Published in 1955 Jewelers’ Circular Keystone jewelry ad stated that “established in 1841, Sloan is the oldest name in fine jewelry”. Unfortunately, this is completely incorrect information. According to even the very date of birth of A.K. Sloan (1838), the founder of the brand, he was 3 years old.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, Augustus Kellogg Sloan (Sept. 3, 1838 – June 23, 1922) grew up in Syracuse, N. Y., where he received education in the public schools. At the age of 13, he worked as office boy in Bailey’s Fancy Bazaar, then in the office of a cigar factory.

Aged 15 Augustus K Sloan came to New York. He began his career in the old jewelry firm of Carter, Pierson & Hale, located at 2 Maiden Lane. Soon he rose to the position of salesman, and later bookkeeper.

In 1867 Sloan became a partner in the firm of Carter, Howkins & Dodd. Dodd later withdrew and the firm name was changed to Carter, Howkins & Sloan. When Howkins retired soon after, the name was again changed to Carter, Sloan & Co.

Frank T. Sloan

In 1891 Frank T. Sloan, Mr. Sloan’s son joined the firm of John A. Riley, manufacturing jewelers, 860 Broadway, New York. However, in 1895 Riley passed away, and young Frank Sloan continued the business alone until January, 1896. The same year Augustus K. Sloan retired from the firm of Carter, Howkins & Sloan and joined his son.

Thereafter the business became known as Sloan & Co. Headquartered at 15 Maiden Lane, New York the firm of Sloan & Co. had factory at 160 Mount Pleasant Ave, Newark, N. J.

Death of Augustus K Sloan

One of the oldest men in the metropolitan jewelry center, Augustus K Sloan was president of many organizations. In particular, the Security Alliance, the Maiden Lane Historical Society, American Waltham Watch Co, Old Guardian Trust Co., the Beaver National Bank, the Metropolitan Savings’ Bank in Brooklyn, and more. His association of 60 odd years in the industry gave him the distinction of being the dean of the New York trade.

Augustus Kellogg Sloan died June 23, 1922. His son Frank T. Sloan continued the family business as the president of Sloan and Co., manufacturing jewelers, 15 Maiden Lane, New York.

Frank T Sloan

Born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1869, Frank T Sloan entered the jewelry business upon completion of his studies at Adelphi College, Brooklyn, N. Y. He began his career at the manufacturing jewelry firm of Carter, Sloan & Co in 1887. In 1891 Frank T. Sloan continued with the John A.Riley & Sloan Co. Since 1896 he was treasurer of Sloan and Co., and after the death of his father in 1922 he headed the company. Frank T. Sloan died July 6, 1940.

According to 1956 and 1960 ads, Sloan & Company (15 Maiden Lane New York 7, NY) was still active.

Antique and Vintage Sloan Jewelry