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RIKER ELECTRIC PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM
Original, oversize album of salesman's photographs of Riker Electric Trucks, Elizabethport,
N.J., the earliest "showroom album" we have ever seen;
Riker's Elizabethport period commenced c.
July 1899. Wonderful views, including Mail Truck, Doctor's Runabout, hansom cabs (10
different), short-wheelbase buses, "Special Delivery," ambulance, pie van, and more.
(Itemized list below). 28 photos in all, on original linen. "Irving Underhill / General Photographer / 17 Park Place (New York City)...." Photograph size 10-1/8 to 10-1/2
x 13-5/8.
Riker designed the first Locomobile, was first President of S.A.E., and a key auto
pioneer.
Many with flamboyant, Gothic, or unusual styling, and some with exquisite pinstriping,
paintwork, white tires, buttoned silk and inlaid brocade trim, and more. Extraordinary
richness of tone, crisp detail throughout, capturing in some instances the individual stitches of upholstery, lettering on hubcaps, and many other fine details of these
beautifully built vehicles.
In order of appearance:
1. U.S. Mail Truck .
2. Doctor's runabout . 3/4 side view. Foxed.
3. Doctor's runabout, variant . With rear-facing mother-in-law seat.
4. Hansom cab . Three-bow Victoria with landau bars, elevated rear seat.
5. Hanson cab, variant . With winterfront, no rear seat.
6. Outrageous Duryea-style long-wheelbase taxi . With high French-curve dash acting as windbreak. Rear-controlled, from open and backless(!) rear seat.
7. Enclosed hansom cab . Open, forward-controlled.
8. Variant cab . Very high rear-control open seat, perhaps 7 feet high!
9. Taxicab . Rear open control on throne, semi-open passenger compartment.
10. "U.M.T. Co. Bus Line ." Open forward-control, plus 2/3-passenger open seat on roof . Remarkable raised skylight roof with eight miniature beveled and frosted glass transoms. Interior capacity perhaps 10.
11. Piano-box-style van . Ornamental beveled-glass windows. "Newark Division / United Electric Company of New Jersey."
12. Light delivery van . "American Pastry & M'f'g. Company / Puritan Pies," with large painted logo of Puritan woman holding a pie. Unique complex-outline ornamental beveled glass. White with double pinstriping, and exquisite hand painting of hubs, spokes, rims, springs, and chassis rail.
13. Above , 3/4 rear view, door open.
14. Highly unusual "Special Delivery" truck . Enormously tall cab, low-profile cargo area with eight large glass panes. An exquisite design.
15. "Heavy duty" open stake-body truck . "Riker Motor Vehicle Co. / Elizabethport, N.J. / New York Station, 104 W. 39th St." Large horizontal steering wheel.
16. Variant truck . White body. "Moët & Chandon Champagne / White Seal / 'founded in] 1743." With bold Riker livery in white, on black battery box.
17. Ambulance . 3/4 rear, rear door open, with richly quilted bed fully extended. White tires.
18. Rear-entrance touring . Stylized Renault/Napier bonnet but with rivets and louver panel elements; chain drive. Possibly a Locomobile gas prototype?
19. Roadster with mother-in-law seat. One massive headlamp, lettering on Diamond Rubber tires entirely legible.
20. Very light box van . Two-tone, with elegant "Riker Motor Vehicle Company / Elizabethport, N.J." livery in gold. Unusual opera lamp, with pinched glass windows.
21. Taxicab . Enclosed, very short wheelbase, forward-control open seat, with speaking tube.
22. Piano-box runabout . Three-bow Victoria, open mother-in-law seat about 6 feet high!
23. Flamboyant, beautiful taxicab , with original styling combining 18th, 19th and futurist design cues. Double front-entrance bent doors open, showing their magnificent buttoned silk with plush brocade inlays. Rear open control.
24. Taxicab . Fully enclosed passenger compartment, forward open control.
25. Miniature Gothic bus . Short wheelbase, front open control, with open seat on roof.
26. Short-wheelbase bus . All open, drivers' plus three bench seats; wicker umbrella holder.
27. Taxicab . Unusual rear control, enclosed three-box body.
28. Runabout . Top down.
In original plain, blind-paneled dark brown heavy-duty sailcloth binder, green leaf
endpapers. One later piece of kraft paper tape, presumably covering a marking, on
inside front board, possibly removable by a conservator. Some foxing on a few photos
only, balance fine or better.
