The Gritzner factory in its heyday

Max Gritzner founded one of Germanys premiere sewing machine companies in 1872. He went on to manufacture some of the finest machines produced in the Victorian era.

After his death in 1887 the family continued in the company with the help of his sons, Rudolph and Julius. Max had a brilliant business mind, which is why his company expanded so rapidly. For example after a devastating factory fire in 1881many would have given up, not Max, he rebuilt bigger and better than before. 

His factory at Karlsruhe, Durlach was an impressive site to behold. It even had its own railway station collecting over 3,000 machines each day from the factory. The company also made bicycles, pumps, and later motorcycles.

Dealer's like E. Riley, Sewing Machine & Gramophone dealers, 32 Broad Street, Halifax, sold the machines in Britain. They were superb pieces of engineering and still make a fine stitch. Many people dispose of these treasures but they are sure to regret it in years to come. 

By the turn of the century Gritzner had become Germany’s largest manufacturer even bigger then the giant Frister & Rossmann company.

By 1902 they had produced over one million machines. The workforce was estimated to be over 3,500 at its peak. 

Of course war interrupted the company in 1914 but it survived, unlike F&R which collapsed and the name bought by the British importers, and continued manufacturing.

By WWII Gritzner had merged with Pfalzische and had become Gritzner-Kayser.

In 1957 Pfaff bought up one of the finest sewing machines companies in the world and merged its manufacturing with its own.

The early Gritzner machines are very collectible. The company emblem was a little garden spider. 

The Gritzner spider, put on many of their machines, came to represent the best of German quality. Mind you they weigh a ton!

 
The Gritzner logo

Time for a great story: Spies & Spitfires

If you have anything to add to my Gritzner page please do not hesitate to contact me: alexsussex@aol.com

© 2007 Alex I Askaroff

Main Site Index  

 Books                     Index                                Homepage