Olds 1892 Automotive Steam Carriage Brochure and Letterhead

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.

Comments

[Dave Dubé]

I saw this just minutes after it was listed a couple of days ago. Interesting that it hasn't generated more bids, but there's still plenty of time left for your brother to 'jump in'. ;o)

[Marty Weil]

Yes, this is a winner if I ever saw one. Maybe you can get it on the cheap. Good luck, bro.