Bertram: Difference between revisions
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Clarification on numbering system and decline of the company
(Article about the 1977 closing of the shop at http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19770918&id=Z1kdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6FcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5573,697759) |
(Clarification on numbering system and decline of the company) |
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Over three generations Bertram’s enjoyed such a good reputation in the USA that their own production wasn't able to keep up with the demand and pipes had to be bought in addition from notable suppliers. In reference to this Bertram in later years was also apostrophized "The Astley's of America". | Over three generations Bertram’s enjoyed such a good reputation in the USA that their own production wasn't able to keep up with the demand and pipes had to be bought in addition from notable suppliers. In reference to this Bertram in later years was also apostrophized "The Astley's of America". | ||
Their pipes seem have been graded by a numbering system, i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 | Their pipes seem have been graded by a numbering system, i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc., with the higher numbers being more desirable. The grading system also indicated the price for which it was to be sold. A '10' sold for $1.00, a '20' for $2.00, and so on. | ||
The company | The company suffered a tragic blow at the end of the 1960s. During the riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. the factory was plundered and set on fire. Though some efforts - mainly by Bertram employees - were made to restart Bertram never really recovered and the owning family decided to quit pipe production and close the shop in 1977. | ||
<center><gallery caption="Examples courtesy, Doug Valitchka">. | <center><gallery caption="Examples courtesy, Doug Valitchka">. | ||