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American bicycle component manufacturer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Indianapolis Chain and Stamping Company also known as Diamond is a company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. At one time they supplied bicycle chains for the majority of bicycles produced in the United States.
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![]() Diamond Chain Company in 2022 | |
Industry | Manufacturing |
---|---|
Founded | 1890Chicago, U.S. | in
Founder | Arthur C. Newby |
Successor | Diamond Chain |
Headquarters | |
Products | Bicycle chains |
Website | Diamond |
The company was started in 1890 by Arthur C. Newby and partners Edward C. Fletcher and Glenn Howe. The company grew to provide bicycle chains on 60% of all bicycles sold in the United States. The chains were produced under the name Diamond.[1]
The company began with four machines and four workers. The only product of the company was chains to for bicycle wheel sprockets.[2] The company experienced growth and began to construct a new building in 1895. The new factory was completed in November 1895.[3] The factory was located where the Hoosier Dome formerly sat in Indianapolis.[2]
In 1896 Henry Ford purchased ten feet of chain from the company. Experts believe Ford used the chain on his first Quadricycle.[4]
In 1899 The company was sold to a bicycle trust under the name American Bicycle Company which was run by Albert Pope.[5]
The Wilbur and Orville Wright operated a bicycle store in Ohio, and they became agents for the company.[2] In 1903 the Wright Brothers had the company design special chains which they used to make their historic first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk.[6]
In 1905 the company was then sold to Lucius Wainwright who had been managing the business. The company was renamed Diamond Chain & Manufacturing Company. Automobiles were becoming popular and the company expanded to make chains for automobiles.[6]
The company still exists under the name Diamond. The company has diversified and they now produce chains for a variety of industries.[7]
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