Seeking Info on A. P. Perkins

[wizardofhaas1024]

Hello!

I'm a historian from the United States. I'm currently compiling a history of early record keeping practices in the 20th century. A crucial part of that story happened in Birmingham... but that's about all I've been able to work out. I'm hoping someone here can help me!

In 1921 Alfred P Perkins, who worked at Dunlop Rubber, took out this patent: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=pn=GB203734A

It's for an automatic indexing card. What I've read is that he wanted to use these cards for managing production at one of Dunlop's factories. Dunlop couldn't produce the cards themselves, so they contracted out to another company in Gloucestershire for mass production. I can find plenty of information on that side, but nothing from the Dunlop side.

So, I implore you, do you know anything about Perkins? Any crumb could help in my search.

Thanks!
Sean Haas

edit: changed the link to point to the correct patent

 

[Pedrocut]

The link shows inventor as William B Hargrave ? I cannot find a patent in 1921 in the London Gazette.

Alfred was a Works Accountant at Dunlop, and his widow died in March 1960, living at 264 Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield.

 

[Astoness]

hi sean..not quite sure what sort of info you want about alfred but ive found him on the 1921 with his wife may as visitors to someone living in devon..he is down as aged 44 years 10 months born in coventry in 1877 and his occupation says departmental manager at dunlops rubber company

on the 1939 eve of war register he is living with his wife may at 254 penns lane sutton coldfield occupation is down as retired works accountant..hope this is of some help..

lyn

 

[wizardofhaas1024]

Shoot! I linked to the wrong patent. Here's the correct one: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=pn=GB203734A

 

[brummy-lad]

Info as given by Lyn in post #3. I think it says Ilfracombe in the address

 

[brummy-lad]

He died in 1950.

 

[Morturn]

I vaguely recall those card indexing system they were used in doctors’ surgery’s to fine say all of the patents who were due a blood pressure checks etc. A mechanical database not of course supersede by the computer database.