Nissen Wagons

With a history spanning more than 150 years, the Nissen wagon brand (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) was built by one of the longest-surviving wooden wagon companies in America.  The firm made wagons with both straight and curved beds.  Those curved or arched configurations have caused some to misidentify the vehicle as a Conestoga.  The unique designs are more accurately referred to as “Crooked bed wagons,” “tobacco wagons,” or “southern schooners.”  Even though many of the Nissen wagons share similar traits with a Conestoga, they are much smaller and lighter than those legendary heavy freighters so often used on America’s National Road. 

Behind the original Peter Schuttler and Bain wooden signs shown here is a rare, eleven bow Nissen wagon box.  Dating to the 1890’s, its size makes it among the largest examples of Nissen survivors.

Not long ago, I came across some additional history of the Nissen Wagon Works and thought I’d pass some of that along here.  Published in 1913, these primary source details give us even greater insight into a firm with origins almost as old as the American Revolution...

Throughout the Carolinas and Virginia, as well as in other parts of the country, the “Nissen” wagon has carried the name and fame of Winston-Salem as a manufacturing center, and probably no other product of the Twin City is better and more favorably known, certainly none has been known for so long a time.

The first “Nissen” wagon was made in Salem more than one hundred and twenty-five years ago by Tyco Nissen, a native of Denmark and one of the original colony of Moravians that settled that part of the State.  His descendants have nearly all been wagon builders (it seems to run in the family), and the immense plant that has grown through the years is now owned by William M. Nissen, proprietor of the George E. Nissen Co. 

From the time of the building of the first wagon in 1787 is a far cry, and the growth of the industry, backed always by intelligence, industry and fair dealing, has shown more plainly than any written word could do, how people appreciate a really good article.

It was not until 1834, when J.P. Nissen who died in 1874, took hold of the business, that its real growth began, and he is looked upon as the real founder of the enterprise.

The plant now covers about 15 acres, on which have been erected nearly half a hundred buildings and sheds, used for various purposes, but about 50 acres of the surrounding property is owned by the concern, for this is a growing industry, and preparations for future expansion have been made. The capacity of the plant is 8,000 wagons a year, and approximately 200 people are employed, not including the men engaged in selling this standard wagon.

It is only natural that in more than a century the construction would draw near to perfection.  Each generation of the family has contributed a share in one way or another, and every feature that in any way would better the wagon is adopted...  Some idea of its vast increase in the output may be gained by remembering the fact that on December 31, 1912, just one hundred and twenty-five years after the first Nissen wagon was built, a train consisting of eleven solid carload lots, consisting of 314 complete wagons, representing a cash value of $15,000, pulled out of Winston-Salem.  If the wagons in this one shipment were stood end to end, it would have made a solid string almost one and one-quarter miles in length.

These wagons had been produced, one every eighteen minutes of a working day, at the Nissen works.  Some further idea of the growth of the enterprise may be gathered when it is mentioned that in the pioneer days a complete wagon a day, working from sun up to sun down, was considered a great achievement, and the talk of the surrounding country.

Upon the retirement from active business of William E. Nissen, some three years ago, William M. Nissen became proprietor and general manager, and under his able and energetic leadership the enterprise continues to flourish and prosper, the product always being kept up to the high standard that has made the “Nissen” wagon so long famous.  Mr. Nissen was born in the neighborhood and has all his life been identified with the business-life of Winston-Salem.

Today, the rich history and long legacy of Nissen wagons continue to reinforce the brand’s popularity with collectors and enthusiasts.  It’s an age-old story retold every time an old home place is rediscovered, a barn door opened, and someone spots an all-but-forgotten part of America’s past.  Covered in hay, clutter, and generations of dust, these increasingly rare finds still have a way of capturing one’s imagination and appreciation for a well-crafted set of wheels – just the way it was more than a century ago.

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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.

Authenticity In Early Western Vehicles

Earlier this year, I addressed the term “all-original” as it’s sometimes applied to early wagons and western vehicles.  This week, we’ll cover a term that’s strongly connected to originality but is not always the same.  ‘Authenticity’ levels within a period vehicle are always important considerations.  After all, the more authentic a piece is, the more it properly reflects a specific region of use, era, purpose, and brand.   

Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘authentic’ as something “made or done the same way as an original.”  As a result, for a wagon and its parts to be authentic, the integrity of the design must match proper period construction.  For example, if I have a predominantly original wagon built in 1890 but the spring seat is actually one that is a modern re-creation, made to the exact specifications of what would have been fabricated by the maker in 1890, it is authentic and true to the brand. 

