ephemera

Chevrolet Magazine 1930 Issue

The New Bedford Model is prominent in this December 1930 Chevrolet Magazine, which is up for bid on...wait for it...eBay.

Early Indiana Railroad Legal Document Signed by Railroad Tycoons

A rare, railroad document--a legal agreement between the Knightstown and Shelbyville Railroads--signed by two railroad tycoons, H.B. Hill and John S. Newman. The document is dated March 1, 1855.

According to the listing the document deals with the removal of one depot and relocation of tracks for the joint use of another depot building in Knightstown, Indiana.

Mercator World Map 1651

Up for bid on eBay is a Mercator world map published in 1651 (from "Atlas Minor").

Mercator maps are highly prized by collectors. According to Wikipedia, Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594) was a Flemish cartographer. He is best remembered for the Mercator projection world map, which is named after him.

Mercator is the Michael Jordon of maps.

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.

District of Columbia Inaugural License Plate

An eBay seller with the likely name License Plate King is offering this 1949 District of Columbia inaugural license plate (or "tag" as they call it in the South) to the highest bidder.

And you won't believe how much it is currently going for...

Seaman’s Advance Shipping Note 1853

An 1853 seaman's advance note is up for bid on eBay. According to the listing, the note was sanctioned by the Board of Trade Nov. 1850 (No. 3647).

The note reads: "Dated this 27th day of January 1853. Three days after the Ship Conciliator leaves. Shields pay to the order of Joseph Hedley provided he sails in the said Ship, the sum of Two Pounds, Ten Shillings, being One months advance of Wages, according to the agreement."

The note is watermarked: "Marine Department – Board of Trade."

Asheville Southern Railway Stock Certificate 1912

An Asheville Southern Railway stock certificate, dated 1912, is up for bid on eBay.

According to the listing the stock was issued to H. B. Spencer for one share. "Henry Spencer was President of the Southern Railway," says the seller, "and this must be a director's share."

Steuben Thomas Edison Plaque Luminar

Up for bid on eBay is a Steuben Thomas Edison Plaque Luminar. 

According to the seller, these were a special order for the Ford Motor Company in 1929.  It was created to celebrate the Ford and Edison union of lighting.  Ford had ordered only 300 of these and gave them to dinner quests that were part of the union celebration.  Because it was created before 1933 it is considered part of the Frederick Carder period.

"This particular piece was given to father and son who owned an electric company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin," says the seller.  "When their family was cleaning out the business they found this piece.  It includes the original base which still works.  The plaque has superficial scratches to the surface but no cracks or chips.  There are some bubbles inside from when it was created.  A few of these pieces have sold for $1,200 to $1,300 at auction without the stand.  With the base this piece is worth much more.  Not only is it an eye-catching piece but it also commemorates a historic partnership."

Southern Pacific Railroad Linen Napkin

This is a beautiful and rarely seen linen napkin from the Southern Pacific Railroad owned Steamship Co, also known as the Morgan Line, is up for grabs on eBay.  The company ran ships from New York City to New Orleans. 

According to the listing, the napkin shows no use and no holes.  There is a 5 1/2" round white logo in the center.  Around the edge of the logo is the wording "Southern Pacific S.S. Lines" and a star flag in the center.  There is a trapping of floral designs around the edge.

1931 Ford Truck Missouri Motor Vehicle Title

Bidding on eBay is fast and furious on this State of Missouri Certificate of Title of a motor vehicle.

According to the listing, the title is dated 8-17-42 and issued for a 1931 Ford Half-Ton Truck. The owner lived in Mexico, MO.