The Whitehead and Hoag Company 1892-1959

IMG_2637IMG_2636IMG_2650 (2)IMG_2649IMG_2638IMG_2640IMG_2641The Whitehead and Hoag Company was the preeminent American manufacturer of advertising novelties. The company was founded in 1892 by Chester R. Hoag and Benjamin S. Whitehead. Initially, the company was known for the creation and manufacture of ribbon badges. In 1896, they introduced the pin back button for which they held the patent. W&H went on to become the world’s largest manufacturer of quality buttons and remained so for many years. The company also manufactured various types of medals in bronze, silver and gold, calendars, pocket knives, paperweights, letter openers , celluloid items and novelties of every sort.

In 1892 , the main office and factory was located at Washington and Warren Streets. As the company continued to grow and expand , a new factory was built at 272 Sussex Avenue and First Street in 1903. The new factory had a complete printing and lithographing plant with over fifty modern presses, a complete art and photo engraving plant in which all the engraving sketches and plates were made, a complete button plant with the capacity of one million buttons a day, and a machinery plant where the company made all its own tools, dies and special machinery.

Due to the immense popularity of their advertising novelties the company began to establish offices throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. The branch offices were given samples to show prospective clients . To assist the sales force, the Home Office provided them with a list of all conventions to be held in the branch office city. However, it was up to the branch office salesmen, who worked on commission, to contact all the local businesses, organizations and churches to solicit additional business. All the manufacturing was done in Newark until the factory closed in 1959.

Not willing to lose a button order, the company maintained a strictly non-partisan stance.   Small groups such as the Socialists, Communists and Prohibitionist  could place their button orders as easily as the Democrats or Republicans could. To create an attractive and high quality product W&H would use the famed illustrators Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell from time to time. They also had a great talent pool on staff.

In 1919, the company experienced a significant reorganization and became a non-union shop. Prior to this, most of their items were marked with the union seal. Although W&H was no longer a union shop they would still mark certain items to appear as if they were union made- especially political buttons.

In 1959, Whitehead and Hoag was sold. The purchaser was Bastian Brothers of Rochester, New York, a long-time competitor of W&H. Because Bastian Brothers was a union shop it was often undersold by W & H. Not being able to compete with W&H’s prices they would subcontract some of their work to W&H and buy parts from them as well. When the opportunity came to purchase their competitor they did not hesitate.

There are several reasons why W&H sold out to Bastian Brothers.   In 1953, with the death of Phillip Hoag no member of the family was left on the board or in a policy making role. In addition, the company’s profitability would vary greatly making substantial money for a year or two and then operating at a loss for several years. Thirdly, was the company’s insistence on making top quality product and their refusal to advertise any other way but on their own product. In the early years, if a customer insisted that the W&H logo not appear on an item, the price was raised considerably. Maybe, in the final analysis,they failed to keep up and change with the times.

The Newark factory was closed in May of 1959. Bastian Brothers continued to use the Whitehead and Hoag name finally phasing it out in 1964-1965.

Included in this blog are a salesman’s sample case of medals and the companion brochure, a key fob with an engraving of the factory and a paperweight commemorating the 1927 opening of The United States Trust Company’s new building in Newark. Whitehead and Hoag items are avidly sought by collectors and the rarer objects are rather expensive.

108 thoughts on “The Whitehead and Hoag Company 1892-1959”

  1. Pingback: The Whitehead & Hoag Company – oronocoauctions

  2. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but
    after checking through some of the post I realized it’s
    new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking
    back often!

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    1. I have just stumbled onto this site and find it quite interesting. I have a novelty pocket made by W & H in 1925 for the grand opening of a Columbus Ohio Hotel.
      My great uncle a Columbus PD detective acquired it.
      He gave it to my father who was only five at the time of uncles death.
      The hotel was a luxury hotel Accross from the state capitol that roomed Presidents and dignitaries.
      It too had an interesting past but disappeared much like W & H.

