Terry Bond

I'm not aware of any manufacturers who supplied them as original equipment. I was once told Studebaker did equip some 1920s closed cars with two of them but I've not seen any documentation confirming that. I have a collection of early accessory catalogs and they show many different types that could be purchased for installation in any car desired. Interesting they were apparently never sold in ",pairs," just individually. If you wanted a "pair" you just bought two. It was common to install a single vase on a dashboard or center of the front seat back in open cars. They are a popular collectors item but many that are advertised on the internet are not actually automobile vases. They were designed as table decorations called "epergns." I'll try to post a few photos later. Terry

Well, yes and no. When I first got excited about this I began accumulating advertising material. there are lots of early ads from periodicals and catalogs, but missing is some of the info on specific application. Perhaps it's because lamps were optional, not originally supplied on some vehicles, or were always more of a "personal choice." I'm told it was not uncommon for someone to retain lamps from a car they sold or put out to pasture so the lamps could be re-used on another vehicle. Everyone had their favorites it seems. It's hard to pin down unless lamps are specifically marked for use on a vehicle. Then, there are differences in year and model, so digging out info to produce an accurate reference would be near impossible. Ok, so nothing is impossible. But - time and effort are precious. I'm retired but in the "how'd I ever have time to work" situation. Maybe I'll learn to say no when asked to volunteer for something! Then I can find more time for a project like this. I'm "inspired" however - a good friend and fellow spark plug collector has recently published some nice books on early spark plugs. These are printed "on-demand" so there is no real "investment" required. Of course they are done overseas but the quality is outstanding and the service is excellent. The books though are a simple compendium of chronological advertising for spark plugs as they appeared in periodicals, catalogs and motoring journals. There is some information on the companies that made them but not much. Research through patent records has produced some interesting info but wow, talk about rabbit holes! Right now I think the only way to get something on the street is to do similar with lamps. Compile a chronological assortment of early advertising, I may talk further with my friend about his books and begin moving that direction. So far, my list of potential customers is up to 9. i think I know the book that Steve mentioned in an earlier post. It was soft-bound and part of a series done on early automobiles. I also have a copy somewhere. Might be able to find one on evil-bay or Amazon. Think it was simply called "Aitomobile Brass." Terry

Yup, that'll be me. Are the plugs being considered from a plug collection or are they just a pile of misc plugs from an old garage/warehouse? there are two ways to look at the plug thing - first from my point of view as a collector, looking for different old brand names is important. There were literally thousands of different plugs produced over the years. Add in the European stuff and the numbers rise tremendously. Some collectors (myself) are looking for the earliest plugs, pre WW1 era preferred. Of course add in those that are the most unusual (glass windows, built in spark gaps and intensifiers, fans and propellers, unusual shielded firing tips, priming valves, springs, adjustment knobs, glass insulators and unusual shapes, (etc.etc.etc.) and you've got my attention (and my money). As a collector, most don't particularly care what number is on the plug. AC produced bizillions of different plugs as did Champion and most other manufacturers. Trying to collect examples of everything produced is impossible and honestly, not very interesting. So - photos of what's in that load of plugs would go along way to establishing how interesting (or valuable) they might be to a collector. I'd be glad to help with that if you buy them. If there is anything of collector interest I'll let you know. If you're thinking about buying them for people to buy and run in specific vehicles that's a whole different challenge. odd-ball brands didn't survive for a reason. Whether someone wants to actually use an old plug is often questionable. Most would be looking for the "correct" plug, and finding that can make your acquisition worthwhile. But - think about it! Hauling a couple hundred plugs around to a swap meet is too much work =darned things are heavy! Besides that, people pawing through them soon tears up the boxes and often the way to positively ID them in the process. Finding the literature needed to determine what they fit is another challenge. You'll soon find yourself in the literature business too! Be prepared to answer questions like 'do you have a plug for my 1932 Delux Dowhapper Sedan?" As has already been mentioned, Champion C-4 will fit a variety of cars including some flathead Fords. They are always in demand, but there are several variations on them that make them particular to certain years. The Champion 3X is used in Model A fords and original NOS CORRECT 3X plugs are also in demand. But-it takes a keen eye for detail to know the differences between the old ones and the modern reproductions. Same with the Champion X - fits Model T and dozens of other early cars using 1/2" pipe thread. Again, there are differences between the older ones and modern repros that can still be purchased from parts vendors. You'll be tempted to do some research on evil-bay to learn more. That is absolutely a useless waste of time trying to determine what is or isn't rare or valuable! For example - there is a beat up, old, common used Champion plug advertised right now with a buy it now price of $99/99. It's a 50 Cent plug! It's yet another example of someone knowing nothing abut what they are selling, just trying to find someone else with no idea what they are buying and money burning a hole in their pocket. The same guy has been trying for two years now to sell a few 1930s Champion plugs with the threaded tops broken off. He's asking $19.99 buy it now for them. They are useless and worthless. If the quantity is not overwhelming, and you don't mind lugging them around, or trying to figure out what they might fit or might be worth, you might make a few bucks supplying some for people to run in their cars. If there are any of value to collectors, you might be able to make a bit more on those, but remember - you can only sell your good stuff once. You'll have half a box of plugs you can't hardly give away when you're all done. It's taken me over 40 years of dedicated collecting and networking with others to learn as much as I can about plugs from a collector point of view. And just when I think I've got it all figured out, something I've never seen before pops up. So, tell me more, get some good photos and I'll be glad to try and help. Terry

