BROWN MANUFACTURING COMPANY

John Hamilton Brown manufactured "Brown Standard" and Merrill bolt action rifles. He also made Ballard rifles and "Southerner" derringers. Alternate business name was Brown Standard Firearms Co. Brown was one of six manufacturers of Charles H. Ballard's patented firearms designs circa 1869-1873.
On Feb. 12, 1869, Brown Manufacturing Company was incorporated, and Ballard rifle production continued at the Merrimack plant in Newburyport.
During 1869, Charles Ballard ended his association with Brown and formed C.H. Ballard & Co., producing a small, single shot derringer.
On July 23, 1873, Brown Manufacturing Company went bankrupt. The company was heavily mortgaged and could not get out from under. Machinery from the factory in Newburyport went mostly to Remington. The factory was sold to the Towle Silverware Co., who still currently occupy the building.