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    2. Hello there are two types depending on the hole size. Both tags are the same typel. There is also a number on tag. What is it. I can help identify better if you attach a picture. Bob

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      1. It might be interesting for you to know that W & H had the patent on the design of these buttons with the pin to attach it to you lapel or elsewhere.

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    1. Sorry for the delay in responding I’ve been under the weather. My understanding from what I’ve read online, is that when they were bought out in 1959 by a competitor, all records were destroyed. I have no way to confirm that. I am sure some former employee out there may know the actual truth. What is certain is that the ranks of former employees are probably quite thin by now. Their former factory is about a 1/2 mile from my house.Wish I could be of more assistance.

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  6. Greetings,
    I was researching an item that I purchased at a shop in Tombstone, AZ in 2001. The item is a brass ashtray, 4 inches diameter, advertised with El Paso Coffin Company. Under the ashtray, it is stamped (engraved) “The Whitehead & Hoag Co * Newark, NJ”, which lead me to your website. The El Paso Coffin Company no longer exist and I cannot find any information on the business. I am trying to date the ashtray. Do you have any information that you can share with me?
    Thanks

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    1. Richard,
      I get many requests asking for more information on Whitehead and Hoag. Unfortunately, there is no definitive source of information on the company and it’s products. In 1959, when it was acquired by a competitor the purchaser allegedly ordered all W&H archives destroyed. I think Whitehead and Hoag certainly deserves a book.

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    1. I am so thrilled that a descendant of Benjamin Whitehead has posted on my blog. Whitehead & Hoag was the premier manufacturer of advertising novelties and they have never been surpassed or equaled! They really deserve a profusely illustrated coffee table book. If you are willing,I would like to correspond with you further. My email is johnlipari@aol.com. Hope to hear from you.
      John Lipari

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    2. Hi Sheri – my great grandfather was Walter C. Heath who was president of W&H from about 1923 until sometime in the 1940’s. I too would love to know more about the company.

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      1. Hi Lea,
        The only things I know about the company I have found online. My father and his three sisters have all passed away so I have no one left on my side of the family to ask about the company. Your family must have taken over the company when my great grandfather sold the business.
        This is a good site to learn things because John Lipari is very knowledgeable about all things that happened in Newark.

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      3. Just finding this blog, Philip R. Hoag was my great-great grandfather and Philip O. Hoag my grandfather who sadly died when I was 5. My grandfather had two daughters neither of whose husbands got involved in the business. My mother developed a renewed interest in the company about 40 years ago and until her passing two years ago spent time pursuing its history and worked with Newark Museum–I think developing it collection of W&H items. She always regretted that no one in her family was offered the chance to go in and save those many items that were destroyed.

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      4. Hello.
        I found lapel pin with an African American on it. That belonged to my deceased father.
        On his is or her top SP Lewis Photo is written on it.
        The patent on back is July 17th 1894.
        Any ideas on what it may be worth?

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    3. Sheri, Chester Hoag was my great grandfather. My mom was Philip O. Hoag’s daughter and she has done a lot of research currently held by my brother. But it’s a shame that so much was lost and destroyed with the sale of the company.

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      3. i have over a thousand items made by w&h and also catalogs,salesman pieces and proprietery in house pieces. i have been trying to find someone that could help me put a book/catalog of thier works . gary paterson was a historian on w & h and i have all his research and he wrote a book about the company . i have all the plate picture pieces in that book. anyone interested in helping or contributing would be a great help. i know gary sold his collection to the family in new hampshire some 25 years ago!

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      4. Bob Miller, Gary Patterson sold the W & H collection to my parents, specifically to my mom. She has sinced passed away and my brother now has the collection and all of Mom’s information. I shall share this with him. I don’t want to share his information on this blog. and the two of you can figure out how to communicate.