Sorta obscure and not easily found are automobile related smoking items. This is a recent acquisition - a cigar cutter advertising Franklin Motor Cars. it's about 2 - 1/21" long and 3/4" wide. razor sharp blade. Anyone else have some early smoking related stuff in their collection? Terry

Ah yes - it's been many years since I've had to fill out a rally registration form in Scotland, in fact the term "classic" had not yet been invented there - there was just nothing after the late 50s and they sorta "crept" into "post Vintage." It was long after we'd returned to the US that "classic" became common usage. Terry

In the UK, the terms Veteran and Vintage when associated with automobiles and related items has fairly precise meaning. Veteran cars for example are pre 1918 (end of WW1). Vintage is up to the end of WW2. Post Vintage encompasses the years following that. Over time however, use of those terms has become confusing to a newer generation. Just like the meaning of "classic car" here in the US. Terry

I think we all have different perceptions of the time frame "vintage" might actually describe. I've seen it used to even describe modern reproduction items. Terry

I see it all the time - vintage car, vintage part, vintage collection, vintage estate, there are even questions about a vintage go-cart on these forums. About all I can figure is it means the poster really has no idea of the age of an item? I am not sure it really has any specific meaning and can be deceiving. Looking on evilbay it's often used together with another nearly useless term-"rare." What do you think of when you see "vintage" being used as a description? Terry

Of course it should be here Walt! These are miniature works of art, in fact many postcards began as paintings that were also sold as prints. I've got numerous examples in my collection(s) including this wonderful lithograph done by Clarence Underwood titled "Lessons in Motoring." It's done in three different sizes that I now of, and was also done as a postcard. The artist was born in Jamestown, New York, and following formal education in art, began as a postcard illustrator in about 1901 or 1902 in New York. He also illustrated many literary works, and magazines, including World magazine and over 40 covers for the Saturday Evening Post. The majority of his work originated as paintings and were also sold as lithographs. Framed print shown below, also the same illustration as a postcard (I have several versions of it). Another example is this great print by Hamilton King in both a large lithograph and a postcard version. Hamilton King, born in 1871, was a prominent illustrator who worked in the late 1800s and early 1900s. King illustrated the "Coca-Cola girls" for calendars, serving and tip trays from 1910 to 1913. The Coca-Cola calendar work was considered significant because the artist's signature appeared in all printed matter for Coca-Cola, including serving trays. He was well known for drawing pretty ladies, and this is one of only a few motoring related items he ever produced. Walt, with around 3000 postcards in my collection there is plenty more to share. Terry

