Founded in 1898 in New York City by Bertha Shackman (1849-1925), the company has been a leading producer and wholesaler of toy, card and novelty items for more than a century. Shackman first had offices on Broadway, and subsequently moved to Madison Ave and then to 85 Fifth Ave (1971-1998).

Bertha was married to David Shackman, who had emigrated from Prussia and settled in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The couple had six children; at least three of whim – Alfred, Edgar and Emil - would work for B. Shackman & Co. David died in 1898, and Bertha appears to have continued the family importing and fancy goods business, located at 39 W. 4th St., with which her name is associated in 1889. In 1900 B. Shackman & Co. was located at 50 E. 10th St. From 1913 to 1933 the company showroom was located at 906-908 Broadway. Bertha's great grandson, Dan Shackman Jacoby, took over the business in 1935. He sold the company to his employees in 1985.

A 1923 catalogue in the Plastics Collection at Syracuse University claims the company is "the largest favor and novelty house in the world." with over "10,000 novelties to sell for all year round." the company offred novelty items in a wide variety of materials, including celluloid. The 1923 catalog offers a large number of "Celluloid Easter Novelties," and also "Celluloid St. Patrick Dolls." B. Shackman purchased from a wifde variety of suppliers, and supplied department stores and other retail outlets.

See:

http://www.14to42.net/16streete001.html

B. Shackman & Co. website