Run-Flat Tires Are Nothing New

Too often, it seems, significant contributions tied to the early wooden vehicle industry are overlooked, forgotten, or discounted as trite reflections from a non-relevant era.  This week we’re pleased to share another discovery that may help keep history books and modern perceptions in line with realities of early vehicle innovation. 

While transportation designs have definitely changed over the years, many of the purposes and expectations haven’t.  In fact, as long as the wheel has existed, there have been challenges associated with keeping it rolling in good order.

To that point, many are familiar with a 21st century offering referred to as a ‘run-flat tire.’  These types of products are engineered to allow folks to continue driving on a punctured tire at lower speeds for limited distances.  Ultimately, they’re marketed as providing greater confidence, flexibility, security, and safety to contemporary drivers.  As innovative as the concept may seem, though, it’s far from being a new idea.

Looking back to the 1880’s – yep the 1880’s – we begin to see the first American patents related to pneumatic tires.  Previously, wooden wagons and carriages were limited to the use of iron, steel, and hard rubber as a running surface (tire) for the wheel.  The addition of pneumatic tires to spring wagons, buggies, and carriages made for an even smoother, more comfortable ride.

Initial descriptions of the newly-developed pneumatic tires often stated that they could be inflated with air, gas, or liquid.  (Incidentally, all three of these materials are still used within inflated tires today).  By the 1890’s, there were even more pneumatic tire patents introduced, with at least one touting a version of what we refer to today as a ‘run-flat’ tire. 

This original advertisement from 1896 promotes the confident advantages of what we often refer to as a ‘run-flat’ tire.  So much for new ideas in our modern age.

During the 1890’s, the Beebe Tire Manufacturing Company (shown in the advertisement above) was promoting this innovative new design through print advertising as well as editorials from trade publications.  The text below is from an 1896 issue of “The Hub,” clearly outlining the ability of this particular pneumatic tire to run flat without collapsing...

“A new carriage tire, known as the Beebe Pneumatic Vehicle Tire, manufactured by the Beebe Tire Manufacturing Co., of Sandusky, O., under patents of John D. Beebe, the patentee of the bicycle tire of that name, has created much interest among carriage men, who have looked in vain for a pneumatic carriage tire which was practical.  This tire is made of alternate layers of rubber, fabric and crimped spring piano wire, in sufficient layers to make it puncture proof, as repeated tests have shown.  Its construction prevents elongation and creeping on the wheel, and although the air in the tire adds to its resiliency, it is not absolutely necessary to the use of the tire.  The great superiority of the tire lies in its ability to go for necessary distances even though punctured, since the wire prevents the possibility of a collapse.”    

Originally submitted in July of 1895, this patent for an early run-flat tire design was awarded to John D. Beebe in April, 1896.

So it was that roughly 120 years ago, the first pneumatic ‘run-flat’ tire was born.  That will be a bit of news to at least one contributor to a popular on-line encyclopedic website.  The writer in that case points to 1935 as the beginnings of the design.  In spite of the well-meaning but flawed internet post, our research has uncovered a much earlier factory-made precursor to the idea.  As we’ve shared here, the origins of the commercial  "self-supporting” run-flat tire clearly began in the mid-1890’s – four decades before the 1935 date mentioned and well in advance of what is often viewed today as a ‘modern’ invention.   
This, and so much more early transportation history, is typical of what we work so hard to find.  From documented, primary source confirmation of legendary St. Louis wagon maker, Joseph Murphy’s strict vehicle construction standards to first-hand verification of Studebaker’s early paint designs and much, much more, we’ve been privileged to uncover a wealth of truths related to America’s first transportation industry.  Day in and day out, it’s just part of our commitment to preserving and sharing so many rare parts of our country’s past before they’re forever lost.

By the way, if you haven’t signed up to receive this weekly blog via e-mail, just type your address in the "Follow By E-mail" section above.  You'll receive a confirmation e-mail that you'll need to verify before you're officially on board.  Once that's done, you'll receive an email every time we update the blog.  Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance.  We appreciate your continued feedback and look forward to sharing even more wooden vehicle info in the coming weeks. 

Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

A Different Wheel Hub

I receive a lot of emails and questions in the course of a year.  While I’m able to assist a number of folks, not all inquiries are easily answered.  Such was the case when Kathy Christensen of Midwest Buggy in Lockney, Texas sent me a challenging question; a real stumper and head scratcher.  In her travels, Kathy had come across a wagon gear with very distinctive cast metal hubs.  The hubs were large and heavy.  It was easy to see they weren’t of a Sarven, Warner, or Archibald design.  Just what they were, though, remained a mystery. 

