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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Original Post:
Posted on February 4, 2016 I bought this a few years back at an auction, and had it at the show in May. I wanted to get some opinions as to who the possible manufacturer was. While it is entirely possible that it was home-made/small shop made, it sure has a lot of characteristics of a Louden in my opinion. Such as the metal strap and that is the same as on the other Louden wood carriers, also same style of fasteners. Also has a similar color scheme as well, what is still visible. I know Steve has also mentioned the similarities to the early Rundles which is also very possible.
Nate
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– Responses:
Nate that is really amazing. Incredible that there is still some original paint and pinstriping on it. I will try and hunt through some early patents and see if we can come up with something similar.
Clint
Hopefully you can find something I missed, but looked at nearly 500 trolley patents and haven’t seen what I think it was yet.
Nate
patent drawings aren’t always exact
Kenny
Maybe?
Clint
I hadn’t really given much consideration to the Buck patent as it runs inside of the track similar to many of the NY carriers. But it is an IL patent which is where it came from (northern IL vs. southern IL, but better than halfway across the country) and it has some other similar design qualities. I would still liken it closer to W. Louden’s early patents such as 75,686 & 84,127.
Nate
Here is a picture of an original condition Louden, pin striping is very similar, as is strap/hardware.
Nate
Your right Nate there are some similarities to the early Loudens. There are some differences as well. Looking at or hunting for that really early advertising might be the best bet at this point. No matter what it is , it does not look homemade to me. Its a great early trolley.
Clint
NATE CAN WE GET A BOTTOM PHOTO, ITS THE ONLY VIEW MISSING. LOOKS LIKE A LOUDEN WITH OUT THE ROPE BREAK. I AM SURE AS LOUDEN MOVED FROM OLD LOUDEN “NUMBER 1” TO THE COMMERCIAL VERSION THERE WERE MANY DESIGN CHANGES—THIS MAY BE ONE
Steve
O.K. AFTER LOOKING CLOSE AT THE FIRST 3 LOUDEN PATENTS. THE FIRST HAS NO ROPE BREAK. THE SECOND 2 PATENTS HAVE A ROPE BREAK. SO–I WOULD SAY YOUR SLIDER IS THE FIRST VERSION OF THE “OLD NO 1” TROLLEY. THE HOLE IN THE ONE END IS A ROPE TIE FOR THE RETURN WEIGHT. LOOK AT THE PATENT DATES, THE ROPE BREAK WAS ADDED SIX MONTHS LATER. SO THIS FIRST COMMERCIAL VERSION IS LIKELY VERY RARE. THE COLOR, ROPE WHEEL, THE IRON STRAPPING AND PINSTRIPE, ALL POINT TO LOUDEN. LAST POINT, ALL OF LOUDEN’S EARLY COMMERCIAL TROLLEYS WERE WOOD SLIDERS OF THIS BASIC DESIGN.
Steve
While it kills me to shoot a hole in your theory Steve, there is one problem. My pictures somehow conveniently hid the that fact that it does indeed have a rope break. So with that information I would have to say it most resembles the 2nd (75,686) patent, as the rope break places after the 1st (69,107) patent, but most likely before the more sophisticated design of the 3rd (84,127) patent.
Nate
If I had to place it, my guess would put it’s production between Old No. 1, and your wood slider which you have pictured above. This would make sense and maintain Louden’s claim of Old No. 1 being the first production carrier.
On another note has anyone ever seen a surviving example of Old No. 1?
Nate
I AGREE, NOW THAT I SEE THE ROPE BREAK. THE DOWEL ON ROPE MUST GO UP INSIDE THE TROLLEY AND WEG BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE ROPE BREAK. GREAT TIMING ON THE DISCUSSION I WILL PUT IT ON THE SLIDER BAR IN THE NO. 2 POSITION. NOW THAT WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE CELEBRITY STATUS OF YOUR SLIDER, IF YOU CONCUR ,I WILL NEED TO GET IT PHOTO GRAPHED FOR THE RESEARCH SECTION OF HTH. MAYBE WE CAN DO IT AT DOUG’S IF YOU MAKE SHOW THIS YEAR. I AM SURE WE COULD GET BARRY TO DO A DRAWING AT THE SAME TIME.
I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE “OLD NO 1”. THE LATE TERRY WILSON HAD 2 COMMENTS YEARS AGO, FIRST THERE MAY HAVE ONLY BEEN ONE NO 1, AND SECOND “WEEBER WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO FABRICATE THE OLD NO 1” SO WE CAN SEE HOW IT WORKS. STILL ONE MY LIST OF THINGS TO DO. LOL
Steve
Glad, to finally have an answer on it! Still not sure if a trip to NE will be in the cards this year or not, but a trip to Iowa City is overdue anyways, so you’ll be hearing from me in the next couple months. As far as making replica’s go, luckily making Old No. 1 is probably on the easier side of things, I’ve got a couple idea on this I’d like to discuss with you next time we visit. Many thanks as always, I’d still be living in the dark ages without your help!
Nate
What a fascinating conversation between you gentlemen! You are so intent on sharing your knowledge, and your research is astounding! This has been an incredible contribution to the Forum! Thank you all.
David
Clint
Clint, I’m not sure how you keep finding this new information, but somehow saying thanks doesn’t seem enough!
This sure looks like you have provided the proof we concluded on! Ironically enough I had dubbed it Old #2 as a joke, but it turns out closer than I thought haha!
Nate[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]