By using original plans and measurements as well as period-appropriate materials, the folks at Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop have consistently reinforced the powerful legacy of the Concord stage coach.

Authenticating a wooden vehicle and its parts requires that multiple areas such as timeframe of manufacture, brand, construction style, technology, condition, and period adaptations be evaluated for consistency with original construction.  Let’s take a look at some of those points...

• Timeframe of manufacture – Horse-drawn vehicle makers often changed design standards and paint configurations over time.  As a result, it’s sometimes easy to spot mismatched pieces that are neither original nor authentic to a particular time period.  As an example... I once knew of someone wanting to incorporate the Winona Indian maiden logo within some restoration work being done on their vehicle.  The timeframe of the maiden was not a match to the era of manufacture for the vehicle.  So, even though both the wagon and the logo represented the same brand, in that particular case, the re-painted logo would not have been an authentic tie to the original build date of the vehicle.

• Brands – With tens of thousands of wooden wagon brands produced in the U.S. (and many Canadian brands also seen in the U.S. today), significant efforts are sometimes required to identify and authenticate a wagon in its entirety.  Virtually every brand had telltale design features that can help confirm whether a part is original or an authentic re-creation mirroring proper designs/styles.

This logo artwork showcasing the Weber brand is a decalcomine transfer originally applied by the maker in the early 20th century.

• Technology – To some, an old wagon is just an old wagon; meaning that there can be an assumption that these pieces are too similar to determine differences.  The reality is that every technology and design feature on period wagons had a beginning.  As a result, we’re often able to quickly determine an earliest time of manufacture for a particular vehicle.  Regrettably, few professional film makers have realized this and, as of this writing, I’m still waiting for the first, major western movie to consistently use authentic, period-correct wagons.

• Condition – Sometimes modern repairs or the addition of authentic parts can cause newer elements of a vehicle to appear mismatched with original portions of the structure.  By appropriately aging replaced and restored parts, the visual integrity of the piece can be reinforced without compromising the correct look and feel of the vehicle.  Wear marks, stains, and stress spots are all part of the proper historic appearance of a piece.  With that said, I’ll issue at least one disclaimer – Poor application of parts and/or treatments can actually hurt a vehicle’s historic integrity, resale value, and visual appeal.

• Period adaptations – Sometimes an original end-user made adaptations to a wagon or western vehicle to suit a particular need or preference.  One example could involve the addition of a rein tie to the upper end gate of a wagon.  While rein ties could be ordered as part of a wagon, many did not have them.  As a result, some farmers, ranchers, and pioneers added their own.  Even though it may not have been an original part of certain wagons, its presence can still be an authentic and original representation of how the vehicle was used during a particular timeframe.

Ultimately, for vehicle collectors and enthusiasts, both originality and authenticity are important considerations.  Each has its place in an evaluation process and each is beneficial to the visual integrity of an antique set of wheels. 



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.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you, your family, and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving.  May God bless you during this special time of year.

Wagon Displays

Over the years, I’ve received countless questions related to early American wagons and western vehicles.  It’s a subject that continually invites curiosity and admiration.  Ultimately, what we, as collectors, know and share not only helps reinforce the fascination for these rolling works of art but perpetuates the true personality of a set of wheels. 

So, this week, I’d like to turn the tables a bit and ask a couple of questions to vehicle collectors as well.  First... how much do you truly know about the individual pieces in your collection?  And second... how do you display and share those details?  I’ve been researching and collecting for over two decades and never cease to be amazed at how much there is to learn about individual vehicles and brands, let alone the entire industry.

Whether we’re talking about a high-end museum collection with multiple transports or a single set of wheels that’s been passed down from an earlier generation, the staged atmosphere surrounding a piece helps set it off as more than a basic concept from a bygone era... it highlights the iconic personality; bringing the piece to life and uniting it to some of the most challenging and exciting times within American history. 

We’ve all seen museum exhibits with elaborate signage and expensive backdrops.  While sets like this can be impressive, some of these can be so elaborate they completely miss the mark.  Why?  Too often, basic history is repeated to the point that the specific provenance attached to a particular set of wheels is completely missed.  If you’re looking to add to the intrigue of your collection with friends, family, and visitors, hone in on the most personal and historic elements related to a vehicle.  I’d recommend that you begin modestly, perhaps with only one vehicle.  Start off with your favorite.  The feelings you have for that one vehicle will help keep you motivated and perhaps even help establish it as the obvious centerpiece in your collection.  Below are a few thoughts on some ways to get started...

