Our Heritage
Outfitting the World's Finest Vessels Since 1888
For over a century, E.J. Willis Co. has stood at the crossroads of maritime tradition and American craftsmanship. From our early days supplying boat hardware at 91 Chambers Street in New York City, to casting custom ship's bells for the U.S. Navy, our story is one of unwavering dedication to the sea and the people who sail it.
In the final years of the 19th century, New York City's waterfront was the commercial heart of American maritime trade. It was here, amid the chandleries and sail lofts of lower Manhattan, that E.J. Willis Co. took root.
A Company Is Founded
E.J. Willis Co. opens its doors as a marine hardware supplier, establishing itself at 91 Chambers Street in New York City — at the epicenter of America's maritime commerce.
As the new century dawned, Willis expanded from general marine hardware into specialized manufacturing across marine, automotive and aeronautics. The company's catalogs became indispensable references for navigators and innovators along the Eastern Seaboard.
The First Catalogs
E.J. Willis publishes its early "Boat Supplies" and "Marine Supplies" catalogs, establishing the company as a comprehensive outfitter for the maritime trade. These catalogs would become collector's items in their own right.
Engineering Excellence
Original technical drawings reveal the precision behind every Willis product. Each component was meticulously engineered — from bell clappers to mounting brackets — with specifications hand-drawn by master draftsmen.
Expanding the Line
Through the roaring twenties, Willis Co. broadened its catalog offerings to serve an increasingly diverse maritime clientele — from commercial fishing fleets to private yacht owners along the Atlantic coast.
Boat Supplies at 91 Chambers
The iconic 1936 "Boat Supplies" catalog showcases the breadth of Willis's offerings from their Chambers Street headquarters — everything a vessel needed, from deck hardware to navigational instruments.
Original blueprints and documents from the E.J. Willis Co. archives
World War II transformed American industry, and E.J. Willis answered the call. The company became a critical supplier of maritime equipment to the United States Navy.
Serving the Navy
During World War II, E.J. Willis Co. pivoted to support the war effort, supplying bells and marine hardware to U.S. Navy vessels. This partnership established Willis as a trusted name in military maritime outfitting.
In the Press
E.J. Willis Co. earned recognition in The New York Times and other leading publications, testament to the company's growing reputation as America's premier supplier of ship's bells and marine hardware.
The Bell-Making Tradition
As the decades progressed, E.J. Willis became synonymous with one product above all: the ship's bell. Mastering the art of casting, polishing, and engraving, Willis bells became the standard aboard military and civilian vessels alike.
USS Carney — A Proud Legacy
E.J. Willis bells have adorned some of the most distinguished vessels in the U.S. Navy fleet, including the USS Carney (DDG-64), carrying forward a tradition of service and craftsmanship at sea.
Bells awaiting final inspection in the E.J. Willis workshop
More than 135 years since our founding, E.J. Willis Co. continues the work that matters — casting, finishing, and engraving ship's bells by hand, one at a time, for navies, yacht clubs, and mariners around the world.
Handcrafted, Not Manufactured
Every Willis bell passes through dozens of hands. From the initial pour of molten brass to the final polish, our craftspeople maintain the same exacting standards that defined the company over a century ago.
The Art of the Pour
In the foundry, molten brass is cast into forms perfected over generations. The glow of the pour is as much a part of Willis heritage as the finished bell itself — a living link to centuries of metalworking tradition.
Bells for Every Occasion
From commissioning ceremonies to yacht club traditions, each bell is cast, tuned, and finished to the specifications of its future home — carrying forward the Willis name wherever the sea calls.
Ready for the Fleet
Rows of finished bells stand ready for inspection and delivery — each one carrying the weight of tradition and the promise of years of faithful service aboard ships around the world.
Standing the Test of Time
Willis bells grace the decks of naval vessels, the mantels of admirals, and the courtyards of maritime institutions — enduring symbols of American craftsmanship and maritime heritage.
The Tradition Continues
Every bell we cast carries over a century of maritime heritage. Whether you're commissioning a bell for a new vessel or restoring a piece of naval history, E.J. Willis Co. stands ready to serve.
Explore Our Collection