I just checked and the average weekly salary for a skilled worker was $29 in 1920. This is the principal reason why hand work such as engraving or stock fininshing done at that time appears to be such a bargian now. Another reason is a manufacturing facility such as Parker or L C Smith wasn't encumbered with overhead like we have today. When I owned and operated my own business I figuered I spent on average one day out of the week working for the government(s). With the amount of reporting,tax collecting etc. at the Federal, State and local level it took up an easy 20% of my time. This overhead has to be passed on to customers which further inflates cost.
I don't know the process used then but generally when lacquer is applied today it's sprayed on which is very efficient and cost effective
Jim
Last edited by italiansxs; 07/15/12 12:11 PM.