The earliest - and largest-format - photograph album for any marque that we have had.
$3750.00
Document Signed of Oliver Evans, generally regarded as the builder of America's first recorded automotive vehicle, the "Orukter Amphibolos." This vehicle was powered by the first high-pressure steam engine - another Evans invention.
A document in which Evans sells "Cole" (coal), possibly for a steam engine. "Received July 15th 1803 of William Price Thirty Seven Dollars for Eighty bushel Cole & 10 bushel fine Salt in full." Bearing his ornate signature with paraph. 2-1/4 x 6. Another receipt, probably unrelated, penned on verso in another hand.
Unquestionably, by virtue of its signator and date, the most important Philadelphia auto-related item, the most important Pennsylvania auto-related item, and the most seminal historical artifact relating to the history of the automobile in America, that we have ever had. Even before the American Revolution, construction of a land-carriage propelled without animal power was an obsession of Evans. "Produced under contract from the Board of Health of Philadelphia for the purpose of cleaning the city docks...during the second week of July 1805, the vehicle moved under its own power. Further demonstrations followed at Centre Street (the site of Philadelphia City Hall today)...."--Standard Catalog of American Cars. After its one-and-a-half-mile journey through Philadelphia's streets, it would serve as the first steam-dredging machine in America. A fascinating individual, Evans also invented the elevator, the conveyor, the drill, the hopper-boy, and the descender, all of which revolutionized flour manufacture. Called the "Watt of America," Evans was also the first to build high-pressure steam engines, used to power his vehicle. (Englishmen Vivian and Trevithick, sometimes erroneously given credit, had access to Evans' drawings.) Mounting evidence, some edge toning, else about fine.
Evans' autograph is excessively rare in any form. In the last thirty years, this is only the third example we have seen on the market, one being a signature torn in half and remounted! Attractive for display.
The earliest American "automobile"-related item one could hope to find, dated the very year that Evans began construction of the machine.
$3750.00
Individually priced on http://abebooks.com, or inquire for price for collection. Most are individually priced below 500.00, many significantly less, certain important names somewhat more.
The Moto-Meter Archive
(MANY PIECES ARE SIMILAR IN SIZE AND FORMAT.)
1. Ace. Oct. 24, 1922. Overall board size 8" wide by 8-1/2" high. Ace drawn in white ink within
black spade. Signed in full by artist A. Grossman on lower mount, "5-1/2 hr." Initialed by artist
and two supervisors on verso.
2. Ajax Six. "Nash-Built." Nov. 10, 1926. 6 x 7-1/4.
3. American. 'American Balanced Six, Plainfield, N.J.] Unusual suite of three pieces,
comprising: June 26, 1918 finished master; pen-and-ink eagle; and Sept. 10, 1919 variant
finished master in another size.
4. Apperson. "Jack Rabbit Cars." Undated but c. 1920. Retouched master.
5. Biddle. Dec. 15, 1919. Handsome crown and winged wheel logo of this costly marque.
6. Brockway. "The right way." Apr. 30, 1925 with changes made June 17, 1925, June 2, 1926
and Apr. 6, 1927.
7. Buick. The most elaborate piece in the collection, showing entire Moto-Meter device, with
its base threaded through a radiator cap. Customized for Buick dealer E.A. Browne Auto Co.,
Paterson, N.J. Oct. 4, 1922. 8 x 12.
8. Buick. July 9, 1927. Evidently a custom design for Australian or South African agency.
"Valve in Head / Motor Cars / ...Wagga Motor Garage Coy., Ltd." Marked "9-1/2 hours" by artist!
9. Buick. June 21, 1927. Highly unusual custom design for "Fox Bros. Buick Co.," with large
hand-drawn fox atop Buick logo.
10. Buick. N.d. White ink on black ink nameplate, mounted over discarded printed template
board of The American National Co., Toledo, Ohio. Probably for a Buick pedal car of the 1930's!
Moto-Meter was purchased by this Toledo firm during the Depression; their work included
emblems and dashboards for childrens' pedal cars, their automotive business having been
rendered obsolete.
11. Bush. June 1, 1920.
12. Cadillac. Feb. 2, 1924. Uniquely styled mediaeval knight with sword and shield, custom
designed for Genessee (N.Y.?) Cadillac. Charming and unusual.
