1912 Limbert Oval Occasional Table

'Arts & Crafts collectors naturally focus on the Stickleys: Gustav, L. & J.G., and Stickley Bros. But every collector should aspire to a Limbert piece. This Grand Rapids-based manufacturer successfully brought English and Northern European influences into its designs, and Limbert pieces can have interesting cutouts and subtle curves. An exquisite example is the single-oval occasional table, which adds grace to a room with its canted legs, trapezoidal cutouts, and curved top. 

Place an art pottery vase filled with forced forsythia stems on this table, and your room will become an artistic revelation.Expect to pay around $2,000 for a refinished Limbert single-oval occasional table (perhaps subject to too many water stains from flower-filled vases over the years) to $5,000 for one with its original finish.'

1909 Gray Pay Station Telephone

 A very rare Gray Pay Station model 23 in working condition with Rattlesnake cord. This model was made for use in hotel rooms, not for general public use. This has kept many of the parts in pristine condition. You may never find one in this condition again. Coins slide perfectly though slots and make the proper sounds. “plink” for nickels, “ding, ding” for dimes, and “gong” for quarters. They also fall into the coin drawer as they should. The coin drawer has the original tan felt on the bottom (felt is to reduce noise from the coins hitting the bottom of the drawer and confusing the operator). The original wiring and connection block are present. A cloth line cord with a modular plug has been added so the telephone can work on today’s modern telephone network. Just plug it in and you are ready to receive calls. There was no dial on these very early pay phones, but outgoing calls can be made with a portable tone dialer. (There is an i-Phone app that will work believe it or not !!) The receiver shines like new with no chips or cracks and has a very RARE red and blue Rattlesnake cord (made with NOS on an original rattlesnake cord machine). The transmitter has been cleaned and tested, so calls are LOUD and clear. The transmitter mouthpiece has the STAR in the center and is also in beautiful condition. The transmitter has a very rare number card holder mounted behind the mouthpiece (I assume this was so the caller would know what room to tell the operator they were calling from). Both locks are present and turn smoothly. Rare top crab lock has one tooth chipped (still locks perfectly), see photo. Cash drawer lock has two keys (1 spare). The original glass is in the instruction card frame. The paper instruction card may be a reproduction (not sure). It is in very good condition. This beautiful Pay Station has been cleaned and polished to a shine but I have to assume it has been repainted at some point. It is over 100 years old and the finish is absolutely beautiful. None of the screws, pins, locks, wires, or Bakelite parts have any paint on them, so if it ever was repainted, it was a professional job. The finish only has very light wear by the coin slots and where the cash drawer goes in and out. The removable back plate has a couple of paint chips on the corners (pictured). I also noticed there are a couple of weld marks on the back mounting plate. There is one on the side near the bottom and one behind the cash drawer (not visible unless you remove the drawer and look inside. I assume this is from an early attempt to steal the telephone. There is NO damage to the chassis of the Pay Station, just the removable mounting plate.

1929 Chevrolet Six Sport Coupe

The reasonably priced six-cylinder Chevrolet Six Sport Coupe was simple and durable.

The "Stovebolt," so named because of the engine's slotted head bolts, cost only a little more to produce than any of the previous four, but offered 11 more horsepower than the 1928's four. The base price of the most popular model, the two-door Coach, increased to $595, a mere $10 over its price in 1928.

The six was simple and durable. It displaced 194 cubic inches and produced 46 bhp at 2,600 rpm. The "Cast-Iron Wonder," as it eventually became known, employed a solid overhead-valve design in a cast-iron block, inexpensive cast-iron pistons maintained by a non-pressurized lubrication system, and a Carter single-barrel carburetor. Power was transferred via a three-speed manual transmission. Fuel mileage averaged 19 mpg.

The Sport Coupe, which was introduced at midyear, would replace the rear trunk with a rumble seat.

The 1929 Chevrolet Series AC International offered 10 body types, at prices ranging from $525 for the open models to $725 for a sophisticated Imperial Landau, which featured a convertible rear quarter. Styled by young Harley Earl, head of GM's newly organized Art and Colour Section, the 1929 Chevy six was clearly inspired by Earl's sensational LaSalle and looked far more expensive than it cost.

The new engine, developed by the Chevrolet engineering department under the leadership of Ormond E. Hunt and, later, James M. Crawford, developed 46 horsepower from 196 cubic inches, giving it a 15-percent advantage over the four-cylinder Ford Model A. Significant advances included the use of a mechanical fuel pump to replace the time-honored but troublesome vacuum tank, and foot-controlled, twin-beam headlamps.

To build a six-cylinder engine was not, in itself, a particularly difficult assignment. But this one had to have overhead valves, in the Chevrolet tradition, and costs had to be kept down to approximately the same level as the earlier four.

