Alexander Manufacturing Company

In 1869, this Detroit-based plumbing supply company had a little known, but soon to be famous employee – one David Dunbar Buick – the same Buick name that adorns the once popular line of General Motors cars.

In 1882 Buick and an old schoolmate, William Sherwood, took over the business when it failed. Over the next several years Buick & Sherwood, with David Buick as president, became successful. Buick himself is credited with many inventions, including improvements to bathtubs, water closets, flushing devices and a lawn sprinkler. His most notable achievement was a method for bonding enamel to cast iron making possible the colorful bathroom and kitchen fixtures of today.

With this promising start Buick could probably have become wealthy in the plumbing business. But David Buick was more interested in making things than making money. Like many tinkerers of the late 19th century he became fascinated with the new gasoline internal combustion engines.

His growing obsession with engine experimenting created a rift in an already tenuous business partnership. Sherwood finally delivered the ultimatum, "Dave, either get down to work or get out." So in 1899, at age 45, Buick sold the company for $100,000. He used his share to form the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company to manufacture gasoline engines.


Certificate: Capital Stock, unissued/uncanceled, 1800’s

Printer: Calvert Lith. Co., Detroit

Dimensions: 6 3/4” (h) x 10 3/4” (w)

State: MI-Michigan

Subject Matter: Plumbing and Fixtures | Dated 1800's | Unissued Pieces

Vignette Topic(s): Unique Theme

Condition: No fold lines or cancels, and some toning from age.