Allen B. Gellman (April 19, 1906 – September 13, 1967) was an American jewelry manufacturer and first sponsor of ''

You Bet Your Life ''You Bet Your Life'' is an American comedy quiz series that has aired on both radioGroucho Marx Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (; October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in films and vaudeville on television, radio, and the stage. He is considered one of America's greatest comed ...

. Gellman was elected to the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans in 1956.

Early years and career

Allen Gellman was born as Adalbert Béla Gellman. He emigrated from Hungary to the United States in 1930, aged 24 and became a naturalized citizen on January 11, 1939. He worked as a machinist, attended night school, and began manufacturing costume jewelry. Gellman and a partner, Joseph Weiss, owned and operated the Illinois Watch Case Company in

Elgin Elgin may refer to: Places Canada * Elgin County, Ontario * Elgin Settlement, a 19th-century community for freed slaves located in present-day North Buxton and South Buxton, Ontario * Elgin, a village in Rideau Lakes, Ontario * Elgin, Manit ...

, manufacturing compacts and cigarette lighters, and the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company in Batavia, making farm equipment. In 1941, with the government restricting commercial production in order to allocate material and manpower to war production, Gellman and Weiss needed a government contract. Gellman met Henry Garsson in Washington outside a congressman's office. When Garsson described his requirements for the manufacture of shells, Gellman agreed to provide the means to fill them."When War Profiteering Hit Batavia. The Garsson–May Connection". ''The Batavia Historian''. Batavia Historical Society. Batavia, Illinois. Vol. 38 No. 1. January 1997 Garsson and his older brother, Murray Garsson, had started a munitions contracting business in 1941. A Kentucky congressman, Andrew J. May, chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee during World War II, facilitated the Garssons' enterprise. After the war, a Senate investigating committee reviewing the Garsson's munitions business discovered evidence that May had received substantial cash payments and other inducements from the Garssons.

Inventor

Gellman held patents for lighters, compacts, filler valves, and a container for personal items. Gellman's inventiveness extended to his office desk, which he designed with hidden elevators and pivoting drawers, giving him fingertip control over everything inside.

Groucho Marx

Gellman, president of the Elgin American Company, maker of watch cases, cigarette lighters, and compacts, was the first sponsor of ''

's radio program, on ABC Radio and CBS Radio from October 1947 to January 1950. This company is unrelated to the

Elgin National Watch Company The Elgin National Watch Company, commonly known as Elgin Watch Company, was a major US watch maker from 1864 to 1968. The company sold watches under the names Elgin, Lord Elgin, and Lady Elgin. For nearly 100 years, the company's manufacturing ...

Later life and death

Gellman was elected to the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, 1956.1956 Horatio Alger Award Winner
/ref> He died from cardiovascular disease, aged 61.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gellman, Allen 1906 births 1967 deaths 20th-century American jewellers Hungarian emigrants to the United States Place of birth missing 20th-century American inventors