Allen B. Gellman (April 19, 1906 – September 13, 1967) was an American jewelry manufacturer and first sponsor of You Bet Your Life, the radio (and later TV) program hosted by Groucho Marx.
[1] Gellman and a partner, Joseph Weiss, owned and operated the Illinois Watch Case Company in Elgin, manufacturing compacts and cigarette lighters, and the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company in Batavia, making farm equipment.
May, chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee during World War II, facilitated the Garssons' enterprise.
[5][2] Gellman held patents for lighters, compacts, filler valves, and a container for personal items.
[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Gellman's inventiveness extended to his office desk, which he designed with hidden elevators and pivoting drawers, giving him fingertip control over everything inside.