Brand History – Work up a brief bio of the brand’s background, highlighting its connection to the growth and development of America.  You may even be able to profile the maker’s involvement in significant events, patents, or legal wranglings. While keeping the details short for easy reading, place the info on a placard next to the wagon.  

Brand Advertising/Signage – Early tin, wooden, and cardboard signs can be an ideal accent to a set of wheels.  Likewise, old print advertising is often elaborate, helping showcase the way a particular brand was perceived back in the day.  If the cost of rare, original signage runs a little outside of your budget, it’s also possible to accomplish similar results with inexpensive reproduction pieces.  Other options include having a digital print shop enlarge an original advertisement and mount it on a stiff backing board.

Design Elements – Get creative.  Look for supporting accessory pieces from the same era as your vehicle.  The presentation of your wagon can benefit from a few (not so many that they’re distracting) authentic components like a wagon jack, drag shoe, stay chains, wooden crates/barrels, or even a miniature child’s wagon of the same make as your full-sized wagon.  Some early wagons might even be appropriate custodians of a period odometer.

Technology Used – Look the wagon over closely.  Are there any patent markings or special features that can be called out?  These types of bonus details can add greatly to the talking points and interest of a particular vehicle. 

Personal History – It’s always a good idea to try and acquire as much history on a set of wheels as possible.  Even if you don’t have a full ownership history, many times a wagon still has the name of a selling dealer stenciled on the box or gear.  Researching the dates of operation and details of a particular retail outlet can reinforce the character and story tied to a piece.

Ultimately, it pays to do your homework.  Take your time researching; being careful in the details.  The last thing anyone wants is to get the history wrong.  That said, be advised... the subject of early wooden wagons is full of twists, turns, and sudden stops.  Many builders had similar names.  Some reinvented themselves under new brand or management names.  Still others have a history that has been widely misreported in modern times.

In the end, don’t be surprised if the extra efforts put forth in the interpretation of a piece not only reflect your deep appreciation for a set of wheels but also more fully engage family members and visitors in a way you never thought possible.  Best of luck to you!



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.

Not Enough Timber

From the mid-nineteenth through the early twentieth century, America’s horse drawn vehicle makers competed heavily for certain wood stocks as they were in heavy demand from a multitude of industries.  With so much pressure on the nation’s forests, the challenges to acquiring the right raw materials in a timely manner were sometimes overwhelming.

To that point, the article below is from a 1906 issue of “The Carriage Monthly.”  It outlines the struggles of supply and demand along with concerns related to vehicle quality, performance, and customer satisfaction.  In part, it also helps explain why some types of wood were in use during a particular time.  Combined with a blog I wrote back in February of this year, it’s an interesting piece giving added insight into America’s first transportation industry.

 “The growing scarcity of timber forces manufacturers to make the very best of the kind of timber they find on the market.  In the opinion of some very careful observers, the time will come when substitutes will have to be had for oak and hickory, none of which will be as good as the oak and hickory stock which contains small defects, but which do not interfere with the strength of the material.  Heretofore, it has been the custom to throw out anything with a defect, even if it did not impair the strength of the material, but the present condition of things limits the manufacturer in this respect.

Take white ash.  A few years ago it was comparatively plentiful.  Now it is practically exhausted.  No wood can easily take the place of second growth northern white ash for certain parts of a vehicle.  There is no white ash to-day that is suitable for the same purposes of the old second growth white ash of a few years ago.  It is not so long ago since that all wagon manufacturers used ash for wagon tongues and they would not hear to the use of anything else.  To-day oak is used for wagon tongues almost entirely, and it is a rare thing to find an ash tongue.  Those that are in use are inferior to ordinary oak stock.  It is true that there is considerable ash in the South, but experience has taught manufacturers that when it is thoroughly dry, it is “brash” and hardly suitable for vehicle construction. 

The inferiority of ash and its scarcity has, in a certain sense, driven vehicle builders to use oak for purposes which a few years ago were not permissible.  Besides, the supply of oak, limited as it is, affords the manufacturers a wide selection.  It is for this reason that oak is being largely used for wagon tongues; also in such articles as buggy bows, oak has almost entirely taken the place of ash.  When a builder comes across a lot of genuine second growth white ash, he feels himself particularly lucky.  Southern ash has the appearance of being tough when it is green; but when it comes to a matter of testing in use, it is demonstrated that oak is superior to ash as it is found to-day.

