I am looking for information concerning James H. Bullard and the steam cars he built for the Overman Automobile Company circa 1899-03 when this Chicopee, MA concern sold out to Locomobile. I have located one car but one other is known to exist. Bullard also went on to patent several speedometers and speed recorders built under his name circa 1906-10? I would like to see an actual instrument and any details on it. Bullard lived in Springfield, MA and died in 1914. Also after the selling of the Overman Company, A.H. Overman founded the Overman Tire Company of which I have very little information. They made solid tires mostly for trucks and everything (molds) went to Bandag Weir in 1995. This information is needed for ongoing research on James H. Bullard 1842-1914 and will be used in any revisions to the second edition of my book due out in mid 2002 as BULLARD FIREARMS. The first edition BULLARD ARMS was published in 1988. The new book will contain one complete chapter on Bullard's pioneering automotive work started in 1885!! Thank you.<P>G. Scott Jamieson <BR>PS: One of his few inventions to carry his name was his fine sporting rifles built from 1883-91 hence the name and thrust of my books.

[ronbarn]

Check the Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Their article on Overman is short and has some different details. The company was the Overman Wheel Company. Harry Knox built three cars for Overman between 1895 and 1898. However, in 1899 Overman decided to start production with a steam engine. Knox left to build his own gas cars (until 1915). The Overman car was produced under the name Victor. A photo of the 1898 Overmann is shown and a 1900 and 1902 Victor Steamer is included in the Victor article with more details in the article.<P>Also check with the AACA Library and Research Center. Follow the trail on the home page of this web site for request information.

[1937hd45]

Interesting, another early gun maker/ automobile conection. Maxin and Stevens were also in Massachusetts. You will have to search "The Horseless Age" magazine for some related information.

[1937hd45]

Is there a connection with Bullard Machine, in Bridgeport Conn.? In the mid 1930's they built the Dymaxion, designed by Buckminster Fuller.

To member #5590.<P>There is no connection between the BULLARD Company of Bridgeport, the famous machine tool builder (best known for their turret lathes I believe) and the Bullard Repeating Arms Company of Springfield, MA. James H. Bullard himself in later years tried to write a family geneaology and I have a copy of his letter to the Bullard Machine Tool Comapny in which Mr. Bullard referes James to his brother as he felt he might know of any family connections. James received no answer from the brother according to his file notes. If there is a connection it would date back to the 1600's in my opinion. The Bullard Machine Tool Company is very worthy of research for it played it's part in the automotive industry too.<BR>All the best for a very Happy New Year to you and yours.<P>Best regards<P>Scott

Hello Ron,<P>Thank you for the information in response to my query on the above. I have checked out the sources you cite and they are included in my chapter on the cars. It's really amazing how all those people like Knox, Bullard and Overman were tied in. Knox actually went to school in what had been the Bullard Repeating Arms Company building. Please keep me in mind on any information you come across concerning the above. Happy New Year to you and your family.<P>Best regards,<P>Scott

[1913Moline]

Scott,<BR>I have the Horseless Age indexes set up for electronic search- Bullard Gear Bracket for Speedometer Shaft is in Horseless Age, November 13, 1907 issue page 732. (I also have all the magazines to go with the index)<P>Victor Steam is also written up in the 1953 John Bentley Oldtime Steam Cars. Not much more than the Kimes book, but maybe something there for you.<P>Good Luck

To Kisselman,<P>Thank you for the information regarding the 1907 Bullard patent for an Adjustable Shaft-Support. I have a copy of the patent itself # 845513 dated Feb. 26, 1907 but I don't have the Horseless Age article. Would it be possible to receive that via e-mail or posted to me at 223 Christie Street, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada, N0B 2K0? <P>The other two fine references you cite I have and have included material from them into the chapter on the Bullard designed Overman 'Victor' steam cars. Thank you for your response to my many esoteric questions on this obscure company-with time we will add to the story.<P>Best regards<P>Scott

Scott,<BR>Here are the entries on the Overman and Victor from the Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile:<P>OVERMAN (1895-98)<BR>Overman Wheel Co, Chicopee Falls, MA<P>The Overman Wheel Co was a manufacturer of bicycles sold under the name Victor. To get into the car business AH Overman hired Harry A Knox who produced several designs for him, including one in 1895 which had three small 2hp air-cooled engines. Others followed at the rate of about one per year, but in 1898 Overman decided to make a steam car. This did suit Knox, who left to make petrol cars of his own at Springfield, MA. In 1899 Overman launched his steamer under the name Victor.<P>VICTOR (1899-1903)<BR>1899-1900 Overman Wheel Co, Chicopee Falls, MA<BR>1901-03 Overman Automobile Co, Chicopee Falls, MA<P>The Overman Wheel Co madce three experimental petrol-engined cars between 1895 and 1898, but AH Overman decided to start manufacture he chose a steam car which he called the Victor, after the bicycles that he made. It was typical of its kind, with a 4hp vertical 2-cylinder engine and single-chain drive. In 1900 the Victor bicycle business was sold to the Stevens Arms & Tool Co, and for a few months Overman leased the top floor of the building for the assembly of Victor cars. In January 1901 a new company was formed which took over space in another factory and Chicopee Falls, where the steamers continued to be built. His vacated premises were used by J Frank Duryea for the manfacture of the Stevens-Duryea. About 50 Victor steamers had been made by November 1901, and they continued to be made with little change of design until early 1903. Meanwhile, Overman had been joined by AL Riker who designed the first petrol-powered Locomobile at Chicopee Falls, although it was put into production at Bridgeport, CT. Overman merged his cmpany with Locomobile.