Over the years, I’ve regularly shared
the competitive nature of America’s early wagon builders. The more I’ve researched this industry, the
more amazed I am that the cut-throat business tactics and dominant reputations
of many have rarely been reported. Throughout
the 1800’s and early 1900’s, countless firms went head to head, challenging each
other with price wars, races for single and mass market dominance, control of
raw materials, employment benefits, and innovative engineering. Some even mimicked paint graphics and
fabrication styles of competitors in order to sway buyers. From the forest to the factory, a lot of stories from this part of the American West can be just as wild as those from an all-night
saloon in a frontier mining town.
With tens of thousands of makers and a
known history for some to simulate the construction traits of others, it’s
inevitable I suppose that modern day efforts to identify wagon brands can hit a
snag from time to time. As a result, I’ve
regularly cautioned against using only one or two points to assume an
identification is accurate. To
illustrate that counsel a bit more this week, I thought I’d open up our files
and show yet another example of how confusing and problematic evaluations can
become when we focus on just one notable characteristic.
By all accounts, T.G. Mandt (Stoughton,
Wisconsin) was one of America’s most prominent wagon makers. His innovative genius is recorded in numerous
patents granted for wagons and sleighs/sleds.
Because the Mandt brand was a dominant and high-profile company, many of
today’s early vehicle enthusiasts will quickly recognize the hollow-tubed bolster
stake design that Mr. Mandt created in the late 1800’s. What most don’t know, however, is that there
was another patent granted to yet another company for an extremely similar
design.
Below are illustrations from the two (2)
different patents. Can you pick out the
original design conceived and manufactured by T.G. Mandt? While some might be fortunate to choose the
correct Mandt design here, looking at a single example on a wagon without paint
would likely be a bit more tricky.
 |
Can you guess which of these early illustrations belong to the patent awarded to legendary wagon builder, T. G. Mandt? |
Both concepts are so alike in form,
feel, and function that, unless a person is well aware of the alternative
design, it’s tempting to associate each as being the same T.G. Mandt piece. Moral of the story? Caveat Emptor... collectors, buyers, and those
quick-to-judge will do well to take note.
There are countless mirrors of innovations and design practices just
waiting to be misread. As with any topic,
one way to help avoid misconceptions is to devote oneself to continued growth
and experience on the subject.
Ultimately, period wagons are made from
hundreds of parts. Each segment of the whole has a story
to tell related to identity, originality, authenticity, purpose, and even the
timeframe of manufacture. By the same
token, overlooking any element can easily leave individuals open for
embarrassment, frustration, and maybe even a healthy dose of regret.
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.
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.
