Terry Bond

Never mind - the OP hasn't even looked at the forum since he joined and posted. Another fly-by poster! Sure makes you want to jump up and help someone doesn't it? Terry

I gave it up. Lost interest a while ago. Terry

Love my pins, buttons, fobs and other small stuff that can be stored in flat trays and easily viewed. More later on those, but had to share this wonderful piece that arrived just today from Belgium. It's been a lengthy journey! This was first spotted for sale from a Belgian antique dealer via the internet. Correspondence ensued, and an agreement to purchase was made. Several days later, I got an email that simply said he has misplaced the item but would keep searching. A month later, another email. Still no joy in finding it. Seems there were several possible locations - vacation home, shop, current residence, or ? He was confident it would turn up and he was certain it was not sold to anyone else or shipped to someone in error. My money was cheerfully refunded after receiving the dealers promise that when it turned up, it was mine. During nearly a year following this, I'd forgotten all about it - until I received an email about a month ago. He had found it, and true to his promise, I was able to re-purchase it. As an active antique dealer, selling a lot of real antiques world-wide, trust was not an issue. He promptly shipped it with a tracking number. I'm never sure how valid those numbers are and if they are compatible with the US Post Office tracking system once leaving the country of origin. Results seem to vary widely for the many items I've purchased from Europe. I was able to keep track of it and saw it bounce around to several different locations, sometimes back and forth between two - both an easy drive from home. I was getting worried, but today, it was finally delivered safely. It was worth the wait! This is a wonderful folding travel mirror. It opens like a little booklet and has the mirror inside. It's made so it will fold flat or stand up so the mirror could sit on a dressing table. the front is a fabulous embossed celluloid image of a lady in an early automobile. It was made in Germany. I'd estimate it to be from the early 1900s.

They were a classy couple who enjoyed the hobby to their fullest. It was an honor and privilege to know them. RIP dear friends. Terry

Fantastic graphics. I've seen this image, or at least one similar, on oil cans. Terry

One of the most popular accessories was the Boyce Motometer. Here are a few that I have displayed in my old auto parts store museum.

Easy - fits certain models made between 1935 and 2021. Could be slightly earlier, or maybe even later. I think we can get a bit more specific IF YOU INCLUDE SOME PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEASUREMENTS!

Getting in the Christmas spirit a bit here. Looking through my collection of antique automobile related Christmas cards, there are a number featuring Santa behind the wheel. Thought you'd enjoy.

When I first saw the topic I thought is was going to be about fuel additives and passed it over. My opinion on additives-everybody has an opinion. Your results may vary. Terry

I've collected accessories a long time but concentrated on the pre-war era, as early as possible. Everything is displayed in my recreated circa 1920s auto parts store. Terry

This one was supplied originally with the single cylinder Orient. The plug its a "spittin-image" of the early De Dion Bouton plugs from France.

There are a couple of other videos out there about the War-time scrap drives that show classic cars being turned in, stripped and junked. I can't seem to find them at the moment, but links to other similar tales of woe would be interesting to watch. Terry

Your car and the story are great Steve. Terry

Good friends not seen since last year. All smiles from me and long time forum member Bob Swanson at my booth. Terry

Lots of ways to collect spark plugs. Many collectors are looking for different names. Others are after an example of every Champion made. Among the various sub-specialties that interest me are plugs branded for specific automobiles. Some were supplied as original equipment and others were supplied after-market with car names marked on them. That of course led to countless law-suits by automobile manufacturers over unauthorized production and sales of parts with their brand names on them. Here is recent acquisition that I've wanted for a long time - supplied original equipment to the Haynes automobile. I suspect the plug was produced for Haynes by the Rajah company circa 1910-14 era. Perhaps there is a Haynes expert out there who can confirm that based on the thread size, with is 1/2" tapered pipe thread. This one is beautifully nickle plated and the Haynes script nicely stamped into the steel body. It shows only a little indication of ever being used.

Got mine today. Another WOW - first read done, will go through it again before bed-time (and maybe even later). What a great publication! Getting the details and stories behind some of the great cars seen on the showfield is always a thrill. Superb coverage-and all original stuff. Once again, Walt has done a great job too. Keep up the great work. Last minute Christmas idea, giving a subscription would be a super gift for any old car enthusiast. Terry

Brake fluid is the best paint stripper you can buy today. That's one of the reasons we changed to Dot 5 for our MGs. Terry

Not a 4 dr but this is a good example.

Available for what???

Small things fit nicely into showcases in the house. This new addition will have a special place among my other match safes. These are of course also known as "Vestas." This is one of several different types of small cases designed to hold matches, to light your cigar, or perhaps your gas headlamps. There is a small area on the base that is serrated to strike matches on. This silver plated brass vesta has a hand-done early motoring image. A man and woman are out in their runabout for an afternoon drive. It is beautifully enamelled. I's not just painted on - the enameling is done on an area that has been specially engraved so the surface is even once the enameling has been fired. It's a real work of art. Most likely it was done in Europe - France, Germany, maybe even the UK. I've not yet discovered a hallmark that might give a clue on origin or date, but certainly it is early 1900s. I acquired it recently from another collector. Terry

I seem to have more birds than most anything else in my small collection, including a couple of nice Oakland mascots and this great Eagle holding a flag. Terry

Susan and I plan to be there! Terry

I don't believe there is any other item related to old cars that has been continuously produced since the early 1900s as the simple calendar. Even back in the earliest days of the automobile, a calendar with an automobile pictured on it was a great way to introduce the new year and the newest invention. Over the years the latest models havebeen introducedon them. Advertising has often featured automobiles. Even today, the wave of nostalgia sweeping the country keeps the market for old car related calendars alive and well. I know a lot of you collect calendars. Some even cut the car pictures off and save them in binders, or frame them and hang on the garage walls. My tastes however gravitate to the earliest. I've got an assortment of complete calendars in all sizes from postcard to gigantic wall-sized. Also among my calendar related collections are what I call "toppers." These wonderful die-cut, embossed automobile images had smaller calendars attached or hung below them. In some cases, the calendars themselves are long gone, but those elaborate toppers are worthy of wall space. Here are a few favorites from my collection. Please share yours as well. Terry

My first year too Joe. Wasn't a vendor for a few more years yet but was a brand new AACA member. Those were great times. Still had brass cars inside the stadium. It took all day to see the entire swap meet. I had to miss a few years because Uncle Sam thought I needed to be elsewhere, but even in that silly covid year, we went to Hershey, parked our car on our swap meet spaces and took a picture. Look forward to spending more time visiting with you next time. All the best, and thanks for getting these memories flowing again. Terry

Joining a club and getting to know other members is essential. It's just as important to know where NOT to go for help as it is where to go and member input can be a big advantage. Remember also those willing and able to help are generally hobbiests and are not really operating as a business. You can't just ring their doorbell and expect to get a paint job. It may take the recommendation of another club member to help get to know those "hidden resources." There are also professionals and shops willing to help and take on small jobs but it's usually done based again on the recommendations facilitated by car club members. For example, our local MG club has been fantastic about helping keep our cars going. We hold several "tech" sessions every year. Many members are willing to share info, parts and their expertise. Same with our AACA Region- lots of help and knowledge available - among members and friends.