13. Cadillac. Feb. 10, 1920. "Standard of the World." Traditional crest; scroll beneath. Lacking
blank lower left corner of black board.
14. Canadian Motors Limited. Apr. 13, 1928. Exquisitely rendered otter on a log. 5-1/2 x 6.
15. Carmer Motor Co. May 10, 1920. Centerville, Iowa.
16. Carroll. Apr. 12, 1920. Flamboyant Coca-Cola-style script of
this costly, distinctive, and short-lived Ohio car.
17. Casco Speed Truck. "Made in Maine." Mar. 8, 1922.
18. Chalmers. "The Master 'Six.'" Mar. 25, June 30, and Oct. 23,
1914. One of the earliest items in the archive; lettered in white on
black. Corner defects.
19. Chevrolet. May 16, 1928. Finished master of winged wheel and
bowtie emblem. 5-3/4 x 6-1/4.
20. Chevrolet. Nov. 9, 1928(?). Finished master of bowtie-only
variant.
21. Chevrolet. N.d. Nameplate, india ink, as item 10. Probably for a
Chevrolet pedal car of the 1930's.
22. Chrysler Airflow. N.d. Original artwork for intaglio etched and
enameled interior nameplate device. Two drawings, showing front and
back, in maroon and black inks, and pencil, together with artist's
tissue overlay with notes, and kraft overwrap. "1 bronze 'die]"
pencilled on overwrap. Unusual.
23. Citroen. May 28, 1924.
24. Clydesdale (Truck). Aug. 23, 1920.
25. Colt Autosan. Bearing five dates between Mar. 18, 1926 and Jan.
3, 1927. A curious item: "Colt's Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co.,
Hartford...Motoco...." Evidently a special logo to be used atop the
radiators of Colt-owned vehicles, to prevent theft of their Moto-Meters! (The practice of branding spark plugs by utilities, bakeries,
and others with large fleets was well underway.)
26. Commander. "Chicago, Ill. U.S.A." Aug. 22, 1923. Only one car
was built.
27. Courier. Nov. 23, 1922. Exquisite miniature Mercury within their
logo.
28. Craig Tractor. June 9, 1918. Large, bold logo of this Cleveland-built tractor, believed the only industrial or farm vehicle to sport a
Moto-Meter.
29. Crow Elk Hart. Oct. 9, 1919.
30. Cruse-Crawford. July 5, 1922. Birmingham, Ala. Unlisted in
Kimes.
31. Cunningham. N.d. but c. 1922. Lovely white-on-black-ink scroll,
"The Cunningham Car," on circular board.
32. D(etroit) A(ir) C(ooled). N.d. but probably 1922. Circular
board. A curious inclusion, as the Moto-Meter, being by definition a
water temperature gauge, albeit an ornate one, would be unexpected on
an air-cooled vehicle!
33. D.T.M. N.d. but probably c. 1922. Circular board. Unlisted in
Kimes.
34. Daniels. N.d. but probably c. 1922. Circular board.
35. Davis. June 6, 1919.
36. Dart Truck. Apr. 8/9, 1927.
37. Deering Magnetic. June 27, 1918. Three swans' wings propelling a
modernistic cam.
38. Defiance Trucks. Mar. 15, 1929. Heavily inked master artwork.
Perhaps the latest item in the archive.
39. Delage. Feb. 4, 1929. It is believed that the 1928 Marmon
Roosevelt was the last American car to use the Moto-Meter as standard
factory equipment.
40. Derby. Oct. 24, 1923. "Built of the Best / Winnipeg, Canada."
Imprint of Moto-Meter of Canada. In all, six hours spent by artist on
this charming oval.
41. Detroiter. N.d. but not later than 1917. Handsome eagle on
shield, "Made in Detroit USA." Circular board.
42. Denby. Feb. 28, 1921.
43. Dependable Truck and Tractor. July 28, 1919. Splendid simulated
serrated seal with ribbon. "Galesburg, Ill."
44. Diamond. July 10, 1922. St. Joseph, Mo.
45. Dominion. Mar. 22, 1928. Canadian. 5-1/2 x 6-1/4.
46. Dorris. Sept. 1, 1916. Circular board.
47. Dort. "Own a Dort / You Will Like It." N.d.
48. Drexel. N.d. Circular board. Successor to Farmack of Chicago.
49. Drummond. Sept. 1, 1916. Circular board. Omaha, Neb.
"...precious few of them were built...."--Kimes.
