Very Old 2 Speed Rear Car Axle?

[c49er]

Has anyone any idea as to what this rear 2 speed rear axle is for?

I have searched all the way back to 1920 in my Dyke's Automobiles Encyclopedia's and online....I cannot find anything other than the Columbia's, and typical Eaton and Timken truck 2 speeds.etc.

It does not seem heavy duty enough to be for a truck... 12" drums.

Edited December 25, 2017 by c49er
Pictures (see edit history)

[Marty Roth]

I couldn't tell from the pics, but Cadillac did offer a 2-Speed axle on only their 1914 cars.

Maybe someone more familiar could tell from your post and pic

[nickelroadster]

In 1914 Cadillac had a two speed rear end but I am not aware of what it looked like.  Maybe an owner will chime in. 

[STUDE48]

Looks very similar to the 1917 studebaker transaxle assembly, it is a three speed trans and differential combined. Fairly common in cars prior to 1920

 

[edinmass]

It’s not a 1914 Cadillac rear........much too small. 

[Marty Roth]

Didn't Overland have a transaxle in the Brass Era?

[kings32]

Looks alot like the one in the 1916 Overland I am restoring in the shop . It is a transaxle , the same  brake set up. Kings 32

[c49er]

So maybe a 1916 Overland ?.....I'll search that out for pictures and info...

Thanks!

[Layden B]

Looks Overland to me. 3 speeds with reverse hence the 2 shifting rods. Transmission at the rear axle, often mistakenly called a transaxle.