Established in Philadelphia by George W Simons (1819-1889), Simons Bros Co history covers over a century. Twenty-year-old George founded the company in partnership with his brother Peter B Simons in 1839. Born in Philadelphia, George Simons learned there the trade of making silver thimbles and pencils.

He subsequently moved to several locations and finally, purchased the old Jones Hotel property on Chestnut Street. There he improved the building, calling it the Artisan Building, in which his sons later continued the business.

A few years later the company changed its name to Geo W Simons & Bro, Obdyke & Co, when Stacey B Obdyke joined the firm. However, in 1857 Thomas Maddock (1828-1913) replaced Obdyke, and the name changed to Simons Bro & Co. After the death of George Simons Thomas Maddock worked for some years and retired in 1907.

About 1878 Peter B Simons opened a branch office in San Francisco and finally withdrew from the Philadelphia concern. In the course of the following years the sons of George W Simons joined Simons Bro & Co. Namely: John F Simons, George W Simons Jr, Frederick M Simons and Edwin S Simons.

Formed In 1913 corporation became Simons Bros Co. The surviving members of the firm were Frederick M. and Edwin S Simons. Simons was last listed in the directory of active companies in 1960.

During the entire 120 years of its existence the concern has specialized in the manufacture of gold and silver thimbles, tableware, comb tops, cane and umbrella handles, jewelry and novelties.

Antique Jewelry by Simons Bros