50. Duesenberg Straight 8. Nov. 2, 1921. This is the original,
finished, signed artwork for the logo of the first commercially-produced Duesenberg, the Model A. No other exists. "Indeed, it would
be the 1922 model year before the car was available...."--Kimes.
Initialed twice by artist C. F(ranz), and by two supervisors. Executed
in white ink over black, depicting the vaunted eagle, as used on
radiator and cowl emblems as well.
51. Du Pont. June 11, 1925. Elegant "dP" in heavy circle.
52. Durant. Apr. 24, 1922. "Sold by Toronto Durant Co...."
53. Durant. Apr. 17, 1928. Small, Junior style, with retouched
gargoyle-and-wreath emblem.
54. Edwards. Mar. 8, 1920. Unlisted in Kimes.
55. Elcar. Feb. 2, 1920. "Elkhart Carriage & Motor Car Co...."
Handsome.
56. Elcar 8. Jan. 19, 1927. Highly modernistic.
57. Elcar. Nov. 21, 1927. Superlative sea monster rendered in
miniature, in white and black inks, above "Elcar" banner, on shield,
"A Well Built Car."
58. Elgin Six. July 7, 1919.
59. Empire. Nov. 30, 1917.
60. Essex. Dec. 22, 1919.
61. Essex Super Six. Mar. 8, 1927
62. Erskine. Nov. 29, 1927. Small logo photoprint on ornate board.
63. Falcon Knight. Dec. 16, 1927. Small retouched, assembled
photoprint on ornate board. Extraordinary detail and precision.
64. Falcon Knight. June 16, 1927. Larger size.
65. Falcon Knight. June 15/16, 1927. Largest size.
66. Fageol. Nov. 29, 1927. Makers of trucks and flamboyant parlor
coaches.
67. Federal. Truck. Feb. 25, 1926.
68. Fergus. Nov. 29, 1920. Only three cars made, costing up to
$8,500!
69. Fiat. "The Master Car." Dec. 21, 1925. For use in Australia.
70. Fleet Arrow 'Pierce-Arrow]. Aug. 7, 1928. Commercial model range
of the maker of high-grade cars.
71. Flint. Aug. 24, 1923. Charming logo incorporating two flint
arrowheads.
72. Ford. "For the Model A Ford Car." Mar. 9, 1928-Oct. 31, 1929.
Two pieces, one on board, 5-3/4 x 6-1/4, black on white, and one on
paper, silhouetted by hand by artist, 2 x 2-3/4 irregular, found
clipped to kraft flap, evidently as an alternate style. (Because of
Moto-Meter's inability to reach an agreement with Henry Ford, the Ford
Moto-Meter design is believed to have been offered as an aftermarket
accessory. It is nonetheless a desirable and important artifact of one
of the most significant automobiles of its era.)
73. Gardner. Sept. 16, 1920. Customized for "Granville Motor Co.,
Distributors, Oxford, N.C."
74. Gary. Truck. July 17, 1924(?). One of the more unusual designs
in the collection, depicting stylized factories behind the Gary logo,
with tall stacks spewing plumes of smoke. "Efficiency - Reliability -
Durability - Simplicity - Economy."
75. General Motors Truck. With "GMC" logo. Dec. 15, 1927.
76. Geronimo. N.d. but c. 1917. Circular board. Superlative
illustration of Chief Geronimo in profile, in shield, with wreath.
"...Enid, Okla." Geronimo automobile items of any description are
virtually uncollectible; one of the foremost literature collectors had
only one piece, torn and incomplete, in his lifelong collection. The
original artwork for this logo is a remarkable item.
77. Ghent. N.d. but c. 1916. Exquisite coat of arms, with three
rampant lions. Lovely.
78. Godin. Feb. 20, 1914. Believed the earliest item in the archive.
Evidently for use in France.
79. Gotfredson. "Walkerville." Dec. 11, 1926. Canadian truckmaker.
80. Gramm. Oct. 7, 1926. Splendid white and black ink logo,
featuring knight on shield bearing a heart.
81. Gramm Kincaid. "Pioneers." July 22, 1925. Trucks.
82. Gray. Oct. 9, 1922.
83. Gray Dort. Sept. 17, 1927. Canadian. Heavily retouched assembled
master.
84. Hudson. "Super Six." N.d. Retouched assembled master print on
board. "Made Especially for Hudson Motor Car Co...."