These are only a few of the instances which could be greatly multiplied, and which are suggested in the timber situation as it faces the carriage and wagon builder to-day.  Cottonwood has been brought out as a substitute for high-priced poplar, but it met with a great deal of opposition for awhile.  Today, wagon builders know to what extent wagon boxes are made from cottonwood, and even this number is approaching the scarcity of poplar.  The question now is, what will next be employed?

Attention is being turned to gum, and it is probable that gum will be largely utilized in the construction of wagon box boards.  Coming down to hickory, we are up against the most serious part of the proposition.  We can find substitutes for oak, poplar, ash and cottonwood, but when it comes to hickory, there is no apparent substitute, and the supply is rapidly diminishing.  The way out of the serious difficulty will be the subject of future discussions, for it is a problem which must be met and solved.”

Just as manufacturers today are dependent upon the availability of quality raw materials, vehicle makers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries also wrestled with maintaining sufficient stocks of building supplies.  This century-plus-old article is just one more reminder that the ‘good old days’ were not necessarily as simplistic as sometimes portrayed.  Builders worked with purpose but often found themselves experimenting with new materials and a whole new set of advertising hyperbole.

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.

What’s My Wagon Worth?

Undoubtedly, the most common questions we receive are focused on early vehicle values.  Before diving off into this surprisingly deep topic, let's take a look at a few points that can sometimes cause confusion.  Too often, these antiquities are generalized with one set of wheels assumed to always be on par with any other.  The fact is, every period wagon is an individual, with a separate history and unique attributes.  It takes a thorough understanding of these early pieces to make comparisons.  As a result, it’s not typically a good idea to assume a particular value for one set of wheels by looking solely at what someone else is asking for another. 

Unlike today’s automotive industry, there are no printed value guides for old wagons and, since there are seemingly endless variables separating these pieces, the subject is full of opportunities to misinterpret value.  Yet another point to be made is that since no two wagons are ever exactly alike, it can sometimes be problematic to take even realized prices at face value without examining various qualities of the vehicle, itself.  I’ve seen pieces with “perceived” attributes sell at auction for significant prices, only for the new owner to discover that troubling points had been overlooked and too much had been paid.  Cue the well-worn phrase, “Caveat Emptor.”

With those thoughts in mind, we’ll take a look at seven areas that should always be assessed prior to assigning value to a specific piece.  Even so, none of the points below can be looked upon as stand-alone considerations.  The collective whole of what I’ll point out in this post (as well as other considerations) must be evaluated together.  With that as a background, let’s take a look at a few crucial areas that can impact period wagon values.

Condition – This point covers a lot of territory with countless features to be examined.  What is missing, broke, weakened, replaced, or rotted on the wagon?  What is the level of wear to each and every part?  This portion of the evaluation process can be extensive and costly if one doesn’t know where and what to look for. 

Degradation or rot in old wheel felloes is a common sight these days.  Nonetheless, its presence can lessen a vehicle’s resale value.

Brand – Similar to motorized vehicles today, the authenticated brand name of a wagon box and gear can easily impact the desirability and purchase price.  Similarly, it’s important to understand that many well-known wagon brands also created secondary brands.  Knowing this history can help a collector add important pieces to a collection without the cost sometimes attached to the primary brand.

Age – Most antique, wood-wheeled wagons are either near or over one hundred years in age.  While it’s a remarkable thought to ponder, simply because a wagon possesses a well-seasoned age does not necessarily mean it has great value.  Similarly, it’s possible for some 20th century wagons to carry more value than a 19th century counterpart - or maybe not.  As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the collective whole of these points, ultimately, helps define an accurate value.

 Not all wagon companies attached dates to their wagons but some did.

Provenance – The documented personal history of a particular piece can also impact historic, sentimental, intrinsic, and resale values.  It’s generally good to pursue as much verifiable information as possible about a vehicle as it can add to the interest of a set of wheels. 

Originality levels – Like so many other elements, this is an area that requires significant experience to confirm the authenticity of a piece.  Replaced and mismatched features along with modern repairs, repainting, or other aftermarket wood treatments can impact values.

Vehicle features – Original accessories and intriguing construction elements can sway values both positively and negatively.  Knowing what a particular brand was doing at a particular time can be extremely helpful in assessing the significance of individual features.

Vehicle type – Wagon makers created numerous types of wagons with even more varieties of construction and features.  Not all vehicle types are considered equally collectible.

