Gleichmann and Busse (Hamburg)
Theodor Georg Gleichmann and Thomas Busse opened the Globe Foundry at Grosser Grasbrook. In 1838 they built the first iron sea steam vessel constructed in Germany, named Willem I ; in 1844 the Grasbrook coking plant was built on site.[1]
1842 'THE CONFLAGRATION AT HAMBURG. .... "The calamity has been aggravated by the senseless brutality of our lower orders, who on Saturday took it into their heads that the English workmen of Gleichmann and Busse's manufactory (engineers) had laid a plot to burn the rest of the town. This created a regular hunt against all the English, and many a poor fellow has been most barbarously murdered, and some even said to be thrown into the flames. The mob had it all their own way until Sunday evening, when the burgher military had orders to search in every direction for English, and to take them, if necessary, by force to some place of safety. The bitter hatred to the English is not confined to the lower orders, and the envious outrageous spirit which many of the better classes really at all times feel against them, on this occasion blazed out in such deeds and language as, would have disgraced any uncivilized nation." ....'[2]
1842 '..... The Senate have addressed a letter to Mr. Lindley, Mr. Giles, and Mr. Thompson, the English engineers, thanking them for their invaluable services in rescuing the remains of their city from destruction. The attacks on the English are now said to have been much exaggerated ; though the place has been a prey to drunkenness and robberies. Mr. Lindley has been asked to furnish plans for rebuilding the city; and, as guide, he has sent to London for Wren's plan for rebuilding the British metropolis after the fire. ...'[3]
1842 Sale notice: 'VALUABLE INVESTMENT. Important to CAPITALISTS, ENGINEERS, IRONFOUNDERS, and MACHINE-MAKERS.
MACHINE MANUFACTORY on the CONTINENT.
TO BE SOLD, BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, the whole of the extensive and most advantageously situated MACHINE MANUFACTORY, FOUNDRY WORKS, and PREMISES, lately erected by Gleichmann and Busse, at Hamburgh, together with the Steam-engines, Gearing, Planing-machines, Lathes, Boring and Slotting engines, and all other Tools and Implements, Stock-in-trade, &c., belonging thereto.
Persons desirous of undertaking the Engineering, Steamboat-building , and Machine-making-business on the Continent, will find this a most fortunate and eligible opportunity. The premises may be entered upon with small cost in proportion to the magnitude of the works, the whole having been erected within the last 3½ years. The tools are nearly new, and have been selected with particular care, and at great expense, from the best makers in England. This establishment can certainly be recommended as one of the most convenient and best arranged for carrying on an extensive business in Europe.
For further particulars, and for terms, apply to Messrs. J. Berenberg, Gossler, and Co., or Messrs. C. M. Schroder and Co., at Hamburgh ; or Mr. Henry Ludolf, Leeds.' [4]