It existed for only 5 years, being acquired by Wright Aeronautical, a much larger company better able to mass-produce Lawrance's radial engines.

[2] After the end of World War I, the Lawrance engineers worked with both the Army and the Navy in developing their L-1 into a nine-cylinder radial engine, which became the 200 hp Lawrance J-1.

It was the best American air-cooled engine at the time, and passed its 50-hour test in 1922.

[3] The United States Navy was very enthusiastic about air-cooled radials, but was concerned that Lawrance couldn't produce enough engines for its needs.

The Navy suggested to Wright that it purchase the Lawrance company and build the J-1 itself.