The origin of the firm traces back to 1874 when was formed in Attleboro, MA, the Cobb, Gould & Co. The founders were Clarence L. Watson, Fred Newell, Charles Cobb, Samuel Gould and W.A. Battey. The firm produced a line of jewelry goods, mainly gold plated. Between 1875 and 1880 Battey, Cobb and Gould withdrew from the partnership and Watson and Newell, the only ones left, formed a new firm operating under the name Watson & Newell (1880-1886). In 1887 Joseph R. Ripley joined to the business and the firm changed its name to Watson, Newell & Co. In 1891 also Edward L. Gowern entered the partnership. The business continued with success and, needing larger quarters, in 1894 the old Mechanics Mill property was bought opening the new factory in 1896. The name changed to Watson & Newell Co, while Mechanics Sterling Company was the name of the subsidiary flatware branch. In 1899 the firm obtained its first flatware patent (Clarence L. Watson) and began a wide production of flatware and souvenir spoons. Failing health forced Fred Newell to retire from the active participation to the firm shortly after the turn of the century. He remained as a non-active partner until his death (1910). In 1904 the sleeve and collar buttons division became a separate operating unit with the name of Standard Button Company under the direction of Ripley and Gowen. In this period the firm produced hundreds of sterling souvenir spoons depicting a variety of subjects. Beginning about 1900, Watson produced a line of sterling hollow-ware for Wilcox & Wagoner of New York using the "sword and laurel wreath" mark. Wilcox & Wagoner closed down c.1905 and Watson continued producing with this mark until 1929. In 1920 "The Watson Co" was  incorporated taking in charge all the silver operations. Many new flatware patterns continued to be introduced on a regular basis. At the death of Clarence L. Watson (1930) the management of the firm was assumed by his son-in-law Grover Richards. In 1955 the business was sold to R. Wallace & Sons. The dies of Watson souvenir spoons (as many as 3000), sold by Wallace, in the 1970s were in unused possession of The Inman Co Inc. of Attleboro, MA. CHRONOLOGY Cobb, Gould & Co 1874 - 1880 Watson & Newell 1880 - 1886 Watson, Newell & Co 1887 - 1895 Watson & Newell Co 1895 - 1920 Watson Company 1920 - 1955 acquired by R. Wallace & Sons 1955