I guess it means junk Ferraris are worth more than junk Bugattis. Always wondered about that (LOL). Perhaps the idea will catch on and we'll see a museum someplace with a special exhibit of junk cars. Yeah, a classic car junkyard! What a cool idea. Terry

My guess- it was bought strictly for novelty value/bragging rights. I'd bet it remains as is and well see it again in another auction. Remember the Plymouth that was dug up? Remember the Bugatti found at the bottom of a lake? Sounds like someone just having fun in the hobby. Teery

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. For frames I love to check out area thrift stores. I have photos of my unframed pieces on my phone with notes on measurements. I've found great frames - real old and not the modern plastic junk. for less than the cost of the glass in them. Here is an example of a great thrift store frame that even had some of the old wavy glass in it - $3.00 at Salvation Army.

Saw that before - story was it was 'found in an old castle." There are some things that just don't feel right about this obviously home-made piece. It resembles some of those foreign-made, artificially aged recreations being offered in gift shops. Cleverly done, but....

Fabulous artwork! This was a great time for the lithographer's art whether it's advertising or purely decorative. Graphics and imagry were at their best at this time. Can't beat the combination of a pretty lady and an automobile! Here is one of my favorite non-advertising lithograph from my collection.

Not sure about it either Bob. Assume SSP = Single sided porcelain. Unusual mounting holes. Can we see a photo of the back? Terry

Brings back memories. 1976 was worse by far though. As bad as those years were though, the memories are forever and give us so much to talk about. See you in October - on the blacktop. Terry

If the owner claims that's original paint I'd sure like to see the documentation. If you are willing to buy into the story and the color doesnt matter to you then go for it. I see it as a $6500-$8000 car based on current model A market (not what evilbay sellers wish they could get). Terry

Our neighbors son lives there. He is a well known search and rescue expert there and he's been involved in this since the beginning. Can't imagine what he's going through. Terry

You'd need to pull a wheel off to see if it has original hubs for the Model A. Somehow I've got a feeling there is a lot more than paint that's not *original.^ Terry

Amazing what you can do with a big garage. Terry

And you've not even touched on the brass era cars. Terry

Let's start with $500. Next guess...

It doesn't matter because the word "vintage" means absolutely nothing. I've seen brand new stuff labeled as 'vintage." It's also a favorite tag for fakes and reproduction items of all kinds. I think the word should be eliminated from the English language! Terry

Thanks for posting. The Gray Dort was a Canadian produced version of the Dort automobile, built there under license starting in 1915. The company closed in 1925. Not surprising the watch fob was made by an Ontario jeweler. Here is a photo of mine. Terry

Speaking of the UK - William Morris, Upon leaving school at the age of 15, apprenticed for a local bicycle-seller and repairer. Nine months later, after his employer refused a pay increase he set up a competing business repairing bicycles in a shed at the back of his parents' house. He soon opened a new shop, and as business began to grow, he began assembling bicycles, labeling his product with a gilt cycle wheel and The Morris. Morris successfully raced his own bicycles competing as far away as south London. He began to work with motorcycles in 1901, designing the Morris Motor Cycle, and in 1902 acquired new buildings where he repaired bicycles; operated a taxi service; and sold, repaired and hired-out cars. He held the agencies for Arrol-Johnson, Humber, Belsize, Hupmobile, Singer, Standard, and Wolsley. In 1910 he built a new workshop known as "the Oxford Garage." The name quickly changed to "The Morris Garage." Morris automobiles were built there beginning in 1912 and became one of the best selling automobiles in the world. In 1921, Cecil Kimber was hired as a Sales Manager, and quickly became General Manager a year later. He introduced the famed MG the following year. Terry