Hall's Safe & Lock Co. The Hall’s Safe & Lock Company was an American manufacturer of locks, safes, and bank vaults throughout the second half of the 19th century. Incorporated by Joseph L. Hall in 1867, the Hall’s Safe & Lock Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio quickly grew to become the largest safe and vault manufacturer in the world. By 1892 it was responsible for “one-half the entire output of fire proof and burglar proof safes and vaults in the United States” and had offices throughout the United States and much of the rest of the world. Joseph L. Hall cycled through a number of business partners and company names in the earliest years prior to incorporating and establishing Hall’s Safe & Lock Co.  "E. & J. L. Hall (1846–1850), E. Hall & Co. (1850–1851)" : Joseph L. Hall first began in business with his father Edward H. Hall in a small and largely inconsequential way in Pittsburgh, PA in 1846 before moving the business to Cincinnati in 1848. "Hall & Dodds (1852–1854), Hall, Dodds, & Co (1854–1856)": William B. Dodds bought Edward Hall’s interest and partnered with Joseph L. Hall in 1851 to form the firm Hall & Dodds. They employed 15 people and produced two safes per week. "Hall & Carroll (1856–1858), Hall, Carroll, & Co. (1858–1862):" William Carroll and Charles Carroll partnered with Joseph L. Hall under the name Hall, Carroll & Co. Around 1862 the factory was moved to the southwest corner of Pearl and Plum streets in Cincinnati, Ohio where it would remain and grow. "Joseph L. Hall & Co. (1862–1867):" During the American Civil War demand for safes waned. As always, Joseph L. Hall adapted to the times and took a government contract to alter and rifle five thousand Austrian muskets. Having no machinery or experience he managed to deliver in the requisite thirty days. This success would lead to other government contracts during those years. "Hall's Safe & Lock Co. 1867–1892:" In 1867, Joseph L. Hall incorporated the Hall’s Safe & Lock Co. and become its President and Treasurer, O.Y. Cone became Vice President, and J.B. Marling became Secretary.