85. Hudson. "Super Six." Feb. 2, 1920. Larger image than above,
customized for St. Louis Hudson Distributor.
86. Hahn. "Motor Trucks." Sept. 2, 1924.
87. HAL Twelve. N.d. but c. 1916. Circular board. A striking piece,
with bird's-eye view of a V-12 engine block, encircled with "The HAL
Motor Car Co. / Cleveland - Ohio."
88. HAL Twelve. Oct. 18, 1915 (prototype of car was not introduced
until Jan. 1916)-July 1, 1918. Evidently the first of two completely
different style logos for this high-grade car.
89. Hall. "Made Especially For Lewis-Hall Motors Corp. of
Detroit...." Oct. 19, 1921. Unlisted in Kimes.
90. Halladay. Owl, with words on its breast, "Not Asleep"; "Not Born
But Raised Here." Sept. 16, 1919. Junior size art master.
91. Halladay. Original pen-and-ink for above, large size. Feb. 10,
1919. Superb artistry, employing white and black inks. Halladay in
earlier years was the employer of three of the Fisher Brothers, and a
very young Eddie Rickenbacker.
92. Harroun. N.d. but c. 1917. Circular board.
93. Hassler. N.d. but prob. 1917. Circular board. Lasting less than
one year, their total production is believed to have been the few cars
exhibited at the Chicago Show that summer.
94. Haynes. "America's First Car." May 5, 1922.
95. Haynes. Style as above, but medium size, and apparently intended
to be customized with motorist's name! May 19, 1921.
96. Haynes. Style as above, but jumbo size. May 19, 1921.
97. Haynes Junior Six. Different style logo. N.d. but 1917. Circular
board.
98. Henderson. Feb. 7-Sept. 3, 1914. Excessively early, highly
attractive Maltese Cross logo, executed in white ink on heavily inked
black background, on double-thick board. Signed in white ink. The
Henderson family later became prominent as motorcycle manufacturers.
99. Highlander Six. Mar. 17, 1919. "Made Especially For Midwest
Motor Co., Kansas City, Mo." Few cars built.
100. Hispano-Suiza. N.d. but circular board suggests c. 1917-1919.
Magnificent drawing in white and black inks of the winged propeller
logo.
101. Howard. "Quality / The A. Howard Co. / Galion, O. U.S.A." N.d.
but believed 1916. Made for one year only.
102. Houghton. July 12, 1916-May 28, 1917. Unlisted in Kimes.
103. Huffman Six. Jan. 19, 1920. Handsomely rendered bearskin-H
logo, "...Elkhart, Indiana."
104. Hulsebus. Feb. 9, 1920. Highly ornate.
105. Ideal Service. Mar. 8, 1920. Probably of the company which had
discontinued manufacture in 1915, but continued to place a special
logo on vehicles they serviced. Unusual.
106. Illinois Super Drive. Jan. 16, 1919.
107. Indiana Motor Trucks. Apr. 30, 1926, and revised Apr. 8, 1930 -- exceptionally late for use of the Moto-Meter on new vehicles.
108. Imperial Omnibus. Jan. 9, 1922. Delightful scroll design.
109. International Motor Trucks. Mar. 22, 1928. The original
finished artwork for the famous three-diamond logo.
110. Jackson. N.d. but pre-1923. Circular board.
111. Jacquet Flyer. May 24, 1920. Unusual stylized lettering.
112. Jeffery. Sept. 24, 1914, with five additional dates to Dec. 12,
1917. Curious glue remnants in blank margins, suggesting that when
Jeffery ceased production, the draftsman, not wanting to discard the
backing, reused it for a Marmon logo!
113. Jewett. May 23 and June 16, 1923. "6-1/2 hours" beneath
artist's signature.
114. Jewett. "A Thrifty Six Built by Paige." Apr. 7, 1923. A custom
design for Paige Wisconsin, their Milwaukee-based distributor.
115. Jordan. Mar. 5, 1927. Dramatic, exceptionally pristine original
artwork for one of the most talked-about marques of the Roaring
Twenties.
116. Kelsey. "Friction Drive." Oct. 31, 1921. Remarkably rendered
motif suggesting the dynamic movement of his friction drive.
117. La Salle. Apr. 27, 1927. Inspired by the Hispano-Suiza, the
first La Salles had just been introduced in March of that year.
