WHEELS THAT WON THE WEST®

Chuck Wagon Discovery - Part 1

2012-02-22T10:31:00.000-06:00

Without question, one of the most important aspects of sustainable research is impartiality. It’s the same commitment to objectivity that has helped our Wheels That Won The West^® Archives uncover so many early wagon-related facts and details. One of the latest finds is a photograph that we initially believed would date to around 1870 (We’ll share more about that in next week’s post). The image shows a group of men in a camp setting, gathered around a wagon fitted with chuck boxes. From the weapons and clothing shown in the photo to the wagon, candle lantern and overall trappings, the period image is rich with material for study.

At first glance all seems normal about the wagon; high wheel, square edge narrow tire, pantry up front and what appears to be a hasp for another chuck box at the rear of the wagon. Closer inspection, though, clearly shows a bolster spring positioned between the rocking bolster and wagon box. Another can be seen mounted above the rear bolster. This is significant because it appears to be the earliest image known to show bolster springs in use – especially on a wagon with chuck boxes.

We’ll cover more on this rare, information-filled image next week as we profile some of the process utilized in determining a date for the image.

It’s a Small World

2012-02-15T11:18:00.000-06:00

When it comes to the fields of marketing and advertising, the basics of these crafts today are amazingly similar to practices employed more than a hundred years ago. Take work vehicles for example. Today, auto makers still tout hauling capacities, craftsmanship, innovation and ruggedness features. Each still purports to have the edge in ease of maintenance, strength and reliability. Plus, the selling dealership still tags his name on the vehicle – a practice started in the early wagon days. Surely competition is no more aggressive than it was for a market glutted with thousands upon thousands of wagon makers during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Another area of similarity between sales promotions of the different eras is the segment of miniature vehicles. While it’s been nearly two decades, I’ll never forget how much fun my kids (along with my wife & I while watching) used to have with those battery-powered, ride-in cars and trucks that are still so popular today. Branded with logos from different well-known vehicle companies, these rolling fun machines provide a steady source of income for retailers as well as solid brand exposure for the full-sized sets of wheels they represent…just the way it was a century ago.

Looking back to both sides of the turn of the 20^th century, many wagon makers were doing the same thing… reinforcing their brands and lining their pockets with sales from small child’s wagons. Sometimes they were promoted as toys and at other times they were given the added benefit of being helpful around the house, farm, lawn and garden.

Today, surviving examples of these pint-sized creations can command healthy price tags as they’re consistently sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. As with full-size, vintage wagon values, there are a number of elements that help dictate overall prices. (See the “Borrowed Time” book sold on our website for more details on vehicle values). Of course, as is the case with classic vehicles today, primary brands almost always receive the most attention. Often, that attention alone can result in higher prices.

Perhaps the most commonly seen small wagons like this are the “Studebaker Junior” designs. Heavily promoted beyond the master catalogs, these Studebaker survivors are highly coveted. Just as much in demand are the tiny creations from other legendary wagon makers. So, when we came across this century-plus-old Peter Schuttler child’s wagon, we were fascinated by the discovery. While not totally obscure, small wagons like this are far from commonplace today. In fact, rarely does one see a Peter Schuttler brand child’s wagon. (As of this writing, I’ve seen a total of two in nearly twenty years of collecting, travel and research).

While some makers purchased generic, off-the-shelf miniatures from toy wagon makers and applied their logos to them, others manufactured their own. This “baby” Schuttler carries very distinctive wood and metal work that clearly shows a custom design meant to reinforce and complement the legendary Peter Schuttler name. Important marketing steps for a big and small world.

Stuck in a Rut?

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Each year, we receive hundreds of emails seeking reviews on a wide range of wood-wheeled vehicles. Some are in remarkably sound condition while others are mere remnants of their former selves. The images shown here represent one of the most extreme cases we’ve seen when it comes to “protecting” a wagon from theft. (Yes, it’s exactly what it looks like. The wheels are embedded in concrete).

While effective in protecting the wagon from theft, anchoring it outdoors in a pool of concrete also set this vehicle’s course for sure and rapid decomposition. Thankfully, the new owners of this wagon have freed it from the clutches of its concrete custody and are committed to providing it with new life… sans the permanent ruts.

What's in a Name?

