Founded in 1876 as the Hanson-Van Camp Hardware Company in Indianapolis, Indiana by Courtland Van Camp. He then founded the Van Camp Hardware & Iron Company, an exclusively wholesale business in 1888. He remained active in the business until his death in 1923. He was succeeded by his son, R.P. Van Camp.
John T. Martindale, who had married Ella Van Camp (only daughter of Courtland Van Camp) succeeded to the presidency in 1926. He held that office until his death in 1938. His son, E.B. Martindale became president in that year.
In 1904, Van Camp opened the Capitol Cutlery Company of Indianapolis. This factory operated until 1948. Van Camp was in business until the 1980s, but did not deal in cutlery after 1960.
(Featured image) A rare “Swastika” razor, black celluloid handles have an Indian in relief. The tang is marked “Van Camp Hdwe & Iron Co. Indianapolis Indiana Made in Germany.” The swastika serves here as a good luck symbol, before it acquired less desirable associations.
c 1888-1960