Bob M.

Thanks for the correction & additional info. Guess I wasn’t sure about whose perspective it was from. Bob

Thanks again!

Thanks! Bob.

Greetings, I have recently acquired an early hand carved and painted wooden automobile trade sign. I was hoping to learn more about it to supplement the research I have already done. This I my first time posting here. I hope you don't mind that I do so. I also apologize for any obvious gaffs and misstatements as my area of specialty is not the antique automobile. I ask you to freely correct me as indicated. I also wish the pix I am providing were a bit better but the object is now stored off the floor in my dehumidified basement with so much other stuff/collections making it difficult to get good lighting and angles. It depicts a full frontal view of an open car. It is carved from 3 solid white pine boards of about 3/4-1 inch thickness. The boards were butt joined together prior to carving and now, not unexpectedly, shows evidence of separation. It is 47 inches x 47 inches which gives it some real presence. To my eyes, it shows appropriate signs of age and out door use in terms of wear, discoloration, fading etc. It retains traces of blue paint. Also note the polychrome painted basket of fruit on the front seat: I guess they went shopping. A nice little touch, I think. The detail is rather incredible. Specific nuts and bolts are depicted! The license plate is carved with the initials "MM": The person from whom I acquired the sign indicated it was found in Massachusetts. Based upon my research, it would appear many American pre-1910 cars were left hand drive. I have read it was the 1908 model T that lead other makers to switch sides, so to speak? So, given the possibility it came out of MA, depicts a left hand drive car and the initials MM lead me to consider certain potential makers in MA and one in CT. By the way, the seller suggested it was a Metz (Waltham, MA). All examples of their cars I could find were right hand drive so I think not. One possibility I have come up with is the Morse made in Easton, MA. I found this frontal ad for the "Sportabout": Another consideration is the Matheson: They apparently produced cars in Holyoke, MA between 1903-1905. One CT possibility I will throw in is the Mercer. I also realize the sign may just depict a generic car? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!! Bob.