2012-02-01T12:19:00.001-06:00

One of the great aspects of research is the process of discovery itself. I love learning new things and studying early heavy vehicles is an area full of opportunity and ‘aha’ moments. On the flip side of that same coin are the countless details we have yet to learn.

That said, personal growth in any subject requires a solid foundation in the basics. Unfortunately, when it comes to early wagons, locating authoritative details in every circumstance can sometimes be difficult. When I began my research nearly 20 years ago, determining specific vehicle part names seemed all but impossible. Only after years of collecting vehicles, original sales literature and countless period images was I able to start dissecting the what, why’s and wherefore’s of heavy vehicle nomenclature.

Knowing that this area of study can still be confusing, from time to time in this blog we’ll cover some of the vehicle parts, discussing correct period terminology, meanings and what a particular feature is designed to do. To get things started, let’s isolate a part on the gear (undercarriage) of wagons that were built with a square front hound.

Looking under the wagon box and just behind the front wheels… The lowermost, transverse wooden part connecting both sides of the forward hound is most often referred to by early wagon makers as the “sway bar.” It runs below the reach or coupling pole and is designed to help stabilize the front axle, tongue and entire forward gear assembly. Without this feature, the front axle can roll under the stress of the tongue, terrain and overall vehicle movement - ultimately creating severe stability and structural dependability challenges.

Sometimes (as shown in this photo) there is another upper transverse section of wood located just above the reach as well. That piece is generally called the “slider” or “top sway bar.” As common as these part names once were to the American populace, they are equally obscure today. Knowing these labels is essential to effective communication as well as understanding the complexity of the wagon’s design.

Connecting the Dots: Building a Documented Vehicle Identity

2012-01-24T14:09:00.000-06:00

LOST IDENTITIES… Many early wagons have lost enough of their original and obvious maker markings that it can be difficult to quickly determine a maker. Combined with potential changes or adaptations to the vehicle over the years, reaching a firm conclusion on a builder can involve lengthy studies in some cases.

While documentable identities have the potential of significantly increasing a vehicle’s value, ultimately, it takes the cumulative matching of multiple, distinct construction features with primary sources to deliver an authoritative review.

To help avoid inaccurate identifications, it’s important to realize that many brands used similar features. We typically review a host of different construction traits on the box and gear before making statements relative to a maker, date of manufacture or level of originality.

2012 CAA/CWF International Carriage Symposium

2012-01-20T16:21:00.000-06:00

Simply put, the 2012 CAA/CWF International Carriage Symposium that took place in Colonial Williamsburg January 11^th - 14^th was an extraordinary experience. It seemed like virtually every facet related to horse drawn vehicles – historical to modern day – was covered in this showcase event.

Hosted by the Carriage Association of America and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the 4-day gathering drew conservators, historians, writers, collectors, driving competitors and horse drawn vehicle enthusiasts the world over.

I was honored to be one of fourteen speakers from the U.S., Russia, Sweden, Canada, England and Switzerland. It was all part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Carriage Association. Our Wheels That Won The West^® presentation covered the heavier, box style wagons that permeated the American West from 1850 through the turn of the 20th century.

While at Colonial Williamsburg, we had the opportunity to examine a great deal of history - including a pair of early Virginia road wagons. The wagon with the blue box shown here is known as the Minnick-Zirkle ‘waggon’ and is a rare, surviving freight wagon believed to have been built around 1810-1812. You can read more about the provenance of this wagon in the book, Adventures of a Waggon Tracker, by Franklin Zirkle.

There were several other speakers sharing details related to period American wagons including Tom Lindmier's excellent presentation on 19^th century military vehicles. Also intriguing was an informative program by Thomas Kinney covering early city/business wagons. Leading conservator, Brian Howard from Pennsylvania discussed a number of fascinating conservation projects that he and his firm, B.R. Howard & Associates, have completed - including work on the legendary Studebaker "Aluminum Wagon" built for the Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the Lafayette carriage which, like the Aluminum Wagon, is housed in the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana.

Surrounded by so many vehicle experts and so much history, this was a first class event with a great deal of insightful information to offer. My heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the Carriage Association of America and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for producing and hosting such a powerful and important symposium.

Studebaker Wagons: At Work in the West

2012-01-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Identifying the maker of a paint-less, early western vehicle can be difficult… Especially, when the challenge is amplified by a lack of photography or access to the vehicle.

