Transportation

Americans have always been a people on the move—on rails, roads, and waterways (for travel through the air, visit the National Air and Space Museum). In the transportation collections, railroad objects range from tools, tracks, and many train models to the massive 1401, a 280-ton locomotive built in 1926. Road vehicles include coaches, buggies, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles—from the days before the Model T to modern race cars. The accessories of travel are part of the collections, too, from streetlights, gas pumps, and traffic signals to goggles and overcoats.

In the maritime collections, more than 7,000 design plans and scores of ship models show the evolution of sailing ships and other vessels. Other items range from scrimshaw, photographs, and marine paintings to life jackets from the Titanic.

Albert A. Pope, the nation’s leading mass producer of bicycles in the late nineteenth century, introduced thousands of Americans to the benefits of personal mobility.
Description
Albert A. Pope, the nation’s leading mass producer of bicycles in the late nineteenth century, introduced thousands of Americans to the benefits of personal mobility. In the late 1890s, the Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut also became a major player in the new start-up field of automobile manufacturing. Pope used his production capacity and mass production methods to manufacture automobiles, the next personal mobility frontier for upper middle class, urban Americans. Initially Pope was committed to electricity as a power source because it was clean, simple, and safe; he believed that demand for electric cars would surpass gasoline and steam cars. Pope introduced the Columbia electric car in 1897 and built 500 examples in the late 1890s – the largest volume of any auto maker at that time -- before selling the car division to a group of investors. Pope then began manufacturing Pope-Waverley electric cars in Indianapolis. By 1904, as gasoline cars proved more appealing than electric cars, Pope expanded again, building Pope-Hartford gasoline cars in Hartford and Pope-Toledo gasoline cars in Toledo, Ohio. By the time of Pope’s death in 1909, the Indianapolis and Toledo concerns and their products had disappeared, victims of a crowded field of automobile manufacturers and competition in the high-priced range. The Pope-Hartford continued under the management of Pope’s brother George until that business entered receivership in 1913 and shut down in 1914.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.194
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.194
This radiator emblem belonged to a Flxible brand automobile that was manufactured by the Flxible Company during the 1920 and 1930s.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Flxible brand automobile that was manufactured by the Flxible Company during the 1920 and 1930s. The black emblem has a silver rim with white text that reads “FLXIBLE” in script.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.108
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.108
This radiator emblem belonged to a Velie automobile that was manufactured by the Velie Motor Vehicle Company of Moline, Illinois from 1909 until 1929. Velie was a well-known carriage builder prior to manufacturing automobiles.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Velie automobile that was manufactured by the Velie Motor Vehicle Company of Moline, Illinois from 1909 until 1929. Velie was a well-known carriage builder prior to manufacturing automobiles. The Velie Corporation had the backing of the John Deere Plow Company, and their first cars were distributed through the Deere dealer network. The emblem has a black rim that reads “VELIE MOTORS COPR/MOLINE ILL.” The center of the emblem has a red and white shield, with a bull crest over a banner that reads “VIRTUS, OMNIA, NOBILITAT” (Latin for “Virtue enobles all things”).
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.241
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.241
This radiator emblem belonged to a Moyer automobile that was manufactured by the H. A. Moyer company of Syracuse, New York between 1911 and 1915. Like many early automobile companies, Moyer was originally a buggy and wagon company, established in Syracuse in 1880.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Moyer automobile that was manufactured by the H. A. Moyer company of Syracuse, New York between 1911 and 1915. Like many early automobile companies, Moyer was originally a buggy and wagon company, established in Syracuse in 1880. Moyer advertised the smoothness of their car’s ride, saying “All Roads Are Level to a Moyer.” This circular metal emblem has raised text that reads “Moyer” in script.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.170
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.170
The Lozier company manufactured bicycles before branching out to automobiles. Lozier experimented with designs and styles for three years, including the building of a steam car, before producing its first auto. In 1911 when chief designer Frederick C.
