Henry W Fishel (1863-1929) and his brother-in-law Samuel C Nessler founded Fishel, Nessler & Co to manufacture jewelry in New York City in 1885. Nessler retired in 1898, and Henry’s brother, Theodore H Fishel (1952-1927), replaced him as a partner.

Notably, Henry L Fishel, Louis D Nessler, and Theodore F Fishel also founded Majestic Mfg Co. Incorporated in 1895 to manufacture and sell jewelry made from sterling silver, gold, and other metals, Majestic Mfg Co was located at the same New York City address as Fishel, Nessler & Co., at 556 Broadway and 79 and 85 Crosby Street.

Occupying two floors of a building on Elm Street, the handsome and well-equipped factory of Fishel, Nessler & Co manufactured silver novelties, ebony wares, metal frames, buckles, etc. The company’s office and showrooms were at 588 Broadway, New York. The factory employed 125 people.

A chain of jewelry stores

The Fishel brothers, Henry and Theodore, and Louis D Nessler (Samuel’s son), embarked on an ambitious project to create a chain of jewelry stores across the country. They quickly opened six stores in several cities. The idea was that the retail stores would offload excess product from the factory.

However, it was a disastrous venture. According to an article in The New York Times, “in a short time… the Fishels lost between $75,000 and $100,000.” The article, published in The New York Times on November 4, 1910, was a real sensation and revealed unpleasant information. It concerned Henry W Fishel, president of the bankrupt Fishel-Nessler Co.

Bankruptcy and Attempting suicide

Found semiconscious after attempting suicide in a room at the Grand Hotel in Jersey City, Henry W Fishel was arrested for attempted suicide. His brother paid $500 bail, and took Henry home “in dangerous condition.” Fortunately, Henry survived, but the following year, Fishel-Nessler Co was reorganized.

Theodore H Fishel took over the company in 1911, and Henry W Fishel founded a new company, Fishel & Co. In addition to costume jewelry, the Fishel-Nessler Co manufactured original novelties in anklets, shoe ornaments and buckles set with rhinestones. The concern also launched a new line of flexible aluminum hair bands and ornaments.

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