When we were approached for insights into this government archive photo, we immediately began to review the piece and catalog multiple, significant details. After careful scrutiny, we were able to conclude that the freighter shown here is an original Studebaker Rack Bed wagon with steel skeins and California seat riser. The topmost sideboard has been added but much of the remainder of the box appears original – albeit weathered and worn from use.

According to archeologist, Jon Czaplicki, this wagon was used to help carry supplies (in this photo, luggage for the stone masons) while building the Roosevelt Dam just a few years after the turn of the 20th century. Special thanks to the Arizona Bureau of Reclamation and Salt River Project for sharing this significant piece of history with us.

Tell Us Your Favorite & Why…

2012-01-06T17:28:00.000-06:00

America’s early, heavy vehicle industry created a lot of popular brand names. With so many labels to choose from, almost every enthusiast today has a favorite. From Schuttler to Studebaker, Moline to Milburn and thousands more, let us know your pick and why.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T12:25:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! From all of us at Wheels That Won The West^® Publishing & Archives.

National Treasures - A Studebaker Survivor

2011-12-27T21:03:00.000-06:00

From north to south and east to west, America’s early western vehicles still turn heads and add legendary atmosphere to any gathering. It’s a powerful legacy that has many folks always looking for the ideal wood-wheeled icon.

One of the rarest discoveries we’ve seen to date is this documented 1878 Studebaker with original paint, logos and serial number. Put in some perspective, when this piece was built, America was barely 100 years old, the great western cattle drives were still taking place and Billy the Kid, the Younger gang and Jesse James were all making headlines.

After consulting with multiple historians, collectors and officials with the National Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana, this find is believed to be the earliest, original condition, production-built Studebaker known to exist.

It’s great to see such important pieces of our past being found and preserved for future generations. Ultimately, it’s even more encouraging to know that there are still valuable pieces of America’s early history waiting to be discovered!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T23:35:00.000-06:00

Wishing each and everyone a Merry Christmas!

Rare Fish Bros. Wagon

2011-12-19T11:24:00.000-06:00

With such a large archive of rare imagery and primary source information, we regularly receive numerous questions related to early wagons and western vehicles. It’s allowed us the great privilege of assisting individuals and organizations all over the world. One of our projects earlier this year involved helping the wonderful folks at OFS (Furniture) Brands to identify, date and authentically re-create the period-correct paint and graphics for an original Fish Bros. Wagon built in Clinton, Iowa… (Yes, Fish Bros. was also in Racine, Wisconsin but that’s another – very large – story)

Doug Hansen and his team of craftsmen from Hansen Wheel & Wagon did an outstanding job transforming this paint-less, ca. 1905 wagon, replicating the original, fresh-from-the-factory colors, striping and authentic artwork. Exclusive period-accurate imagery, artwork and information from our Wheels That Won The West^® Archives were used to help ensure the vehicle’s historical accuracy in every detail.

This rare, Fish Bros. boot-end bed wagon now resides at the OFS Brands’ Cool Springs facility in Indiana.

Chuck Wagon Conference & More

2011-12-16T15:39:00.000-06:00

Along with Madison Allen and Doug Hansen, we were honored to be asked to speak to the American Chuck Wagon Association at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City earlier this year.

David’s presentation was entitled “Legendary Wheels of the Ranch & Range” and included dozens of extremely rare, unpublished images as well as scarce information on wagon brand identification, construction features and vehicle values.

During the event, we also released the first of a multi-volume series of books covering early western vehicles and the related transportation industry. Entitled, “Borrowed Time – A Tribute to the Wheels that Built the American West” more details on this new book series can be found on our website at http://www.wheelsthatwonthewest.com/

Historic Wagons, Coaches and more…

2011-12-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

Nearly two decades ago, we began looking for answers to questions about America’s early western vehicle industry. From wagons to coaches and so much more, the research quickly snowballed. Today, after years of endless digging and sharing findings with thousands of folks the world over, those initial areas of curiosity have helped built a strong archive of authoritative details.

As we begin our 18th year of vehicle research, evaluations and conservation, it’s clear that we still haven’t scratched the surface on what was a massive industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Much of what we have learned, though, has already helped museums, archeologists, historians, businesses, collectors, writers and enthusiasts the world over. As we continue in our quest to help locate and preserve the rarest elements of America’s wood-wheeled history, we encourage your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.