Ultimately, this overview is not meant to be all-encompassing, overly simplistic, or even confusing.  Rather, it’s clear that the need for resale value information is important to the preservation and understanding of every surviving vehicle.  It’s our hope that the highlights in this week’s blog can help others put these wood-wheeled warriors into better perspective; encouraging more attention be given to individual pieces with less reliance on vague, non-descript, and non-supportable notions.



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.

Finding 19th Century Wagons

A few weeks ago, several media outlets reported that an old tintype of William H. Bonney (aka Billy the Kid) had been found and, of all things, he was photographed while playing croquet.  It’s an intriguing story and, while the jury may still be out for some historians debating the identities in the image, the discovery made me think about all of the photos each of us has seen of wagons in the West.  Incredibly, and in spite of the way these wheels dominated western history, far too many of the vehicles have been overlooked and their identities lost.  It’s one of the reasons we initiated such a focused study of the subject more than two decades ago.  As time has passed, this hunt for history has led us to a number of destinations throughout the U.S.  Along the way, we’ve been privileged to help preserve and interpret significant elements of our nation’s heritage.

It’s always interesting to come face-to-face with an actual wagon or vehicle image from a particular era.  Many of these can be linked to the times and places associated with legendary outlaws, trail drives, emigrant travel, military expeditions, and overland freighting.  So, while it’s thought-provoking to look into the faces of 19th century personalities of the West, it’s equally fascinating to run head-on into the legendary wheels they saw, walked past, and rode upon. 

Recognizing the traits of 1800’s vehicles has become a passion of mine.  Fortunately, with so many primary source documents in our western vehicle Archives, the rare files have drawn us closer to what these various transports/brands truly looked like throughout the different eras of the 19th century.  Because of the size of the early vehicle industry and the competitive similarities between many brands, the review process can sometimes be extensive.  Nonetheless, over time, we’ve been able through point-by-point examination to conclusively identify wagon brands in a number of largely unknown photos.  Each time we add an identity to the list, it helps bring greater insights into who was doing what, where, how, and when. 

In 2007, we were granted exclusive access to this running gear in the Arabia Steamboat museum in Kansas City.  From provenance details associated with the ship's cargo to a point by point review, we were able to identify the piece as the oldest surviving Peter Schuttler wagon.  It dates to 1856. 

Ultimately, our research almost always leads to some easy conversation starters.  For example... Of the legendary wagon brands that existed during the timeframe of gold discoveries, outlaw exploits, and cattle drives, what do you suppose the paint, striping, and logos looked like?  You can bet it was much different than what many of the surviving wagons typically show today.  Depending on the timeframe, many carried more flare and extravagance to their designs while also embracing construction differences seldom seen in pieces built in the early 20th century.   

Knowing what the different brands were up to at different times not only helps define history more accurately than what’s typically portrayed in the movies, it can also be crucial to sound identification efforts and construction provenance.  In fact, every wagon we acquire goes through this validation process to help corroborate the vehicle’s connection to a particular maker and timeframe.  It’s an important distinction as the world moves farther away from the horse drawn era.  Today, the purity of primary source information goes beyond well-intentioned guesswork by helping verify the details of a vehicle design in its entirety. 

When it comes to authentically telling the story of the American West, it’s always a rush to come across a wagon built during or before the time of Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Jesse James, the Earps, and others.  Unlike the distant viewing of an old tintype, finding one of these wheeled dinosaurs is one connection to the West that we can all experience firsthand.  Still, time is running out on the search for survivors.  Too many sit unprotected.  Unknown to those who pass by and unable to hold on much longer.  

Case in point... many years ago, I saw an original wagon with the well-worn paint and very faded name of “Jackson Wagon.”  I have photos today but wish I had bought the piece.  I only saw it for a few minutes and it took me too long to recognize its significance.  The wagon could be anywhere now but has likely finished weathering away or been destroyed.  It is the only true Jackson, other than catalogs and old photos in our collection, that I’ve ever seen.  Made by prison labor in Jackson, Michigan, the brand carries a well-documented and legendary reputation in the West. 

Like so many others that plied the American frontier, these rare glimpses into yesterday are vanishing.  Reminiscent of an aged and weakened image staring out of an old photo, many antiquated wagons are drifting to a point of no return.  So, we search; continually seeking those amazing links to the Old West.  From vehicles to original documents and images, somewhere, the next discovery awaits.  It likely will not be obvious in sharing its identity.  But, just like the incredible discovery of the Steamboat Arabia in 1988 (see link in the photo caption above), anything is possible if we don’t give up.

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.