This photo from Kathy Christensen marked the beginning of a long journey, taxing my memory and archive organization.

Like a lot of these forgotten parts of yesterday, it was a mystery that took some time to crack.  Nonetheless, while some people ‘never forget a face,’ I rarely forget a design.  It’s a personality trait that has helped me close the case on a number of questions over the years.  When it comes to early wagons and western vehicles, my mind seems to hold onto what it has seen and plays some type of subliminal game of comparison as new information is accumulated.  Don’t get me wrong, not everything works this way.  I’m regularly humbled on a lot of things – like when I can’t remember where I’ve put my glasses; only to find out they’re sitting on my head.  A genius I am definitely not.  But, for whatever reason, many of these historical transportation riddles seem to stick with me.

To that point, about a month ago, I was doing some research on a few wagon makers and came across an illustration of a specially crafted hub.  The piece looked familiar.  Where had I seen it before?  Was it somewhere in my travels, a book I’d read, or maybe an email?  Yes, that was it.  It was an email that had been sent to me.  Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, the synapses were clicking, passing signals from faint memory banks.  Something triggered me to look in my emails with Kathy Christensen.  I had a feeling this was going to match up nicely to the photo that she had sent to me.  It had been a while since I'd seen the photo but I couldn't remember just how long it had been.  I looked and didn’t see anything from her within files from the last couple years.

Hmmm... It was strange because I had an overwhelming confidence that she was the one who had sent the photo.  I took the next step and started digging deeper into my archive emails.  I went back three, four, and even up to five years.  Still, I found nothing.  I began to wonder if I might have inadvertently deleted the email or was misremembering where I had seen the image.  I was convinced this newly-found illustration showed the same innovative hub I had seen in that distantly recalled photo.  My mind wouldn’t turn loose so I looked a little farther back in time.  Combing through nearly 1,000 emails from my correspondence with Kathy over the last 15 years, I finally found it.  Turns out, I was recollecting the original photo from an email she’d sent to me back in October of 2008 – nearly 7 years ago!  If only my entire mind worked that sharply on every subject! 

This patent for a reinforced hub design was granted to Targe G. Mandt in 1901.

So, what was the design?  Turns out, the idea was conceived by the legendary wagon builder, T.G. Mandt of Stoughton, Wisconsin.  It earned a patent on Christmas Eve in 1901, just two months before Mr. Mandt’s death.  Overall, the concept was engineered to provide superior wheel strength, stability, and confident performance for wooden wheels in a variety of demanding conditions. 

From the beveled rectangular spoke sockets to the circular rounded notches between the spokes, the circular bead at the junction of the body and rim, and the opposing bevels from the spoke rim, the patent overlaid as a direct match with the photo.  Unfortunately, the photo I received did not show a sufficient amount of the rest of the running gear, so it’s tough to say if the entire gear was of a Mandt design or not.  Equally unknown at this time is whether Mandt ever used the design or merely sold or licensed it to others.  At any rate, it felt good to put a significant part of this mystery to rest and help pass on more of America’s lost transportation history to future generations. 

By the way, if you haven’t signed up to receive this weekly blog via e-mail, just type your address in the "Follow By E-mail" section above.  You'll receive a confirmation e-mail that you'll need to verify before you're officially on board.  Once that's done, you'll receive an email every time we update the blog.  Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance.  We appreciate your continued feedback and look forward to sharing even more wooden vehicle info in the coming weeks. 

Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

America’s 239th Birthday

Peter Schuttler, Henry Weber, Joseph Murphy, Louis Espenschied, and so many more legendary early vehicle builders were fierce competitors with a great deal of differences.  Nonetheless, they also had a lot in common.  One of the more significant similarities is that each immigrated to the United States looking forward to the freedom and potential offered by America.  Like our founding fathers, these early wagon makers understood the true value of liberty and genuine opportunity.  Leaving family, friends, and roots, they took great risk to embrace the promise of a fresh start.

 

As Emma Lazarus’ words on the legendary, copper-clad lady in New York Harbor proclaim – these were the ‘tired, the poor, the huddled masses; all yearning to breathe free.’  With such a rich and blessed history, we can never forget our past and how our great nation came to be.

