Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Albert S. Samuels collection
- Dates:
- 1904-1975
- Creators:
- Samuels, Albert S., 1882-1973.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 6 document cases, 4 flat boxes
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Albert S. Samuels collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The bulk of the collection is scrapbooks (similar to those produced by a press clipping service) which include dated newspaper and other advertising published in San Francisco and East Bay newspapers and periodicals 1916-1974. Letters, photographs, or pieces of ephemera are occasionally included. The earliest material in the collection is Samuels' 1904 certificate as a State-registered optometrist, and latest material a news clipping. Some clipping scrapbooks were formerly used as account books, and two volumes include accounts 1911-1913. A volume of correspondence from customers "Bouquets" 1925-1933, as well as letters and cards Samuels received for his 90th birthday in 1972 are included. The collection includes Samuels' small library and a photographic jewelry catalogue, as well as artifacts and a jewelers' case of badges, two folders of photographs, and a few items collected by his son and successor, Albert Samuels Jr.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Albert Samuels was born in Austria in 1882 and came to the United States with his Jewish family, landing in San Francisco in 1891. He worked as a watchmaker with Albert Kuhlmann beginning in 1900, was certified a Registered Optometrist by the State of California in 1904, and opened Albert S. Samuels Company jewelry store in 1907. His store, originally located at 895 Market Street, was advertised as "The House of Lucky Wedding Rings." Samuels was a Mason, a Shriner, a vice-president of the South of Market Boys and member of the Concordia-Argonaut Club. February 1, 1915 he unveiled his Market Street clock for the opening of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Samuels hired Dashiell Hammett to write advertising copy for him March through October of 1926. In 1957 Samuels invented a Diascope-Diagraph device to identify diamond flaws using magnification. Albert Samuels Jr. took over the business following his father's death in 1973, and the company was sold eighteen months later.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Albert Samuels, 1975.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1904-1975
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
- Terms of access:
-
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
- Preferred citation:
-
Albert S. Samuels collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center
- Location of this collection:
-
San Francisco Public Library100 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102, US
- Contact:
- (415) 557-4567