Dexter-Russell 17
THE DEXTER TRADEMARK
Following the deaths of Dexter Harrington and George Wells in 1911, Charles
Harrington became treasurer, secretary and president of the company. But Charles
had exerted some influence on the company earlier in its history. In 1884, he
envisioned a much broader outlet for Harrington knives and sought a way to establish
the company's brand in the market. He convinced his father to apply the trademark
"DEXTER" to all of its products and concurrently launched an extensive advertising
campaign in America and abroad, which boosted the company's reputation and
resulted in significant growth.
Clearly proud of its product line and eager to inform the general public, the owners of
the Harrington Cutlery Co. asserted, "Every knife having the trademark 'DEXTER'
is warranted to be the best made." An article in the May 26, 1898 edition of the
Southbridge Journal agreed with the statement wholeheartedly. "…their goods have
been before the public long enough (eighty years) to be thoroughly tested and they
have been manipulating one particular kind of steel, and the tempering and grinding
is a family inheritance," the article read. "It would never have been possible to build
up so large and influential a business except upon the most reliable goods, and the
pains taken in honing and finishing give them a permanent standing wherever used."
"Every knife having
the trade mark
'DEXTER' is
warranted to be the
best made."
Dexter delivery truck, circa 1930
