Clifford's equipment to manufacture barbed wire had come from George C. Baker, who had invented a machine for producing barbed wire which was similar but not identical to the one made by Isaac Ellwood. Baker had resisted all attempts by Ellwood and Washburn-Moen to buy him out.
Clifford's equipment for manufacturing barbed wire originated from George C. Baker, who had invented a machine for producing barbed wire that was similar but not identical to the one made by Isaac Ellwood. Despite efforts by Ellwood and Washburn-Moen to purchase Baker, he refused to sell his invention.