Over the last four years, our blogs have
been filled with historic information on wagons, stagecoaches, and western
vehicles as well as activities of a few collectors and modern day builders. We’ve even profiled some of the pieces from our
own collection. I can’t remember a time,
though, when I’ve pointed out vehicles we have for sale. So, if you’ll permit me a little
commercialism, I thought I’d highlight several unique pieces we have available.
Weber
Wagon Gear
With a history dating to before the
California Gold Rush, the Weber Wagon Company is one of the more historic and
popular wooden wagons today. Like many
brands, though, the vast majority of the earliest pieces have disappeared. Time and neglect have taken their toll.
In 1904, International Harvester
Corporation (IHC) purchased the Weber Wagon firm and immediately capitalized on
the company’s quality, tenure, and reputation.
Production was significantly increased to the point that most of the
Weber wagons found these days will date to the IHC era. If you’ve ever searched for an original Weber
built before 1904, you know what I’m talking about. Legendary pieces constructed prior to International
Harvester’s buyout are out there but – they are few and far between.
As part of our study of early wagons,
we’re always on the lookout for these earlier works. It’s an important element in our overall mission. We’re committed to locating and helping
preserve the most historic examples of early companies. Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to uncover
a number of seldom-seen-survivors. Regrettably,
we can’t keep them all (at least that’s what my wife tells me). To that point, we recently came across a high
wheel, narrow tire gear built by Henry Weber prior to the company’s purchase by
IHC. Dating to 1901, this piece is guaranteed
original and is an exceptionally rare barn find. It’s in decent shape for its age but will
need some felloe work as might be expected.
Overall, it would be a great period piece for a Weber collection,
turn-of-the-century chuck wagon, or other historic purpose.
 |
This 1901 wagon gear is a scarce example of a Weber wagon built prior to the acquisition of the firm by International Harvester Corporation. |
At 114 years old, this running gear is one of a very few pre-IHC Weber wagons known to exist. As would be expected for an earlier piece, the rear wheels are taller, measuring 54 inches in height while the front are 44 inches. Distance between bolsters is 38 inches. The track width is 56 inches and the tire width is 1 5/8 inches. The construction is through-bolted and it features William Henry Weber’s (founder’s son) newly patented reach clamp fitted to the rear bolster. Skein size is 3 1/4 inches x 10 inches. Elsewhere, the axles are fitted with steel trusses and the rocking bolster was factory equipped with bolster iron extensions.
If this set of wheels sounds like something
you’ve been looking for, drop us a line.
We’d be happy to discuss it with you.
In addition to the Weber gear, we also
have a few other overstocks…
1.
Peter
Schuttler wagon – 1923, high wheel, narrow tire, triple box and seat – a nice,
solid wagon.
2.
Springfield
wagon – Late 1920’s, high wheel, narrow tire, triple box and seat – very good
wagon & wheels.
3.
Springfield
wagon gear – 1940’s, low wheel, 42” bolsters.
4.
American
Wagon Company – Patented folding wagon box, 38” width, late-teens to early
20’s. Very hard to find these.
5.
Bain
wagon – will date to mid teens, high wheel, narrow tire, double box and seat.
6.
Wagon
gear built in Shenandoah, Iowa – lots of paint remaining.
7.
Super-rare
sideboards from a Pennsylvania Conestoga wagon.
1850’s or earlier. Toolbox has
the initials “I.K” stamped into it.
8.
1901
Weber mentioned in article above.
Beyond the vehicles above, we have
approximately twenty other vehicles representing brands such as Studebaker,
Springfield, Florence, Birdsell, Gestring, Owensboro, Schuttler, Weber, Nissen,
American, Cooper, Stoughton, Weber & Damme, and more. While most are not for sale, we do
occasionally make some available for purchase.
Have a great week!
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.
