The Offenbach Radiator Mystery. (Upd. 1912-14 NSU)

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This photo was found in the city archive of the German town Offenbach. City employee Josef Reinschmidt contacted Jack Braam Ruben, who on his turn contacted us. It is a remarkable elegant & sporty roadster, runabout if you like. Especially the rounded tail looks quite modern for tis time and balances the rounded front. It has clearly Edwardian, say pre-WWI cosmetics and ergonomics. The round radiator and outside mounted brake + gearchange handle. The car is ready for delivery. All is needed is a set of tyres. Let's concentrate on the round radiator crowned with an impressive head. Are we looking at the olympic messenger Hermes? Could this car be a specimen of the shortlived marque Hermes (1906-1909, Lieges, Belgium and Naples Italy) started by Baron Pierre de Crawhez? Or did we take a wrong turn and has the radiator head nothing to do with the Italo Belgian carmake? And is the car of course a ...... ? You are most welcome to fill in the blancs.

Various Updates came in, one referring to Sperwer, and four referring to NSU, like this one from Ivar Engerud, who added great reference photos. Both the top of the radiator and dumbirons look quite convincing: "Today's mystery car reminded me of a 1913 NSU we have here in Norway. Based on the attached photos there are at least similarities of the radiator of this Norwegian car.
The cap itself on this car is from the Royal Automobile Club of Norway. The car is owned and was restored by former director of the Norwegian Technical Museum, Torleif Lindtveit, Oslo. He is now 80 years and the photo was taken just over a week ago as he and his wife was participating in the 56. running of "Sandvigen -Sundvolden rally". (Ivar Engerud, Automotive writer and photographer)

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