The history of the New York City jewelry company Harry S Bick & Son dates back to 1923, when it was called Kramer & Bick. Its founders were Samuel Kramer (1864 – 1949) and his son-in-law Harry Stark Bick (1890 – 1975).

Samuel Kramer’s daughter, Hattie B Kramer, married Harry Bick in 1913. They had a daughter, Bertha, in 1916, and a son, Harry S Bick Jr., in 1918.

New Name for Kramer & Bick

In December 1937, Samuel Kramer and Harry Bick dissolved their partnership by mutual consent upon the retirement of Samuel Kramer, aged 73. At the same time, Bick’s son and Kramer’s grandson, Harry S Bick, Jr., joined the family business. However, Harry S Bick continued to operate Kramer & Bick, at the same address at 2 West 46th Street, without changing the firm’s name.

Harry S Bick & Son

During World War II, Harry S Bick Jr was drafted into the Army in 1942. In 1944, while he was still in the Army, his father changed the name of the firm to Harry S Bick & Son. The new company was located at 542 Fifth Ave, New York.

On April 1, 1950 the Bickson trademark became a corporation Bickson, Inc, 542 Fifth Avenue, New York City. The new corporation replaced the previous firm of Harry S Bick and Son. The company’s president was Harry S Bick; Henry S. Stevenson, vice president; Harry S Bick, Jr., treasurer, and Maud E. Griffin, secretary.

From the very beginning, Bick’s firm produced high-quality jewelry using precious metals and stones. Fashion magazines of the time, such as Vogue, often placed Bickson ads in their magazines. The designs of brooches, necklaces, earrings and bracelets traditionally include floral and foliate motifs. Marked with the initials HSB, the jewelry is highly collectible.

Harry Bick’s jewelry business began in 1923 and ceased to exist in 1991.

HSB Vintage Ads and Costume Jewelry