I was once very deeply involved in collecting automobile sales catalogs. However, with coins, stamps, and all things collectible, old automobile catalogs rose to a financial status that was far, far above my limited means. I disposed of much of my collection to a gentleman in Ohio and locally with the late Nat Adelstein. Nat met his match when he encountered Tom Glover, who had an incredible find of hundreds of old catalogs that were in the basement of a deceased salesman for the Roller Bearing Company of America. I had dual copies of the fabled Dusenberg "J," 4 or 5 very early Mercer catalogs, and names few people will remember from the teens through the 1930's. In retrospect, and even though I made a handsome profit selling those old catalogs, "seller's remorse" set in and when I see the prices being paid these 35 or 40 years later, I cry in my coffee. (It would be in my beer if I were a beer drinker.)
Tom, interesting to see the old car names. I know I told the story of seeing a Duesenberg in the mid 50s, that stopped at the Golf Driving Range on Broad St. Wow. I remember waking up Dad to tell him how beautiful that car was. Thanks for sharing this collage.
ReplyDeleteHi Tom, You struck the right chord with this post. You and I have discussed automobiles many times in the past, but I'm not sure you are aware that I started collecting automobile sales brochures, at the age of 10 and never quit or sold any of my personal collection. Although, I have been selling automotive literature and memorabilia for nearly 50 years, I've always kept my core collection, which numbers many thousands, from 1930 to 1980. Fifty years of the golden age. It brings me great pleasure to peruse these brochures, many of which are works of art in advertising. I might add that there were annual automobile shows, representing the Trenton area dealers, at the old Trenton Armory, which burned to the ground, a number of years ago. These were exciting events for me, as most of the dealerships were still in the downtown area, when the city was vibrant. I can still picture the new 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk, powered by a Packard V8 engine, sitting out in front of the armory, drawing a crowd, during the show. There were also a couple of Custom Car and Hot Rod shows held there in the 1950s. Great times. rayfromvillapark
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