Charles Burdick initially set up the Fountain Brush Co. in Clerkenwell Green, London. He soon changed the name to the Aerograph Company which would eventually merge with his friend Allan DeVilbiss to become DeVilbiss Aerograph. He continued to invent new things such as coin counters, printing machines, tobacco sprayers, bank note folders and even an automated airbrush system.

His 20th Century model was launched around 1898 and has changed remarkably little over the years.