S H U R E
Shure Manufacturing - St. Louis, Missouri
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Shure Manufacturing - Model # 9100, 9150 & 9200 - 9250 (9201 & 9251)
Shure’s most common Merchandiser was this stylish workbench. The Shure Company still manufactures mechanic workbenches today. ShureUSA
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Natkin & CO / Bear Alignment
Natkin was the original fabrication company of these style benches. Some were used by companies like Bear. Please scroll down for a section that outlines some of that history.
Shure 1946 - 19??
Shure Merchandisers have clean streamlined characteristics and long handles. Supposedly designed by the renowned Raymond Loewy. Four types of models existed; Two full work station models, one was shorter than the other and two stand-alone benches. Very few benches were built with a pull-down door, but unlike every other company Shure offered three different middle bench widths; 54”, 60”, or 72”. Standard measurements were 106 inches wide, by 26.5” deep, by 66 inches tall counting marquee signage.
Some center bench cabinets have sliding doors rather than hinged, swinging ones. These are indicated by a model # that ends in 50.
— Shure Variations —
There were three different styles of handles on the Shure’s, in this manufacturing order.
The below Shure Models 9100 & 9205 difference from the rest was their height. Lower than most benches as they were designed to fit under windows or cabinets.
Was this style Merchandiser built all the way up until the 1970’s? It appears so, as this below catalog is dated 1971.
A custom factory built, Shure Manufacturing, ten cabinet merchandiser
Natkin and Bear Work Stations
It appears that Natkin & Co. worked together with Shure to produce Merchandisers up close to 1952. We are unsure how many Natkin badged benches were built; but have seen Models 9150, 9200 & 9320. Some of these Natkin and Shure units were sold by Bear as well. The Natkin, Bear and Shure units are built identical in every way, except badges. Also In 1947, Natkin/Shure built and delivered 226 Merchandisers to ARO, but we have only seen one of these benches.