118. Lincoln. Mar. 9 and June 26, 1923. Magnificently rendered
emblem, with hand-lettered panel pasted below, to customize for
"Walter M. Murphy Motors Co. / Distributors." A choice item.
119. Lincoln. "Leland Built." N.d. but job stamp and markings on
verso.
120. Maibohm. June 9, 1919.
121. Marmon. May 10, 1920. Large artwork for their aviation-inspired
logo. "Champion Liberty Motor Builders / Nordyke & Marmon Co...."
122. Marmon. N.d. but near date. The entire Moto-Meter rendered in
color atop the radiator cap, in midnight blue, persimmon, black and
white, with Dutch blue surround and genuine gold leaf wings, ribbon,
background behind plane, and logo. Brilliant luster, and the only
piece in the archive thus. Evidently prepared for approval by Marmon
directors.
123. Marmon. Aug. 4, 1919. Custom design: "Manufactured Especially
for Marmon Chicago...."
124. Martin. Apr. 28, 1915. Perhaps the obscure Chicago marque, of
which manufacture is doubted.
125. Master Trucks. Apr. 11, 1921. Dramatic, powerfully styled logo.
126. Maxim. Apr. 29, 1921.
127. Mercedes. "Made Especially For Mercedes Repair Co., New York."
Oct. 19, 1921.
128. Merit. Dec. 13, 1920. Short-lived marque.
129. Meteor. (Piqua, Ohio). Aug. 11, 1919. Superb, with meteor
theme.
130. Meteor. (Philadelphia). Sept. 2, 1919. Fleetwood-bodied,
Duesenberg-powered luxury car.
131. Mitchell. Mar. 16, 1922.
132. Moline-Knight. N.d. but believed c. 1914.
133. Monroe. Nov. 4, 1921. Pasted over Cleveland logo!
134. Monte Stone Special. N.d. but pre-1920. Circular board.
Unlisted in Kimes.
135. Moon. Aug. 25, 1926. Customized for Moon of Philadelphia.
136. Nash. May 11, 1920.
137. "Canadian Oakland Six." Aug. 23 and Sept. 28, 1927. Unusual.
138. Ogden. Mar. 17, 1919.
139. "Old Hickory." Mar. 14, 1919.
140. Overland 4. Nov. 10, 1919.
141. Overland 6. May 6, 1925.
142. Overland Whippet. Nov. 29, 1927.
143. Overland. May 2, 1921. Canadian.
144. Paige. Aug. 8, 1927. One of the most delightful pieces in the
archive: an india-ink drawing of the "Pa(i)ge boy," holding the Paige
emblem. The artist has pencilled in a miniature hand the various
colors desired, comprising brass, silver, blue, and black. Charming
and unusually elaborate.
145. Pan American. Mar. 11, 1919. Elaborately styled twin
hemispheres, spanned by an eagle, with patriotic shield in center.
146. Paterson. "Made in Flint." Aug. 5, 1918.
147. Peerless. May 27, 1924.
148. Penn. Dec. 8, 1921.
149. "Automobiles Peugeot / Paris." "Peugeot Auto Import Co. / N.Y."
N.d. but c. 1920. Charming, magnificently executed white ink on black
ink Art Nouveau-style logo.
150. Pierce Arrow. N.d. but prob. 1930's. Curious item, possibly for
nameplate in a dash instrument.
151. Pontiac. Mar. 29-Apr. 7, 1926. Early.
152. Pontiac. Nov. 29, 1927. Junior size.
153. Pontiac. N.d. but prob. 1930's. As item 150.
154. Pirsch. May 3, 1926.
155. Plymouth. Apr. 16, 1935. Unusual full-size rendering of
Plymouth speedometer, in black, white, red, and grey wash, on ivory
illustration board. Signed and dated. A contemporary pencil notation:
"Add mile lines." Plymouth ship logo at top.
156. Premier. N.d. but c. 1920. Outstanding oak-leaf logo, Premier's
script and details of leaf inked in white. Circular board.
157. Preston. Sept. 2, 1919. Birmingham, Ala.-built marque, a.k.a.
Premocar. Choice.
158. Purity Jones. July 8, 1925. Splendid artwork of a young girl,
curtseying in billowing dress. "Motoco."
159. R & V Knight. Jan. 22, 1923.
160. Ranger. July 26, 1921. Controversial Houston-built marque;
"Government charges alleged that the Ranger Six had not been built at
all...the factory...was an elaborate stage set on the outskirts of
town...."--Kimes.
