Robert G. Smits
-
Posts
1,317 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
1
Content Type
Forums
Gallery
Events
Posts posted by Robert G. Smits
-
-
Showed at the Meadowbrook Concours in the past. What a fantastic mansion Even the clear window glass is Tiffany if my memory is correct. I would love to tour it again.
-
Wolf’s Head was established in 1785 as The Empire Oil Works to produce lamp oil. Over the years it underwent several name changes with Wolfs Head adopted in 1940. 20 by 30 in. SSP stamped 7/54
-
1
-
-
Sounds like a plan. You see that every year at Hershey and Pate although usually the parts purchased on set up day are for sale by a different vendor for double the original price. Just an example of capitalism.
-
2
-
-
-
The wife is hosting an organization meeting for an upcoming fundraiser for our animal rescue non profit and the four rescue dogs and I have been banished to the car facility giving me time to go through another file cabinet drawer. This was to celebrate Buicks Golden Anniversary in 1953
-
Another pump plate. Sorry for the photo but it is 12 feet off the floor sitting above a 34 Pontiac
-
1
-
-
E-116-YH. What a great story re the pin back. It looks perfectly preserved.
-
Thanks Terry. Here is the reverse side
-
A couple of pump plates. I have seen so many for sale over the years that I suspect most are reproductions and probably have several more in my storage facility. Is the one without grommets a reproduction?
-
1
-
-
One of the things I learned while actively collecting French Cameo glass was to ask swap meet dealers if they have additional merchandise "under the table" One year at Hershey after stopping to purchase a few music related pieces from Terry I stopped at a dealer a few spaces down the isle. Nothing tripped my trigger so I asked him what he was saving under the table and he pulled out two original rolled up fantastic lithographs advertising a fire school from 1912 which were discovered in the attic of a old fire station being demolished. Of course I purchased both.
-
1
-
-
On 1/28/2024 at 12:06 PM, Terry Bond said:
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally!
Terry
Over the years many of my spectacular finds have been of the "blind Squirrel" variety. One of my favorite neon/ porcelains was on the wall of a clothing Boutique in the Florida panhandle. Having a relationship with a quality "picker" has been important in my case as others mentioned previously. Over the years probably a hundred of my automotive/soda signs came from the same picker in central Missouri who unfortunately retired a few years ago along with a Picker from PA who was a steady source of quality Breweriana lithographs until he passed 10 years ago. If you come across a swap meet seller who has quality merchandise that interests you take the time to establish a relationship. I still have dealers who will email/text me photos to see if I am interested.
-
1
-
-
On 1/22/2024 at 10:09 AM, Terry Bond said:
What do you collect and how do you go about it?
The internet has made collecting so much easier and leveled the playing field. Unfortunately what I collect isn't found in rusty coffee cans. Today you have access to the highest quality merchandise that exists at your fingertips. Lets face it an auction determines fair value at that moment in time and generally protects you from all the fakes/repros you see at swap meets and on evilbay. When you compare the cost of a week in Hershey to the auction fee it is acceptable to me. Time is more that money whey you may not have much time left. I do not mind paying todays prices for premium advertising that is appreciating at 20-30%. I never consider the "good old times" because I try never to look back. It has worked well for me. Just my thoughts which I am sure most will not agree with.
-
2
-
-
On the course of collecting over the last 40+ years I have made several purchases in which I was not sure of originality, especially after getting them home although two of my suspect signs were recently authenticated by having identical examples in the upcoming Richmond auction. An example is the spark plug porcelain Terry and I discussed on August 15.
To my knowledge I have only knowingly purchased a “repro” on one occasion and that was in the 80’s after seeing a NOS sell for 20K. Every time I look at it I’m not sorry. DSP. 18 by 36. Dealer asking price was $175
-
Attractive wall hanger 16 by 20 framed, 11 by 14 actual for Auto-Lite Spark Plugs circa 1941.
-
3
-
-
5 hours ago, Terry Bond said:
I've had the chance to buy a tin sign recently but the guy whose had it fir years thought it was 1930s, but the tire sure looked like 60s to me.
There is a nice Gillette sign re 1947 in the upcoming Richmond auction. item #9
-
1
-
-
The Polar Bear and tire logo was implemented at the company's beginning and was used to promote the idea that Gillette's Chilled Rubber Process produced tires that were not damaged by cold, heat or dampness. The logo went through a process of graphic evolution over the years eventually emphasizing the "Winter Tire" theme.
An interesting side note is that Raymond Gillette endowed the company with it's own radio station in 1925. WTAQ which was popularly known as the "Bear for Wear" with WTAQ standing for "Where Tires are Quality". As I research these early masters of commerce I am always impressed by their understanding the importance of advertising.
-
1
-
-
Approach the national antique car insurance people along with automotive box stores ie NAPA. Look at recent regionals to determine where their support came from. There is a tremendous amount of competition out there. Our population is around 250K and we have over a hundred local 501c3 non profits looking for donations on a daily basis. Good luck.
-
1
-
-
12 hours ago, Terry Bond said:
Do you know when the brand name actually disappeared?
Bridgestone purchased the Gillette brand in 1997. They used the name to badge its Winterforce tire. They retired the brand May 11, 2009
-
1
-
-
Herbert Gillette was a founding partner of Peninsular Tire and Rubber company in 1912, Together with his brother Raymond they developed a system to avoid flat tires. In 1913 they and their partners created the Gillette Safety Tire company in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. On May 23, 1917 the company produced its first experimental tire. One year later the company was producing 500 tires and 500 tubes per day. Thanks to the Great Depression the company was acquired by United States Tire Company in 1931. US Rubber was renamed Uniroyal in the 1967 and merged with BF Goodrich in the 1980's. Decades later they were purchased by Michelin.
Embossed 24 by 78. Self framed SST, Stamped 11-41
-
1
-
-
What are the measurements? Tin or heavier metal. Single sided or double sided?
-
I ended up using the ATF/Acetone mix for 30 days. Turns over, of course I have no absolute proof it was ever stuck. Thanks for asking
-
1
-
-
Safemark was a trademark of the Farm Bureau and was initially limited to tractor tires. Established in the late 50’s and discontinued in 1986. Tires were manufactured by General Tire. 26 by 35. Stamped 3/76
-
2
-
-
Thanks for sharing Terry. I loved the story on your treasure from Belgium. It adds to the appreciation. Several years ago I purchased 4 rather large porcelain non automotive advertising pieces from Australia. As the air freight was going to be more than I paid for the items I elected to have them shipped via sea. It took so long I gave up and figured the dealer had scammed me. Showed up perfectly packed in a wooden crate nine months later.
-
1
-
-
5 minutes ago, Gary_Ash said:
to simply write a document and sign it describing your desired fate of the car and simply attach it to a copy (or copies) of the will.
Have it witnessed by a non family member or preferably a Notary
-
2
-
Chrysler 230 Flathead Rebuild and Oil
in General Discussion
Posted
Enjoy those triplets and take a lot of cell phone videos. I live 4 miles from my 15y/o triplet grandsons and being part of their life for the past 15 years has been the highlight of my existence.