original early 20th century vintage industrial freestanding frantz garage and/or shop door hanger assembly. the large hardware store salesman sample and/or demonstration model was manufactured by the frantz mfg. co., sterling, il. the functional door hanger display with patented rollers and track remains largely intact. the frantz specialty manufacturing company was chartered in the state of illinois on september 16, 1909 with purpose listed as "a general manufacturing business for the purpose of manufacturing and selling various kinds of inventions and specialties constructed of metal, wood or other materials." the original incorporators were peter frantz, clarence lahman, john lahman, and william lahman. on january 12, 1911, the company re-organized and changed its name to the frantz manufacturing company. frantz was established in sterling, illinois which was once known as "the hardware capital of the world". it is cited by the sterling-rock falls historical society as one of four major manufacturing facilities that showed strong growth in the mid to late 20th century. other firms cited are northwestern steel and wire co., lawrence brothers, inc. and national manufacturing co. peter frantz was the company's inventor. an adjustable lighting product called the "lightning lamp adjuster" was patented and was among its first production products. the company soon expanded its line to hardware products ranging from hinges to barn door track and hangers to garage door hardware for the new automobiles that began to appear. by 1925, frantz garage door offerings included "swinging door", "folding door", "pivot door", and "around the corner door" hardware sets along with glide hangers many of which were patented. measures 58 x 43 inches.