161. Regal. N.d. but c. 1915. Circular board.
162. (Renault). "Agencia Renault / Enrique Abal & Cia. / Buenos
Aires / Montevideo." Sept. 9, 1920.
163. Reo. May 18, 1927.
164. (Reo Flying Cloud). Nov. 9, 1926 and Apr. 7, 1927. Art master
depicting famed clipper ship on a stormy sea.
165. Reo Flying Cloud. Apr. 7 and May 13, 1927. Variant of above.
166. ReVere. July 29, 1918. Dramatic artwork of Paul Revere. Early:
production was not under way until the following year.
167. Reynolds. Apr. 17, 1920. Unlisted in Kimes.
168. Richelieu. Jan. 16, 1922. Intricate logo of this costly,
Duesenberg-powered car, lasting only til the following year.
169. Roamer. Sept. 1, 1916.
170. Rollin. Nov. 9, 1922 and Apr. 16 and June 5, 1924. Lower right
corner lacking, not affecting logo.
171. Rolls-Royce. May 26, 1919. Predating the purchase of their
Springfield plant by some six months, and a full eighteen months
before production of the first American Rolls-Royce. The only original
artwork for the Rolls-Royce logo of this early period in private
hands. Some soiling and dampspotting, else highly satisfactory and
eminently displayable. Easily a centerpiece for an automotive exhibit.
172. Ross Eight. Apr. 17-Oct. 9, 1917.
173. Rugby. Dec. 24, 1924.
174. Ruggles. Truck. Mar. 1, 1925.
175. Saxon. Oct. 17, 1916. Circular board. Dramatic artwork of their
Saxon warrior logo, splendidly executed and signed.
176. Saxon. Mar. 16, 1920. Different, star-filled shield-style logo,
topped with acorns.
177. Scripps-Booth. May 7, 1921.
178. Selden. "In Built Quality / Motor Trucks." Aug. 11, 1919.
179. Seneca. "...Built for the Owner." Aug. 8, 1922. "13 hours" in
hand of artist!
180. Standard. May 3 and 10, 1928. Similar design seen on sales
literature of Pittsburgh-built marque, though here dated several years
after cessation of production. This may have been prepared in response
to requests from owners of Standards still in service.
181. Standard. Nov. 16, 1926 and Apr. 19, 1930. Variant of above
design.
182. Star. Nov. 29, 1927. Junior size.
183. Sterling Knight. Oct. 29, 1923. Delightful logo, showing large
Pound-Sterling symbol inked in white against vertical bars.
184. Studebaker. Aug. 20, 1926.
185. Stutz. "The Car That Made Good In A Day." Dec. 4, 1922.
186. Summit. May 14, 1923. Curious logo of kangaroo and duck, with
legend "Advance Australia" in miniature ribbon. Unlisted in Kimes.
187. Sun. N.d. but prob. 1916. Heavily inked.
188. Washington. Jan. 16, 1922. Portrait of George Washington in
white ink on black and white diamond.
189. Victor. "Victor Motors Co." Aug. 13, 1926. Elaborately styled
logo with ribbons, scroll, and wreath. Unlisted in Kimes.
190. Westcott. N.d. but from Springfield, Ohio location.
191. Wills Sainte Claire. Aug. 20, 1926.
192. Willys Knight. Nov. 30, 1927.
Miscellaneous Artwork from the Moto-Meter Archive
193. (American eagle). Feb. 1, 1927. Superlative bald eagle, clutching olive branches and arrows, stars-and-stripes shield between his claws. Possibly used for a patriotic Moto-Meter insert.
194. (American eagle). Feb. 1, 1927. White-on-black, finished version of above, in
Moto-Meter surround.
195. "American." Curious lettering, n.d. but 1930's, possible for a
children's pedal car.
196. Elks. N.d. but c. 1919. Heavily retouched large elk's head, for
use on cars of members of the fraternal B.P.O.E. Circular strawboard.
197. Hi-Speed Fan Belts. N.d. but early 1930's. Christmas red and
green watercolors, with fine red onlay. Probably a design for retail
display.
198. Imperial Clock Corp. June 7 and 12, 1935. Splendid pencil
design prepared for this Illinois clock maker, with fine period
filigree between each numeral. Accompanying correspondence indicates
price, for one hundred dials, 12-1/2" diameter, was just 44 each!
