George Simons had also become a business leader, establishing a reputation for technical innovation "first to use steam advantageously" and having machinery "of the first class and embodies all the latest improvements".(1)

In the 1860's, as Japan was opening to the West, we find a newspaper report of Japanese ambassadors visiting the United States. This entourage was greeted in Harve De Grace by a contingent from Philadelphia and address by George Simons welcoming them to "the first manufacturing, and one of the greatest commercial cities in our country". (2)

During the Civil War, Simons added officers and presentation Swords to their line. Many of the finest Presentation Swords were made by this firm. Swords with gold hilts set with gems and etched and engraved blades are prized holdings at the Pennsylvania Historical Society in Philadelphia and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

At the Internationl Exhibition in 1876, the Centennial Commission issued a metal and Certificate of Award to Simons, Opdyke & Co. for Gold and Silver work. (3)

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