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      6. I would love to compare materials and possibility of getting a reference book started. John please pass on my contact info

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      8. Bob, I believe we corresponded briefly previously. I have collected many W&H items over the years including promotional envelopes over 100 yrs old, which held political buttons and firefighter ribbons. I would like to help put a definitive book together. H0wever, the W&H catalog is so vast, one book would be too big for publication, especially in print. A few volumes divided by product, might make more sense. Of course, they can be updated.
        Thank you.

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      9. So true! The opportunities are endless! John please provide my contact info ! Let’s get started!

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    4. I bought an estate lot of jewelry. I have a political pin or pendant for gen j hooker. He was in the civil war. Any info on possible value or any thing appreciated. Back is marked Whitehead and hoag

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    5. My father was Chester Hoag Davis. His mom Ethel Mae Hoag before she married.
      I read Chester R. Hoag was born in Wellsboro, PA.
      I am certain that I am somehow related to ChesterR.

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      1. You very well might be. There are a number of comments from relatives that are attached to the Whitehead & Hoag posts. I would recommend you reach out to them.

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  8. I have a Whitehead and Hoag 1732-1932 commemorative coin. It commemorates the 200th anniversary of Salisbury Maryland in August of 1932. Looked everywhere and can’t find one like it. It says Whitehead-Hoag on the bottom of the coin. Any info would be helpful.

    Thanks

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    1. Darron,
      Although the Whitehead & Hoag’s former plant is just blocks from my home, little else remains of the company’s presence here. Most of what I’ve posted on W&H has been gleaned from the internet. That having been said, there is a large field of W&H collectors out there. If you are curious about value go to eBay and type in Whitehead and Hoag. I guarantee you’ll learn a lot about their product line and current prices. I hope this helps.
      John Lipari

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  9. I have a Whitehead & Hoag pin marked “Aircraft Service” on the front and was hoping you might know more about it? From my own research, I can tell it was made sometime between 1917-1919 and is marked Standard Aero on the reverse. There is also a four digit number stamped into it, which looks like a serial number. The words “Not Transferable” are also marked on the back.
    My theory is that these pins were issued by Standard Aero to their employees, and used for identification purposes to gain access to facilities.

    I have a photo of it if that will help?

    Thank you!
    Scott

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    1. So many people have asked me to assist in identifying objects from Whitehead and Hoag. Sadly, I do not possess that information. However, when time allows I am going to try and find more and specific information.

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  10. I have a Whitehead & Hoag pin marked “Aircraft Service” on the front and was hoping you might know more about it? From my own research, I can tell it was made sometime between 1917-1919 and is marked Standard Aero on the reverse. There is also a four digit number stamped into it, which looks like a serial number. The words “Not Transferable” are also marked on the back.
    My theory is that these pins were issued by Standard Aero to their employees, and used for identification purposes to gain access to facilities.

    I have a photo of it if that will help?

    Thank you!
    Scott

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    1. Hi Scott
      Your post was in my spam folder for reasons unknown. Feel free to send the photo. Whitehead & Hoag did make employee badges. Unfortunately, I believe their records were destroyed when they were taken over and shut down by Bastian Brothers in 1959.

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      1. It appears Whitehead & Hoag made these pins for companies that belonged to the Manufacturers Aircraft Association from 1917-1919. I have seen four other examples of these pins. These companies were key in supplying the U.S.government with aircraft and aircraft engines in direct support of the war in Europe. The Wright University has an impressive photo archive of the Dayton Wright Aircraft Company, which is was a member of the MAA. I’ve scoured their collection, which has numerous photo’s of factory workers, and only two show employees wearing these pins. Both photos are of salaried employees; one of company engineers and the other of company executives, none of the photos of the hourly employees include the pins. I’m starting to think they were for management only.

        Scott 661-816-4649

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  11. We have found an old screw-on backed pin with the IBEW logo on it; the reverse has the Whitehead & Hoag Co. logo on it and appears to be brass. The front of the pin is a probably not as distinct as it once was. Is this worth anything?