Description
The Lozier company manufactured bicycles before branching out to automobiles. Lozier experimented with designs and styles for three years, including the building of a steam car, before producing its first auto. In 1911 when chief designer Frederick C. Chandler left the company with two engineers to start his own firm, Lozier's sales began to fall. Lozier responded by cutting prices and trying to negotiate a takeover with Ford, but the company had to close in 1917.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblems is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
ID Number
TR.325528.150
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.150
A variety of Meteor automobile makes were manufactured during the early 20th century. This radiator emblem belonged to a Meteor car that was manufactured by the Meteor Motor Company of Piqua, Ohio between 1915 and 1930.
Description
A variety of Meteor automobile makes were manufactured during the early 20th century. This radiator emblem belonged to a Meteor car that was manufactured by the Meteor Motor Company of Piqua, Ohio between 1915 and 1930. Passenger automobiles were only produced until 1917, as the company shifted its focus to profession vehicles, mainly ambulances and hearses. The blue oval emblem reads “Meteor” in the center with a shooting star underneath, the white rim reads “METEOR MOTOR CAR CO./PIQUA, OHIO, USA” in silver text.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.161
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.161
This radiator emblem belonged to a Courier automobile that was manufactured in Sandusky, Ohio. The Sandusky Automobile Company was the first to manufacture a Courier car, a runabout that was produced in Ohio from 1904 until 1905.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Courier automobile that was manufactured in Sandusky, Ohio. The Sandusky Automobile Company was the first to manufacture a Courier car, a runabout that was produced in Ohio from 1904 until 1905. Arrow Motors took over Maibohm Motors in 1922, and produced a Courier vehicle in several body models for one year in 1923. This emblem has a gold figure of mercury in the center on a black background, ringed in red that reads “COURIER/SANDUSKY, OHIO. U.S.A.” in gold, with a white rim.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.063
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.063
This radiator emblem belong to a Dort automobile manufactured by the Dort Motor Car Company of Flint, Michigan.
Description
This radiator emblem belong to a Dort automobile manufactured by the Dort Motor Car Company of Flint, Michigan. Dort operated from 1915 until 1924, the emblem belonged to a car produced around that time.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
ID Number
TR.325528.081
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.081
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles.
Description
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.272
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.272
This radiator emblem belonged to an E-M-F Model 30 automobile that was manufactured by the Everitt-Metzger-Flanders Company of Detroit, Michigan between 1908 and 1912.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an E-M-F Model 30 automobile that was manufactured by the Everitt-Metzger-Flanders Company of Detroit, Michigan between 1908 and 1912. Barney Everitt, William Metzger, and Walter Flanders all had previous automotive experience when organizing their company, nut internal dissension led to an early split when Everitt and Metzger left in 1909. Studebaker took over the company in 1912, and produced several E-M-F 30 models, before eliminating the brand. This emblem is entirely made of metal, with free-formed text that reads “MFD. BY E-M-F-CO./E-M-F/THIRTY/DETROIT, MICH., U.S.A.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.096
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.096
This radiator emblem belonged to an Inter-State automobile that was manufactured by the Inter-State Automobile Company of Muncie, Indiana from 1909 until 1913.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an Inter-State automobile that was manufactured by the Inter-State Automobile Company of Muncie, Indiana from 1909 until 1913. Frank Ball bought the company from Thomas Hart in 1914, and produced cars as the Inter-State Motor Company until 1919, with a break during the First World War. This radiator emblem reads “MUNCIE/INTER-STATE/INDIANA.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.128
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.128