199. Nash. Pair of original renderings of Art Deco instruments for
Nash dashboard, n.d. but c. 1935. Each 5" diam., red and white on
chocolate brown watercolor. Speedometer, and Fuel/Temperature/Oil/Amp
gauges. Highly attractive.
200. (Pedal cars?). C. 1935. Astonishly realistic original artwork
of a miniature dashboard, 3 x 8-1/2, robin's-egg blue, black, white,
and red gauges, on walnut-grain background. Speedometer shows 75
m.p.h. Label on verso.
201. (Pedal cars?). C. 1935. Litho on metal variant of above
miniature dashboard, here the speedometer at 65, and the gauge designs
changed. In simulated walnut, red, and black. Same dimensions as
preceding. Highly unusual.
202. Pratt & Whitney. July 9, 1942. Magnificent eagle on flight, on
diamond nameplate, "Pratt & Whitney, U.S.A. / Dependable Engines /
Nash-Kelvinator / Maker...." Job markings on verso.
204. Nash design study. N.d. but c. 1935 pencil drawing of
instrument cluster for Nash. Multiple Art Deco chevrons in bullseye,
with fuel, temperature, amp, and oil gauges arrayed around circle in
ovals. Spiderweb glassine overlay.
203. Speedometer design study. N.d. but early 1930's. 5-3/4 x 7-1/4.
Rendered in mocha, warm brown, white, and red pigments. Showing an
unidentified but highly styled speedometer, with integral oil,
temperature, amp, and gas gauges.
204. Speedometer design. Original glossy photograph of dashboard in
actual though unidentified car, gauges sporting lovely, quintessential
Art Deco gauges, designed by Moto-Meter. Probably c. 1935.
205. "Truck and Tractor Model." Apr. 20, 1927. Unidentified but
found in original file between "Buick" and "Bush" artwork. Perhaps the
most beautiful eagle in the entire archive, this in flight, clutching
the American flag in its beak. Executed in white on black inks.
206. Group of original Moto-Meter sales literature, suitable for
display with original artwork, and for historical reference.
General Information about the
Moto-Meter Archive
What these are: These renderings represent the actual, finished master artwork for the emblems ordered by the respective auto factory. From these finished pieces were made the zinc dies, to mass produce the logo faceplates. These faceplates were then assembled into Moto-Meters, and shipped to the auto factories, for installation atop the radiators of new cars.
Because of the domination of the auto industry by Moto-Meter _ at their zenith, they were used as factory-installed standard equipment on over 200 makes of cars and trucks _ and because of the amount of work they produced, there are some exceptions to the above within the archive. There are a small number of logos specially designed for dealers, such as the Lincoln faceplate to which Murphy's name was added. And there were a few special designs, such as an American eagle, or one for the fraternal Elks.
Virtually all items are drawn in 3:1 scale, that is, three times larger than the actual logo. This allowed the artists to work within a larger area, to capture detail and hand-letter the text, which was frequently stylized.
Artwork is in three principal sizes: smallest, about 6 x 6" overall; medium, about 8 x 8"; and large, about 10 x 10". Notwithstanding these differences in the sizes of the overall boards, the logos remain in the 3:1 scale, so that displayability is equally good, and depends upon the appeal of the logo itself.
The earlier items frequently bear purple job handstamps on the backs, within which the draftsman has written the date, job number, die number, signed with initials or in full, and one or more supervisors initialed his work. Later items frequently bear printed job labels, which have this same information, together with measurements of the finished logo plate.
Many, many logos are entirely created by hand: their artistic content is nearly 100%, the design being drawn from scratch. Because this was often an inordinately time consuming process -- sometimes a full day for a single logo -- Moto-Meter eventually acquired a photographic camera. Consequently, some logos are either a combination of pen-and-ink work and a working print, or a print with retouching and fitting by hand. These examples have had a lower value assigned to them, however they remain the only available example of that logo -- no other survives. Indeed, they may have made a photographic print towards the end of a design job, because the original was so heavily encrusted with inks and scarred with knife marks that it would have been damaged in handling as it made its way to other departments in the plant.
Condition varies from showing considerable evidence of shop handling, to some which were probably never handled after the first die was made, and are remarkably choice. Invariably, that automaker had gone out of business, or their requirement was so tiny that the first order for one or several hundred faceplates satisfied their entire production life!
These constitute the only collection of original artwork of automobile emblems that has, or is likely to, come on the market.
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