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    1. Whitehead and Hoag items are collectable. I would suggest you look on ebay under Whitehead & Hoag. You should be able to get a good idea what identical/similar items are going for. I hope this helps.

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  12. Hello… I have been pursuing and collecting “lucky” tokens/coins/fob’s from the Pope Motorcycle Co from 1913. These coins were made by W&H so I’m researching the company now, finding this blog. Ironically as I learn about Benjamin Whitehead, I too am a classically trained printer, and I am from Philadelphia (where his material was displayed at the Centennial)… and I can’t help but be intrigued by these parallels. These Pope motorcycle coins or fob’s or whatever they are pop up in on-line auctions periodically, and I’d love to know what the quantity of production was. Pope Motor Cycles was among the very first motorcycle companies, established within a year or so of the Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle Company’s. Pope Motorcycles was short lived and out of business by the 20’s. Such a shame all the W&H dies and records were lost… it would make for an interesting historical project.

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      1. I have written a couple books on vintage guitars, and use a publisher that specializes in both new authors, AND collectibles and antiques. Contact me if you’d like their info. They are based outside of Phila.

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      3. The company is called Schiffer Publishing, or Schiffer Books. Check out their website… they walk you through the whole process of assembling a book. They specialize in “coffee table” style books. Both of mine came out great! As mentioned they really do a lot of “collectibles” titles. Good luck!

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      5. Did you write your book on Whitehead and Hoag? If so, I am interested in purchasing a copy. Benjamin Whitehead was the great-great grandfather of my (adult) son.

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      6. Hi, my name is Sheri Warren and Benjamin Whitehead was my great grandfather so we must be related. I would love to keep in touch.

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      7. Ruth Ann, I would also be interested in such a book as would my siblings. Philip O. Hoag was our mother’s father, he was my grandfather and Chester Hoag my great grandfather. Candida Johnson

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  13. Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Commemorative Medal B L Pratt.
    Good day. Did this company produce this medal. and if they did do you know what year it was produced.
    Thank you,
    Wayne

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    1. No matter what type of object Whitehead and Hoag always had their name, initials or both on it. Check to see if their name is on the medal in some form. If it is, let me know and we’ll try to figure the rest out.

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  14. Hello, Can someone give me information when the Wilbur’s Cocoa metal pin was made? Also what value is known? The pin is Whitehead and Hoag co. 3 dates are on the back July 17 1894 and April 14, 1896 and July 21 , 1896 . Could these be the dates when made for Wilbur’s Cocoa?
    Thanks for your help. Wilbur

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    1. Wilbur,
      To the best of my knowledge those dates are patent dates for the various features of the pin. They do not pertain to the item being advertised. As far as I know, there is no definitive book on Whitehead and Hoag. Maybe when I retire. It would certainly be a great coffee table book.

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  15. I have a plaque with George Washington from 1928. He is standing holding a cane in right hand with a coat over his right arm.His name on a podium.Also says 39th Annual Convention Supreme Council. M-O-V-P-E-R- , Richmond,VA. Very good condition. What is it? What does it stand for.

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  16. Hello,
    I am a metal detectorist and I found a large brass round AAA Automobile Club of Minneapolis item. I’m trying to figure out how old it is. It says “FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD for arrest and conviction of any person stealing this automobile” I guess the automobile has been stolen for I only found this item. On the back it says”THE WHITEHEAD & HOAC CO. NEWARK, N.J. ” I assume it is between 1919 and 1940’s. Was wondering in your research you came across anything like this. It has ceramic or porcelain white around the letters. Some work was required in making it.
    Tim

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    1. Some of the AAA badges you refer to had a stem at the bottom and were made to be attached to the license plate or car bumper. AAA provided (still does) insurance to member car owners. That is what the $50 reward refers to. Finding an old AAA badge does not mean the car was stolen; the badge somehow became unattached.

