Information on 1929 Stutz from Mark Smith

[Shivraj Anand]

Hi 

I bought this 1929 Stutz M-21 Sedan from the Mark Smith Collection during the first round of auctions back in October 2022. 

I understand it is an Ex-Harrah Car which was acquired by the Natural History Museum in 1987 when the collection was liquidated / donated. Mark Smith Acquired it in 2016. 

 

Any further information would be of great help during the restoration process as the car was acquired mid-restoration 

[alsancle]

As an ex Harrrah car, you should be able to get the file from them. I believe it’s relatively inexpensive.

 

also, have you joined the Stutz Club? That is a requirement. You can send them a picture and they will post your letter to the bulletin and ask the members. Guaranteed somebody knows what’s going on.

[Shivraj Anand]

The bronze Harrah's medallion identifying the car isn't there so it's proving difficult to get the records.

 

I've joined the club. Awaiting information from there as well. Casting the net as wide as possible in the hopes someone knows more about the car. Sadly didn't come with a lot of prior paperwork apart from Auction material. 

[Shivraj Anand]

While restoring the car I came across the attached tag below the seat

Can someone help me interpret what the tag means?

 

Also what material does "duck" correspond to 

[alsancle]

Cool piece!   The "Duck" probably refers to the fabricate in some form.  Color, material?

 

[Shivraj Anand]

29 minutes ago, alsancle said:

Cool piece!   The "Duck" probably refers to the fabricate in some form.  Color, material?

 

The numbers on top correspond to the seat number printed on top of the springs. 

I'm guessing Duck refers to a type of material. Still trying to ascertain what kind though

[charlespetty]

Cotton duck is a heavy plain woven cotton fabric. Duck canvas is more tightly woven than plain canvas. The authentic period shower curtain in our 1910 house is cotton duck as it sheds water quite well.

Edited July 8, 2023 by charlespetty (see edit history)

[edinmass]

Duck is referring to a waterproof material used in cars, boats, and outdoor applications. It’s a standard industry term. Duck cloth was used for raincoats when referring to clothing. In automotive applications……it’s referring to the top material. I believe that in the 20’s it had adulterated rubber backing on a woven material. 

[Shivraj Anand]

So it seems it refers to the "Duck" canvas cloth the seats were wrapped in under the leather to provide for a more sturdy construction

[edinmass]

Fitted seat covers were made by multiple companies in the aftermarket here in the states, even for small production cars. I have never seen any car with factory installed seat covers……only dealer installed products. I have a bill of sale somewhere for a Duesenberg touring car showing seat covers that were added on with other accessories. My question is why would a sedan have waterproof seat covers? In this case Duck may be referring to a color……..?