897. John W. Schatt of Pittsburgh, and Charles B. Morgan of Gowanda, took possession of the factory formerly occupied by the C. Platts & Sons Cutlery Company on July 1, 1897. Arthur Orchard became superintendent of the factory. Schatt and Morgan operated under the name “New York Cutlery Company,” but marked their knives “S & M.”
C.B. Morgan began his cutlery career with C.B. Barker & Company of New York City. This firm jobbed pocket knives under the name of “Howard Cutlery Company,” buying mainly from the Canastota Knife Company. In 1890, Morgan entered the employ of the Bayonne Knife Company of Bayonne New Jersey.
In 1896, Morgan entered into a partnership with John W. Schatt under the name “Schatt & Morgan,” trading as the New York Cutlery Company. In 1896, they closed their New York office and moved to Gowanda, New York.
Schatt & Morgan employed thirty three men, and produced several patterns of pocket knives. Machinery was used extensively in this small factory, enabling the small work force to produce a large volume of completed pocket knives. On January 1, 1902, the firm moved to Titusville, Pennsylvania. The site in Gowanda did not have ample water power or room for expansion. They were incorporated at the time of the move, with J.W. Schatt president, C.B. Morgan vice president, and J.V. Crouch secretary and treasurer.
In 1911, Schatt sold his interest and Morgan became president. “The Dollar Knife Company” was a trademark used by this firm. The Dollar Knife was a cheaper made product than the S & M marked knives. “Schatt & Morgan” is marked on the tangs of the Dollar Knives, and the distinguishing marking is a colored shield. They continued to operate until about 1928, when they sold out to the Queen City Cutlery Company, also of Titusville, Pennsylvania.
(Featured image) Schatt & Morgan box label, c 1920.
c 1902-1928