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  17. Pingback: Maud Powell | Pam's Pictorama

  19. Hello,
    My husband’s grandfather was an Atlanta Policeman back during the late 1800’s -early 1900’s. I have found his badge from the Atlanta police department, trying to collect information from anywhere I can. If you have or can direct me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. On the back of the badge it has W & H Co., Newark, NJ

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  20. found pin with green white cloth and below that on ring oval with state seal on top brass that has seattle and 1907 also a big c and an e

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  21. I have a Lackawanna Kennel Club, Scranton PA bronze medal with an English setter or springer spaniel on it, plain reverse but raised rim, and a ring on the back.
    It was probably a group award for their dog show in the 1920s, it’s very think and heavy, and very nice quality

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    1. Whitehead & Hoag were known for the quality of their product. I recommend checking ebay if you’re curious about potential value. Unfortunately, all their records were destroyed when they were bought out in 1959.

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  22. HELLO JOHN, I HAVE COLLECTED W & H MEDALS,FOBS, PROPRIETARY W & H SALESMAN ITEMS, 32MM MEDALS,ASH TRAYS ,AND MANY MORE . I HAVE THOUGHT OF WRITING A BOOK ALSO. I HAVE THE ENTIRE BACKUP WORKS FOR GARY PATERSON’S BOOK ON W & H ALONG WITH MANY OTHER UNBELIEVABLE PIECES IN METAL. I ALSO HAVE SALESMAN’S KIT, BROCHURES, LETTERHEADS, BILLS, INVENTORY SHEETS, AND MUCH MORE RESEARCH AND SELDOM SEEN ITEMS. CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN MORE INFO THANKS BOB

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    1. Hi Bob,
      Replying to your post, re: W&H Co., I have many medals, ribbons, and some original envelopes from W&H, some over 100 yrs. If there are any types in particular you would like high res. scans of, for your book or archives, let me know.
      Nice to see your vast interest in this area.
      Thank you,
      Reid M. Baron

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      1. Hello Reid. I am interested in any w&h owned materials such as I’d badges from the warehouse, salesman items, awards, designs, patents and unique items. I would love to see anything that you would like to share and when this is over let’s meet and compare items. Thanks bob

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  23. I have a round, hand-held, 4″ dia., Whitehead & Hoag mirror. “Panama-Pacific international exposition, 1915, SanFrancisco California”. “Compliments of the Whitehead and Hoag Company” It is a give-away advertisement for Whitehead and Hoag. I have been unable to determine it’s value. Can you help me? Thank you

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    1. Dear Larry,
      I am by no means an expert on the values of W & H novelties. I would recommend checking out Ebay and you’ll get an idea what people are willing to pay. You may even see your item.
      Best wishes,
      John Lipari

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    2. Larry. The mirror depending on condition can be worth money to many type of collectors including world fair and mirror and w&h collectors

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    3. Hi Larry,
      W&H made a few types of mirror premiums for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Some were round, some oval, and some were handled made of nickel plated tin with embossed flower designs on the back. There could also be others we haven’t seen yet.
      W&H made mirrored advertising premiums for many companies and numerous fairs, expositions, and other venues, using various printed illustrations on the back. For their own advertising mirror premiums W&H usually used the printed image of a lovely young woman on the back.
      After looking at a number of databases we could not find a realized auction price for your specific mirror. However, depending on condition and the info we were able to glean from other W&H type mirrors, your item would be worth approx. $60-$130 today.

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  24. Among the sentimental things inherited from parents and grandparents is a metal pin which carries the name of Whitehead and Shuag, Newark NJ. on the round backpiece. In trying to research the company the only company that I can find is Whitehead and Hoag which makes no mention anywhere of Shuag, although it appears to be the same company making lapel pins. Can you explain?

    The pin appears to be made of brass. It’s small, only about a half inch. The frontpiece is a green leaf with a white “initial” either Z or S, or it could be some other “lightning bolt” design. I am curious as to three things: (1) the Shuag name and its significance to the pin/button company; (2) who/what the pin was manufactured for and when; (3) Is there a collectors value to this particular pin? I will also check out the ebay section on W&H. Thank you for any help anyone can be.