 

Over the centuries, things have changed considerably.  Yet, in spite of the modern challenges we face, America still carries the heart for which she was created... this beautiful country remains a powerful beacon of freedom and a compelling land of hope and dreams.  As such, we owe an eternal debt to so many who have stood in the gap; guarding our independence while protecting our future and securing our way of life. 

This July Fourth marks our 239th year as a nation.  To all of the men, women, and families who have given so much, we salute and honor you.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  It is a daily reminder of all we hold dear and how much we still have to look forward to.  From sea to shining sea, it is a true privilege to live in this Land.  Recognizing that, we join with countless others pledging allegiance to 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'

Wishing you and yours a safe, happy, and memorable Independence celebration.

David

Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

More Tips on Collecting Early Vehicles

“If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward.”  We’ve likely all heard a variation of that quote from time to time.  Truth is, when it comes to collecting vintage vehicles, the statement is good food for thought.  Not long ago, I interviewed a man who had been collecting early wagons and farm antiques for a half century.  No matter how you slice it, that’s a long time.  He had seen a lot in those decades but freely admitted he was still learning and growing.  That kind of no-nonsense attitude and straight-forward commitment can help anyone to be a better collector.  Ultimately, by always striving to grow – no matter how much experience and knowledge we possess – the results can put us in perfect position to find things others unknowingly pass over. 

With those thoughts as a backdrop, I thought I’d pass along seven areas that can help us be more effective in collecting early vehicles.

 

1)      Organizations

Joining like-minded organizations like the American Chuck Wagon Association, Carriage Association of America, National Stagecoach & Freight Wagon Association, Santa Fe Trail Association, and Oregon-California Trails Association can provide us with more than just interesting events.  Networking with people in organizations with complementary interests has a way of opening doors and growing our knowledge base in ways that ‘going it alone’ could never do.  If you’re not a member of one of these or a similar group, I’d encourage you to take a closer look at what you’re missing.

2)      Travel

I’m often asked, “Where do you find the better pieces?”  The answer is simple.  You have to always be looking.  Rarely do the special vehicles we’re interested in just happen to show up on our doorstep.  That, coupled with the fact that many vehicle styles are more prevalent in certain areas, means we usually have to actively search, and search, and search, and search before something comes up that will truly turn heads.  So, hit the road and keep your eyes open.  You never know what you may run across during an otherwise random road trip.

3)      Visit Museums/Collections

Some of the best places to see a good cross section of early vehicles are in museums and private collections.  Unrestored examples of period pieces can be especially valuable learning resources.  Spend a little time researching where collections are located and make it a point to visit as many as you can over time.  The efforts can be extremely rewarding as many of the collections can hold vehicles you may not be aware of (and may not be on a website).  To that point, I’ve been collecting and researching for over two decades and continually run across extremely rare pieces in some of America’s most obscure public collections. 

4)      Attend Events

Whether it’s a symposium of speakers, an auction with period vehicles for sale, chuck wagon competition, or a gathering of vehicle enthusiasts, there are a variety of occasions that offer first-hand looks at rare vehicles.  Oftentimes, even small nuggets of information gathered in these venues can pay off when you’re considering the collectability of an early set of wheels.

5)      Read

While the subject is too large to be contained in any one compilation, there are a number of books with valuable details on horse drawn wagons.  I’ve outlined a number of them from time to time and even shared some in my February 26, 2014 blog. 

6)      Pay Attention

One of the best pieces of advice I could give anyone interested in period wagons and western vehicles is to pay close attention to every element in the vehicle.  Truly original pieces do still exist and offer a great education for anyone willing to learn.  That said, there are an even greater number of vehicles that have suffered at the hands of even the best-intentioned.  Time and attention to detail have a way of making it easy to spot the best pieces.

7)      Don’t be afraid to ask questions

There really is no such thing as a ‘dumb question.’  No matter the subject, we all start out knowing nothing.  Reliable research, experience, and careful cataloging of the results has a way of slowly building a knowledge base that will enhance any collection.  After all, to be an effective collector of vehicles, it’s imperative to know what you’re looking at.  Invariably, that kind of background has a way of producing solid results.

By their very nature, early vehicle enthusiasts are always looking for elements to set their collection apart.  Consistent focus on the points above can have a positive impact on virtually any search for specific pieces.  Remember... Don’t be afraid to ask questions and work to understand the technologies involved in a set of wheels.  Lastly, I'll leave you with five words that can help each of us better understand America's rarest wooden wheels.  Those words are – “I’ve never seen that before.”  What I mean is that only by recognizing elements we're unfamiliar with can we continually grow our understanding and appreciation of these vehicles.  


Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

Complexities of Early Vehicle Design

We have a lot of historical elements housed in the Wheels That Won The West® Archives.  From early print blocks, catalogs, flyers, trade cards, correspondence, signs, and other advertising media to original vehicles, parts, accessories, and technology, the compilation covers a broad segment of our nation’s growth and development.  Individually and collectively, these pieces help us tell the real story of America’s first – and largest – transportation industry.  With so many players across multiple centuries, it’s a story that has yet to be fully shared but one we’re committed to pinning down and opening up more every day. 

With that as a bit of background, we’ve regularly pointed out that every original part of a vintage wagon has purpose.  It makes no difference how big, small, obvious, or unnoticed an element is; every piece has a roll to play in the success of the whole.  As a result, these vehicles are far from being crude conveyances thrown together with no thought or focus.  Likewise, it’s no exaggeration to say that the survivors are rare monuments holding more history, science, math, art, engineering, and technology than most have ever imagined. 

This 1883 patent allowed round-shaped reaches to be incorporated into more ‘modern’ reach couplings.

Throughout the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, these wheels were continually tested, modified, and redesigned by their builders.  The process, itself, is a testimony to the American spirit and drive to excel.  With that in mind, this week, we’ll point out a particular style of reach plate designed by Alexander Barr of Louisville, Kentucky.  The idea was awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent Office in 1883.  For those unfamiliar with the term 'reach plate' – it’s the center metal sheet or cast iron piece(s) that connect to the reach and rear hounds, thereby linking the front and back segments of the running gear.  The design also allows the undercarriage to be shortened or lengthened for different use purposes.   

The heavy cast iron fabrication in Alexander Barr’s reach plate was another advantage of the design.  Note the curved contours on the bottom of the plate.  

Unlike other reach plates of the day, Mr. Barr’s design was meant to bridge the gap between styles with upper and lower plates sandwiching the coupling pole (reach) and earlier banded reach styles.  The purpose was meant to allow the use of traditional round poles (versus square edged) to serve as the reach while also enabling the rear hounds to be drawn farther forward when desired.  This made it easier to use the running gear in a greater diversity of purposes – from hay racks and wheat trucks to hauling lumber and other needs.  

Like so many seemingly ordinary elements in a wooden vehicle’s construction, the complexity of this design goes far beyond initial appearances.  It’s one more reason every early heavy vehicle is worthy of a deeper look.  More often than not, these wooden warriors are full of intriguing history and countless stories.  

By the way, if you haven’t signed up to receive this weekly blog via e-mail, just type your address in the "Follow By E-mail" section above.  You'll receive a confirmation e-mail that you'll need to verify before you're officially on board.  Once that's done, you'll receive an email every time we update the blog.  Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance.  We appreciate your continued feedback and look forward to sharing even more wooden vehicle info in the coming weeks. 



Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

Rolling History Lessons

From my earliest days of studying America’s period wagons and western vehicles, the subject really took me to school.  In fact, these rolling works of art have done more than just grow my western transportation repertoire.  They’ve sent me to the proverbial woodshed a number of times for discipline.  Those experiences have taught me to slow down, look close, and not jump so easily to conclusions. 

It’s one of the reasons I’m always a bit cautious when pushed to quickly identify a vehicle builder.  While we live in an age where fast food and instant gratification are strong expectations, offering answers too quickly can generate a whole new set of problems.  About now, someone may be saying, “What the devil are you getting to, David?”  Just this… There are countless areas in vehicle evaluations where non-supported assumptions can leave us high and dry.

One of those places lies in the similarity of many brand names.  When looking at the different makes, it’s important to remember that what we see is not always as it appears.  For instance, some of our readers are likely aware that Montgomery Ward once marketed a wagon by the name of Whitewater.  Unfortunately, if you run across a Whitewater wagon, the name, alone, is not sufficient evidence to prove it is a Montgomery Ward brand.  In fact, there were at least three manufacturers that promoted a ‘Whitewater’ wagon.  In similar fashion, other companies also had duplicates.  For instance, while their histories were intertwined, Fish Bros. wagons built in Clinton, Iowa and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin were not the same as those built in Racine, Wisconsin.  Along the same lines, the Winona Wagon Company was a separate entity from the Winona Carriage Company.  There were multiple manufacturers of Nissen-branded wagons in North Carolina and the Star Wagon Company and Star Buggy Company were totally different firms in separate states.