This radiator emblem belonged to a Crawford automobile that was manufactured by the Crawford Automobile Company of Hagerstown, Maryland between 1904 and 1923. M. P.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Crawford automobile that was manufactured by the Crawford Automobile Company of Hagerstown, Maryland between 1904 and 1923. M. P. Möller, a pipe organ builder, founded the company, and produced a limited number of vehicles, no more than 275 cars made in a given year. The emblem has the Maryland flag set inside a shield, with a red scroll across the center that reads “CRAWFORD” in silver text. The outer rim of the emblem is blue, with the text “CRAWFORD AUTOMOBILE CO./CRAWFORD/HAGERSTOWN. MD. U.S.A” in silver.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.064
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.064
This radiator emblem belonged to a Meteor automobile that was manufactured by the Worthington Automobile Company of New York, New York in 1905 and 1905. Many companies manufactured Meteor brand vehicles during the early 20th century.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Meteor automobile that was manufactured by the Worthington Automobile Company of New York, New York in 1905 and 1905. Many companies manufactured Meteor brand vehicles during the early 20th century. Worthington’s Meteor had a four-cylinder engine and sold for $2500 to $2950 depending on the body model. William Colt took over the company in 1905 and moved it to Cleveland to be reorganized as the Cleveland Motor Car Company. This emblem reads “"METEOR" CAR NO/WORTHINGTON/AUTOMOBILE COMPANY/NEW YORK.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.159
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.159
This radiator emblem belonged to a Willys Overland automobile produced by the Willys Corporation of Toledo, Ohio between 1912 and 1931. John North Willys got his start in 1907 when he became a partner in the Overland Automotive Division of the Standard Wheel Company.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Willys Overland automobile produced by the Willys Corporation of Toledo, Ohio between 1912 and 1931. John North Willys got his start in 1907 when he became a partner in the Overland Automotive Division of the Standard Wheel Company. The Willys company tree is very complicated, emblematic of the many merges and separations that occurred among automobile companies during the early 1900s, but in general the Willys Corporation was founded by John North Willys to produce Willys, Willys Overland, and Willys Knight vehicles. In 1912 Overland purchased the Russell Motors plant in Toronto, and this car was likely produced at that plant. The emblem has a red background and a blue rim, with a white banner in the center that reads “Overland” in blue. Around the rim the emblem reads “Willys Overland Limited/Trade Mark/Toronto Canada.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.182
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.182
This radiator emblem belonged to a Sayers brand automobile that was manufactured by the Sayers & Scovill Company of Cincinnati, Ohio around 1924.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Sayers brand automobile that was manufactured by the Sayers & Scovill Company of Cincinnati, Ohio around 1924. Sayers & Scovill concentrated their manufacturing on trucks, hearses, and ambulances, producing few passenger vehicles until their last few years of existence, which were called the S & S. The S & S was often used as a hearse, but could also be used as a passenger vehicle. The Sayers were exclusively built on 118 inch wheelbases with six cylinder engines, and sold from $1295 to $3295. This dented emblem reads “S&S” in red in the center, the rim reads “THE SAYERS & SCOVILL CO/CINCINNATI” in raised letters.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.215
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.215
This radiator emblem belonged to a Byrider electric vehicle that was manufactured by the Byrider Electric Automotive Company of Cleveland, Ohio between 1908 and 1910.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Byrider electric vehicle that was manufactured by the Byrider Electric Automotive Company of Cleveland, Ohio between 1908 and 1910. The Byrider Company was originally the DeMars Electric Vehicle Company, going through several other iterations before it became the Byrider. The Byrider was built on a 71 inche wheelbase, and sold for $1800. The emblem reads “THE/BYRIDER/ELECTRIC AUTO/CO/CLEVELAND, OHIO. /N°.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.038
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.038
This Studebaker “turning wheel” radiator emblem belonged to a Studebaker brand automobile that was manufactured by the Studebaker Automobile Company of South Bend, Indiana from 1912 until 1934.
Description
This Studebaker “turning wheel” radiator emblem belonged to a Studebaker brand automobile that was manufactured by the Studebaker Automobile Company of South Bend, Indiana from 1912 until 1934. Sudebaker operated from 1852 until 1967, originally founded as the Studebaker Brother’s Manufacturing Company that originally produced wagons and supplies for miners and the military.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.230
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.230
This radiator emblem belonged to a Bay State automobile that was manufactured by the R. H. Long Company of Framingham, Massachusetts from 1922 until 1924.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Bay State automobile that was manufactured by the R. H. Long Company of Framingham, Massachusetts from 1922 until 1924. The Bay State automobile had an aluminum body, with an engine manufactured by Continental, and was sold in coupe ($2400), sedan ($2500), and touring models ($1800). The heart-shaped emblem has a blue background with a silver shield in the center that reads “R. H. LONG/COMPANY.” Layered above the shield is a white banner that reads “BAY STATE” in blue.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.022
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.022
This radiator emblem belonged to an Oldsmobile model automobile that was manufactured by Olds Motor Works of Lansing, Michigan during the early 20th century. Ransom Eli Olds began the Olds Motor Works in 1891 when he built a three wheeled, steam powered car.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an Oldsmobile model automobile that was manufactured by Olds Motor Works of Lansing, Michigan during the early 20th century. Ransom Eli Olds began the Olds Motor Works in 1891 when he built a three wheeled, steam powered car. He also experimented with electric vehicles before building the Curved Dash Runabout, the first mass produced vehicle. In 1904 Ransom Olds left the company to found REO. Oldsmobile is one of the few companies whose history spans the initial experimental period of automobile manufacturing up through recent production.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
ID Number
TR.325528.180
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.180
This radiator emblem belonged to a Rockne brand automobile that was manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation from 1932-1933.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Rockne brand automobile that was manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation from 1932-1933. In 1931 Studebaker announced that Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne was going to become a sales promotion manager for Studebaker during his off-time from coaching. When Rockne died in 1931, his name was attached to the budget Studebaker automobile. The Rockne sold from $585 to $740 depending on the body style, with about 23,000 models produced during its year of manufacture. The emblem reads “Studebaker/Rockne.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.207
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.207
This radiator emblem belonged to a Wills Sainte Claire automobile that was manufactured by C. H. Wills & Company of Marysville, Michigan from 1921 until 1927.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Wills Sainte Claire automobile that was manufactured by C. H. Wills & Company of Marysville, Michigan from 1921 until 1927. The company was owned by Childe Harold Wills, who originally worked as a metallurgist for Henry Ford before starting his own company. This radiator emblem features a Canadian geese flying over a wooded lake. Wills chose the geese as his company’s mascot due to its ability to travel, and it appeared on the company’s emblems and advertising.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.273
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.273
This radiator emblem belonged to a Monroe automobile that was manufactured by the Monroe Motor Company between 1914 and 1923. The Monroe Body Company was founded by R. F.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Monroe automobile that was manufactured by the Monroe Motor Company between 1914 and 1923. The Monroe Body Company was founded by R. F. Monroe around 1908 to supply automobile bodies to the plethora of Detroit car manufacturers, and was so profitable that he decided to found the Monroe Motor Company in 1914. R. F. Monroe operated the company until 1918, when it went bankrupt. Monroe automobiles were then produced by several different manufacturers until 1923. Monroe manufactured a variety of four-cylinder engine model cars, including a sedan, roadster, runabout, and touring. This diamond-shaped emblem has jagged edges with a white rim and a blue background. The center of the emblem reads “MONROE” in small-big-small graduated white letters.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.167
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.167
This radiator emblem belonged to an REO automobile manufactured in Lansing, Michigan between 1905 and 1936. This vehicle takes its name from the initials of its founder, Ransom Eli Olds, who left Oldsmobile to start his new company named after his initials.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an REO automobile manufactured in Lansing, Michigan between 1905 and 1936. This vehicle takes its name from the initials of its founder, Ransom Eli Olds, who left Oldsmobile to start his new company named after his initials. REO made a variety of cars, which were steady sellers up through the Depression. Although the last private car was manufactured in 1936, trucks and buses were made sporadically through the 1950s as a division of White. This white oval emblem bears the black vertical letters “REO.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.203
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.203
This radiator emblem belonged to a Stutz automobile that was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1911 until 1935. Stutz was most well-known for the Bear cat, a stylish sports car that placed 11th in the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Stutz automobile that was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1911 until 1935. Stutz was most well-known for the Bear cat, a stylish sports car that placed 11th in the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500. The white emblem bears the silver wing Stutz logo with a silver “STUTZ” inside.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.232
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.232

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