01.25.09
Identifying Vintage Farm Wagons
Welcome to this new section of the Wheels That Won The West® website. While most articles on our site are more lengthy and detailed, we’re starting this blog as a way for western and historic vehicle enthusiasts to stay in closer contact with us while also providing a way for us to share more of what’s happening in our world.
Of all the questions we receive, the most common deal with identification of vintage wagons. The identity of an old wagon can be important for a number of reasons including sentimental, historical and resale values. However, with tens of thousands of makers in business during the 1800’s and early 1900’s, determining a maker can be a daunting task and one that shouldn’t be approached casually. Many makers had similar features and even with some markings still visible, it’s easy to jump to the wrong conclusions. That said, we’ve been successful in determining the manufacturers of numerous wagons with no brand or maker names readily visible… several well in excess of a century in age (see “Arabia’s Buried Treasure” and also the “Ticket to Tomorrow” stories in the archives of the “Featured Vehicle” section on our www.wheelsthatwonthewest.com site.) So there’s always room for hope.
Since we receive so many questions along this line, I’ve written an introductory article for “Farm Collector” magazine that is scheduled to publish in their April issue. While no single article can contain enough details for every wagon to be positively identified, this article is full of material that has never been published. We’re hopeful it will be of help to many folks, but continue to invite your comments and questions. We’re look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best in all your historic vehicle interests.
David Sneed,
Wheels That Won The West® Publishing & Archives
