Brashear (John A.) Company Limited was an astronomical instrument making firm, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania founded by Dr John Alfred Brashear (1840-1920). John A. Brashear became one of the most successful producers of telescopes and precision scientific instruments in the world. With financial help from a Mr Thaw, he gave up work as a millwright in a steel mill to set up his business. He built the factory next to his home and the company continued to manufacture instruments after his death in 1920. The company was taken over by J.W. Fecker Company in 1926.