N.S. Meyer Inc. was a prominent manufacturer of military insignia, medals, and related accessories, based in New York. Founded in the early 20th century, it gained renown for its production of high-quality military decorations and regalia, including medals, ribbons, and badges. The business was so successful that it operated for almost a hundred years (until 2000, when it was acquired by Vanguard).
The company supplied these items to various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and other organizations. N.S. Meyer Inc. played a significant role in outfitting military personnel with distinctive and prestigious awards, contributing to the tradition and heritage of military service.
The History of N.S Meyer
The following information has been researched by 14to42.net, a wonderful resource that aims to catalog all the signage within the vicinity spanning from 14th Street to 42nd Street in New York City.
Simon Meyer appeared in the U.S. Census of 1880, residing at 922 7th St., NW, Washington, D.C. At that time, his son Nathan was ten years old and born in the District of Columbia. Twenty years later, in 1900, the Meyers were still living in Washington, where Nathan, now 30, was recorded. Simon’s occupation was listed as “Clothing Merchant“.
Tracking Simon N. Meyer through the city directories of Washington, D.C., during the 1880s and 1890s, it appears that the business transitioned from millinery goods to “gold and silver trimmings” early on.
By 1885, the business was categorized under “Regalia,” indicating that he was likely selling medals, insignia, and other military equipment by then. Although Nathan seemed to play an active role in the business, it was always known under Simon’s name, S. N. Meyer.
Nathan Meyer established his own business in New York under the name N. S. Meyer, located at 79 5th Ave. in 1906, initially listed as “Army and Navy Equipment” in the Manhattan telephone directory. N. S. Meyer operated in New York from 1906 to 2000. Letterhead from 1920 indicates their location at 103 5th Ave., where they remained for the last thirty years, from 1971 to 2000. According to The TMCA News, in 2000, they were acquired by Vanguard, another military goods supplier.
Examples of N.S Meyer Mark
The NS Meyer mark is often found on various military insignia, medals, and other uniform accessories produced by the company (and serves as a recognizable symbol of the quality and authenticity of their products).
The N.S Meyer mark design typically featured a shield design with “MEYER” running vertically and “NEW YORK” horizontally, forming a cross shape where they intersect at the letter “Y”. However, this mark underwent slight alterations in time, for example transitioning between being incised or raised.
Many medals and insignia also include the material used in the manufacture of the piece. You can see examples below.