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    1. I would love to see this pin if possible. I have seen whitehead and brown but not shuag. Please post a picture and I will try and help

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  25. I was wondering about a 1892 pin back made by whitehead & road in no. Top of it is the hand shake second part says treasurer and the third one is a buck with a round glass and two torch’s. Any info would help thank you

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  26. I just metal detected a brass medal or pin with the following wording:

    Upper Part
    PRESENTED BY
    FRESNO COUNTY
    CALIFORNIA

    Lower Part
    [American Eagle]
    1917 1918
    WORLD [Calif. State Seal] WAR
    SERVICE

    The back has the following wording:
    W & H CO.
    NEWARK NJ

    Is anyone familiar with this piece? Was it manufactured by Whitehead & Hoag around 1918?

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  27. I have a Shriners (Rochester, NY Chapter) watch fob commemorating a 1911 convention or council session. Whitehead & Hoag designed and manufactured the watch fob. Reading the company’s bio, I found it ironic that the company to buy out W&H was Bastian Bros. from my hometown, Rochester. It is too bad that all the company records were destroyed. I would’ve enjoyed learning more about this company.

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  28. I have a six-sided metal badge/pin with a photo of a man and a little piece of paper with a six digit number. From what’ I’ve been able to determine, it’s an employee badge of some sort? Is there any way to tell what type of badge it is and when it was used? I picked it up at a yard sale in Minnesota back in the 90s, I believe.

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  29. I collect 1897 Utah Pioneer Jubilee items. Many of the badges, ribbons, pinbacks were made by Whitehead & Hoag for that celebration. I would be interested in anyone who has some of those badges. BobB

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  30. I just came across a square id badge from whitehead & hoag dated (1943?) Physicists Research Co. with a picture and name (D. Kelly). Does anyone have any thoughts on this??? thanks

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  31. Hello, I have a small round pin in metal with Whitehead & Hoag Co. printed on paper in the back. The front says “When Bearcat Went Dry” from the 1919 silent film. Does anyone know if this little pin was printed around the same time?
    It was my grandmother’s and I am 66.
    Any info would be appreciated.
    Thank you

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    1. Hello. These small pins were usually cigarette promotional pieces or silent movie promotional items contracted by whitehead and hoag salespeople. They were contemporary for the time.

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  32. Hi, I’m a Volunteer for the Grundy County Heritage Center, Tennessee. One project I’m working is to identify some medals and buttons. The name Whitehead and Hoag is on this particular button type pin of a confederate flag, UCV is on the pin as well. The back side says Tennessee XVI, Agriculture and Commerce. Anyone recognize this ? I’d sure appreciate a reply

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  35. I have a ribbon from Paughcaughnaughsino Tribe , no. 77. Middletown NY. I think its from the 1890s. Theres a pin on it of an Indian and at the top a fireman. Says it was made from Whitehead & Hoag, anyone have any info on it

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  37. John (or others in this forum)
    Do you know if any historians or collectors have been able to estimate the timeframes during which W&H used specific makers marks on their pieces? I am trying to date a fraternal pin that they manufacturered, likely in the 1930s or 1940s. Would love to connect with any W&H historians or collectors that are more knowledgeable in this area. Thank you.

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      1. Just a question about W & H. I have a number of pinbacks of their manufacture, mostly politica. One that is not is a small red button with white lettering that reads “Yours For a Million”. It has the paper logo with the union bug. Any ideas?

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    3. Hi, Jeff~ I would like to know the same: does anyone know what changes were made in the company name backmarks, on the buttons/medals, etc. I have a number of their stud buttons and cannot find out when the double acorn was added to the centre of the lettering.

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  38. Hi, Bob~
    I’d love to send photos of the W & H stud button with the double acorn symbol on the back (I posted the question on Jan 21st, 2024) but have no idea how to attach photos here, or to get in touch with you. Please let me know the protocol. when you can.

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