Established On January 1, 1895, the Newark jewelry concern “Larter & Sons” began its history in 1865, as the Ilox & Larter company. The founder of the firm was Frederick Henry Larter (1846 – 1927). A native of Newark, he entered the jewelry business at an early age as a salesman.

In 1865, Frederick Henry Larter and his partner William D. Elcox established manufacturing gold jewelry concern, known as Larter, Elcox & Co. The firm changed its name to Larter & Sons in 1905, when Larter bought out all other interests. He formed a partnership with his sons, Halsey M. Larter (d.1927) and Harry Clifton Larter (1870 – 1931).

The business which factory was located at Parkhurst and Austin Streets, and its New York office, at 15 Maiden Lane, developed enormously. Originally simply a ring concern, the business became noted for its specialties in men’s jewelry, for which it obtained a reputation throughout the trade. As the years passed on, the firm proved to be one of the greatest jewelry concerns in the industry.

President of Larter & Sons, Frederick Henry Larter

In addition to business, Frederick Larter gave time to the interests of the industry and held a prominent place as one of its leaders. He was director and president of the National Jewélers Board of Trade and the Jewelers’ Protective Union. For many years he was the vice-president of the Maiden Lane Historical Society. Larter was also active in church work, as a prominent member of the Methodist Church.

New president, Harry Clifton Larter (1870 – 1931)

Harry Larter received his education in the Newark schools, and entered the jewelry business as a boy. It was the firm of Hayden W. Wheeler & Co., with which he rose to the position of salesman and traveled in many sections of the country.

Harry Larter and Susanne E. Eckings got married in 1897. They had six children – Josenia, Martha, Susanne, Harry, Halsey, and Robert.

“Mayor of Maiden Lane”

Prominent manufacturing jeweler of New York and Newark, Harry Clifton Larter was nicknamed “Mayor of Maiden Lane” in recognition of his outstanding services to the jewellery business.

At the time of his death he was President of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club. Also, Chairman of the Jewelers’ Vigilance Committee, and President of the Jewelers Republican Club of New York.

Other activities included – Vice-President of the Maiden Lane Historical Society, President of the Brotherhood of Traveling Jewelers, and some more. In Newark where he resided, he was equally prominent in church and other activities and was connected with charitable work.

“The Larter Gold Book”

Noteworthy, the Larter’s company had a tradition of annually publishing brochures and advertising booklets, starting in 1905. Among the numerous advertising books produced by the jewelry industry, few could match the beauty and usefulness of the “The Larter Gold Book”, published in 1913.

The book consisted of engravings, detailing all the various lines of rings, cufflinks, sets, lockets, and tie clasps, manufactured by Larter & Sons, 21 Maiden Lane, New York.

The engravings were so perfect that a jeweler could use the book for receiving orders almost as well as the product lines themselves. The first page of the book featured an image of the firm’s factory in Newark, New Jersey, a model of its kind. Bound in blue cloth, the “Larter Gold Book” bore the firm’s trademark in gold.

Incorporation of Larter & Sons

After the death of Harry Clifton Larter in 1931, Larter & Sons became corporation. The board of directors of Larter & Sons Inc., 88 Parkhurst Street, Newark, elected Warren R Larter president of the concern. Monroe Larter, son of the late Halsey Larter, became vice-president and treasurer. George A. Schuetz continued as director of sales.

According to business directories, the firm still exists.