National Stamping & Electric Works
A Chicago manufacturer of kerosene lamps, irons, electrical appliances, and household electrical products that operated from 1897 until its absorption into Eureka-Williams Corporation.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
National Stamping & Electric Works was a Chicago-based American manufacturer established in 1897 by Frank Kohlhase. The business initially operated as The National Stamping Works and later produced a mix of household and electrical goods, including kerosene lamps, irons, and electrical appliances. Its name was expanded to National Stamping & Electric Works in 1903, reflecting the company’s broader electrical manufacturing activities. The company’s history also included the development and continuation of branded household electrical products. In 1921, National Stamping & Electric Works acquired Lindstrom, Smith & Company, a Chicago electrical-appliance manufacturer that had used the White Cross brand since at least 1907. National Stamping continued using White Cross for household electrical products into the 1950s. White Cross products included early electric vibrators marketed primarily as medical devices and supplied with interchangeable applicators for different claimed uses. National Stamping expanded its physical operations in the early twentieth century. In 1922, it constructed a new headquarters as part of the company’s growth. The business was acquired by Eureka-Williams Corporation in 1948 and was absorbed into that company in 1951. As a result, National Stamping & Electric Works no longer exists as an independent operating company. Its historical significance lies in its position within Chicago’s early electrical-appliance industry and in the survival of the White Cross name across the transition from specialist electrical manufacturing to larger corporate ownership.
History
National Stamping & Electric Works originated in Chicago in 1897, when Frank Kohlhase founded a business called The National Stamping Works. The company manufactured products for domestic use, including kerosene lamps and irons, and later developed a broader electrical-appliance business. In 1903, the word “Electric” was added to the company name, marking the importance of electrical products to its identity and commercial activities. The company’s development took place during the expansion of household electrical manufacturing in the United States. Its product range included electrical appliances as well as traditional household goods associated with lighting and domestic work. National Stamping’s history was also connected to Lindstrom, Smith & Company, a Chicago manufacturer that advertised household electrical products under the White Cross name beginning in 1907. White Cross became associated with a range of early electrical devices, including electric vibrators promoted principally for medical purposes and sold with applicators intended for different uses. National Stamping & Electric Works acquired Lindstrom, Smith & Company in 1921 and retained the White Cross brand. This transaction expanded the company’s branded electrical-product portfolio and linked National Stamping to one of the earlier consumer-facing electrical brands in the United States. The White Cross name remained in use under National Stamping into the 1950s. In 1922, National Stamping expanded its facilities and built a new headquarters. The available historical account does not provide detailed information about the building’s architecture, workforce, distribution network, or annual production, but the construction indicates that the company maintained a substantial operating presence during the period. Its activities remained centered on household and electrical products rather than on a single narrowly defined product category. Eureka-Williams Corporation acquired National Stamping & Electric Works in 1948. Three years later, in 1951, National Stamping was absorbed into Eureka-Williams and ceased to exist as an independent company. The White Cross brand continued to be used into the 1950s, although the available source does not establish the precise date on which the brand was discontinued. National Stamping & Electric Works is therefore best understood as a historical Chicago manufacturer whose legacy includes early household electrical appliances and the White Cross line.
- 1951
Absorbed into Eureka-Williams
[1]National Stamping & Electric Works was absorbed into its parent company and ceased independent operations.
- 1948
Acquired by Eureka-Williams Corporation
[1]Eureka-Williams Corporation purchased National Stamping & Electric Works.
- 1922
New headquarters constructed
[1]The company expanded and built a new headquarters.
- 1921
Acquisition of Lindstrom, Smith & Company
[1]National Stamping acquired Lindstrom, Smith & Company and continued the White Cross brand.
- 1907
White Cross products begin being advertised
[1]Lindstrom, Smith & Company began advertising household electrical products under the White Cross name.
- 1903
Name expanded to National Stamping & Electric Works
[1]The company added “Electric” to its name as electrical manufacturing became a central part of its business.
- 1897
Company founded in Chicago
[1]Frank Kohlhase founded The National Stamping Works in Chicago.
Products and positioning
A Chicago manufacturer serving the household lighting, appliance, and early electrical-products market.
Lighting equipment
Kerosene lamps
Kerosene lamps were among the company’s original household products. They represent the pre-electric and transitional domestic-lighting market served by National Stamping before and alongside its expansion into electrical goods.
Household appliances
Irons
National Stamping manufactured irons as part of its household-goods portfolio. The available source identifies irons as a product category but does not specify particular models, technical features, or production dates.
Electrical appliances · 1903
Household electrical appliances
Electrical appliances formed an important part of National Stamping & Electric Works’ business after the company adopted its expanded name in 1903. Specific product models and distribution details are not established in the available reference material.
Household electrical products · 1907
White Cross electrical products
White Cross was a household electrical-product brand originating with Lindstrom, Smith & Company. After National Stamping acquired that company in 1921, it continued using White Cross through the 1950s. The line included early electrical devices and retained a distinct consumer brand identity within National Stamping’s portfolio.
Personal electrical device
White Cross electric vibrators
White Cross electric vibrators were among the earliest products of their type associated with the brand. They were advertised mainly as medical devices and sold with applicators intended for multiple purposes. The available reference does not establish detailed specifications or the complete period of manufacture.
Brand decisions
1948
Sale to Eureka-Williams CorporationM&ABackground
National Stamping & Electric Works had operated as a Chicago manufacturer of household and electrical products for decades.
Action taken
Eureka-Williams Corporation acquired the company.
Aftermath
National Stamping was absorbed into Eureka-Williams in 1951 and no longer operated as an independent company.
1921
Acquiring Lindstrom, Smith & CompanyM&ABackground
Lindstrom, Smith & Company was a Chicago electrical-appliance manufacturer associated with the White Cross brand.
Action taken
National Stamping & Electric Works acquired Lindstrom, Smith & Company.
Aftermath
National Stamping continued using the White Cross brand for household electrical products into the 1950s.
1903
Emphasizing electrical manufacturing in the company nameStrategyBackground
The business had begun as The National Stamping Works but manufactured electrical products in addition to its earlier household and lighting goods.
Action taken
The company added “Electric” to its corporate name, becoming National Stamping & Electric Works.
Aftermath
The revised name reflected the company’s expanded electrical-appliance activities.
Sources1 sources
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