Baker Electric dating. UPDATE IV : American Ball Bearing Co.

• 
• 
• 

Jan Bruijn from Holland is wondering how to exactly date this Baker Electric which he recently found in the US. The chassis number is #931. OtheR items that may help are the artillery wheels of which is known they came after the spoke wheels. The same counts for the tiller steering which is on the left as opposed to the earlier versions. A few extra views that may help. The simple differential and a close up on the rear axle suspension. What is your opinion on this early eco-car? [email protected]
UPDATE IV by Galen Handy:"The car looks early Baker to me but I don't know the drive details well enough to be sure. If I recall the Locomobile had both the Stanley twins and Riker patents to work from. I should add that Baker designed axle assymblies and drive systems were being made by the American Ball Bearing Co. (Walter C Baker's primary business), and sold to dozens of car companies even before the first Baker Electric was built."
UPDATE III by Kit Foster who just like Bob Swanson expresses doubt on Baker:"The chassis and differential of the "Baker Electric" look almost exactly like early (1899-1900) steam Locomobile components, but the body does not. The artillery wheels look a bit "late" for this application, but could have been changed. The Baker photographs in the Standard Catalog, on the other hand, show a chassis much like that of the Locomobile. There's not enough detail to examine the rear axle or differential in the Catalog." (editor: It seems hardly likely that a Locomobile had a Baker electric conversion..? Maybe both firms ordered their chassis from the same maker, which is also most unlikely. Or Locomobile from Baker. Or Baker from Locomobile...? A new mystery has arisen..!
UPDATE II by Evan Ide:"I have seen Bakers as early as 1902 with artillery wheels (these potentially were available either way). The body work on the the mystery car may not be original."
UPDATE I by John McKiernan:"1957 "Register of Antique Automobiles, compiled and published by The Antique Automobile Club of America" lists: --- "Baker Electric, 1901, Serial Number 931, 3/4 h.p Runabout, Partly Restored, Owner: George W. DeLaplaine." "Standard Catalogue of American Cars" shows Baker Electrics as late as 1904 with wire spoked wheels, and 1905 and onwards with wooden spokes. At the same time jury member Bob Swanson expresses strong doubts if this is a Baker anyway. "This is a steam car not an electric." Who has more on this one ... ? Maybe we should ask Jay Leno (thanks Mark!)

Kommentar abgeben...