Competing against a number of different ‘Smith’ wagons, this firm in Pekin, Illinois promoted themselves as the oldest and only vehicle worthy of the name.

 

If that’s not convincing enough, there were various builders of ‘Smith’ wagons as well.  While many enthusiasts may be familiar with T & H Smith from Pekin, Illinois, fewer are likely aware of Smith Wagons from Minneapolis, Minnesota or LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  Even more egregious is when two prominent brands are confused with each other.  As an example, not long ago, I came upon a Moline Mandt brand erroneously referred to as a Moline wagon.  Each of these companies have different factories, owners, designs, and histories.

Other complexities include countless brands that aren’t well known on the national scene but had a strong local influence.  It’s important to be aware that these pieces aren’t always found close to their original homes these days.  With collectors, traders, and enthusiasts scanning every nook and cranny of the U.S. for the best vehicles, quite a few of these sets of wheels have been transported well outside of their primary trade areas.  To that point, how many folks today are familiar with brands like Bement, Dean, Gale, Ottawa, Case, Cherokee, Pioneer, or Reitig?  These are names of well-promoted local and regional pieces that could be misidentified because they’re relatively unknown among the masses. 

Why does all of this matter?  Because, accuracy and proper identity always matter.  It matters to vehicle integrity, history, education, and even resale values.  Ultimately, it’s a big world inside America’s first transportation industry.  So, dive in, hold on, and good luck with your research.  There’s not a roller coaster on the planet with more dips, dives, twists, turns, and surprises.

Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.

The History of a Wagon

In my studies of early American wagons, I’ve had the opportunity to review thousands of different sets of wheels.  Over time, I’ve come to the conclusion that most of the survivors are mysteries just waiting to be solved.  In other words, seldom has the vehicle been so thoroughly evaluated that its entire story is known or told.  Instead, most of these rolling works of art are presented with basic, limited descriptions and, if we’re not careful, we tend to fill in the blanks with best guesses, assumptions, or even disinterest.  Worst yet, a lack of information can contribute to depressed vehicle values and missed opportunity to restore a great historical narrative.

 

Rarely are there complete dead ends to any of this research.  While efforts to fill in background details often take considerable time, even if the personal history of a particular vehicle cannot be traced, the makeup of the piece can say a great deal about its past.  Construction elements can point to a particular maker, era of manufacture, levels of originality, and period advancements.  Few designs are as simple as they might appear.  With that thought in mind, another point to remember is that different types of innovation are often unrecognized by modern audiences.  As a result, they are regularly overlooked – even within some museum settings.  Clearly, anytime something goes unnoticed, there is a possibility for both positive and negative surprises.

 

For collectors, when it comes time to buy a piece, it’s helpful to know as much as possible about the vehicle.  Several years ago, I watched an early 20th century wagon sell at auction for a fairly high price.  It was a well-known brand and heavily promoted as a rare example of a completely original wagon.  While it was predominantly equipped as it was from the factory, it was not an all-original piece.  Unbeknownst to most, the doubletree and singletrees were from another brand.  This might seem like a small point but, to a collector, finding out this information after the fact can be both embarrassing and potentially costly.  Locating the correct pieces to replace wrong elements can require considerable time as well as additional funds to ensure the vehicle is indeed original. 

Nonetheless, the doubletree, in particular, was intriguing to me as it represented technology dating to the late 1800’s.  The distinction lay in tightly coiled springs on the outer edges of the evener.  These springs were connected to the singletrees, providing a cushion of sorts when the wagon was drawn.  The springs were said to save wear and tear on the horses’ shoulders as well as the harness.  It was also claimed to help prevent the tendency of excitable horses to balk.

This image shows part of an early doubletree patent.  It was one of dozens focused on improving eveners. 

While some U.S. patents on doubletrees will predate the Civil War, there were continual advances in this arena all the way through the early 1900’s.  There is easily more than a half century of patent submissions and approvals on just this one segment of period wagon accessories.  In my presentations, evaluations, and discussions with others, these types of revelations can come as a surprise.  They’re another reminder, though, that wood-wheeled wagons are far from simple machines.  Knowing these details with indisputable confidence can greatly enhance our own appreciation for a set of wheels while also creating opportunities to showcase the vehicle as the historic piece it is.  

  

Please Note:  As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved.  The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives.