Up for auction on eBay is tremendously rare find: an ephemera lot with the PF Olds & Son letterhead and a brochure
of their factory and products from 1892.
The seller says, "I don't know if this was the founder of what was later the Olds automobile, but I suspect so. It is from Lansing, Michigan."
"There are three pieces total: the envelope with Olds insignia; the letter; and, the brochure," the seller continues. "The letter is a response to Mr Geo. Beadle of Shickshinny, PA, who had inquired about purchasing a 'steam carriage.' The response states that they have only built one for themselves, but would sell it for $400. A handwritten note in the bottom corner indicates that Mr. Beadle was interested after the experimental stage was passed and for $300."
When I was 16, I drove around in my Dad's Olds 88. I have a feeling this batch of ephemera might go for a higher amount than the value of that car by the time my younger brother was through with it.