Accomplishing that objective required cutting some corners, such as employing splash lubrication for the connecting rod bearings and cast iron pistons in lieu of 1928's aluminum pistons. The latter prompted the sobriquet "Cast Iron Wonder." Applied in derision initially, that name would eventually be looked upon as a term of endearment. So would the nickname "Stovebolt Six," which referred to the engine's slotted quarter-inch head bolts.

A backlog of orders for the Model A enabled Ford to recapture first place in the sales race for the time being, but more than 600,000 six-cylinder Chevrolets were sold during the first five months following their introduction.

The success of the Chevy Six was such that Henry Ford initiated the hasty development of the 1932 Ford V-8 to compete with it. The original Stovebolt would last through 1936, but a continually improved six would remain as Chevrolet's only power-plant for three decades. In that time Chevrolet would become the major player in the low-price field.

This two-seat Coupe came with most available options, including a spotlight.

Chevrolet general manager Bill Knudsen and General Motors design director Harley Earl redesigned the Chevy to give the 1929 International Series AC a lower, more modern look. Tire size was reduced from 30 inches to 20 inches. Styling changes also included a more rectangular radiator, fewer louvers on the hood sides, new one-piece crowned fenders, new bullet-shaped headlamps, and a wider single bodyside molding. The restyle rode on a 107-inch chassis, introduced a year earlier on National Series ABs. This chassis was suspiciously long for the small four-cylinder powerplant used in 1928, foreshadowing the introduction of the six.

The AC Coupe was said to get about 19 miles per gallon of fuel.

The two-passenger Coupe received a new steel rear quarter sans ornamental landau irons. The Sport Coupe model was introduced at midyear; it replaced the Coupe's trunk with a rumble seat.

The featured 1929 Model AC Sport Coupe is owned by Lew Dark of Portage, Michigan. Its original base price was $645. But it sports the most popular option, bumpers; some rare options, wire wheels and a single sidemount spare; as well as running-board step plates, a radiator-cap hood mascot, and a spotlight. Dark purchased his Chevy in 1963 as a "basket case." He restored it himself and put it back on the road in 1971. He has shown and driven the Chevy throughout the United States.

1927 Nash Advanced Six Five-Passenger Touring Car Intact & Unrestored

SLIDE SHOW:
http://s1005.photobucket.com/albums/af178/valued_user/Nash%20Hi%20Res/?albumview=slideshow

'Exterior

Light gray body with black fenders, as-built

Surface rust, only, under car, in typical areas

Wooden body structure mostly rot-free

Original running boards and supports

Windshield in good condition

Royce MotoMeter radiator cap

Vintage Watson Stabilator badge

Top

Tan canvas top

Believed original

Rear glass window clear and unscratched

Stained with one small tear at front right- see photo

Engine and drivetrain

Starts cold and warm as it should

Does not overheat or leak fluids excessively

Original Series 260 overhead valve inline six

278.4 cubic inches, 69 brake horsepower (claimed 28.4 taxable H.P.)

Electric starter

Vacuum-operated fuel pump in place, bypassed with modern electric pump

Fram oil filter added

Original three-speed transmission shifts as-built

Clutch operates properly

Shaft drive, semi-floating rear axle

Stops straight and as-built with mechanical brakes

Watson Stabilator shocks with canvas straps

Steel disc wheels with vintage Lester tires

Spare wheel with vintage Firestone tire

Recent engine oil change and chassis lube

Recent water pump rebuild and radiator clean

Electrical and Instruments

• New 6 volt battery
• Charging system operates properly
• Speedometer and odometer operate
• Ammeter and oil pressure gauge both operate
• Both headlights and rear taillight/stoplight operate

Interior

• Five passenger seating
• Upholstery on seats and doors believed original
• Original floor boards

Also included:

• 1927 Nash Cars Information Book owner’s manual- believed to be reproduction
• 1928 Nash Advanced Six 360 Information for the Owner, believed original
• 
  
• Nash Motors

• Founded 1916 by ex-General Motors president Charles W. Nash.
• Took over Thomas B. Jeffery Company, builders of Jeffery and Ramble autos, after Jeffery survived the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 and decided to retire.
• Factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin
• Nash became the leading producer of military trucks by the end of World War I.
• Nash autos in the 1920’s were best-sellers because of their neat, conservative styling, tidy engineering and competitive pricing
• Charles Nash quoted in 1926, “selling for a long time has been 100% a production problem... month after month all the cars that could be produced were sold before they left the factory floor."
• Nash would eventually acquire the appliance manufacturer Kelvinator, in 1937.
• Hudson Motor Car Company was taken over in 1954 to form American Motors.
• American Motors acquired Kaiser Jeep (the descendant of Willys-Overland Motors) in 1970.
• In the early 1980s, AMC entered into partnership with Renault.
• AMC was absorbed into Chrysler Corporation in 1987, becoming Jeep-Eagle.'

IMPORTANT c1897 TIFFANY STERLING SILVER MONTIETH STYLE PUNCH BOWL; BRILLIANT SHELL MEDALLION AND BALL & CLAW FEET In EXCELLENT CONDITION; 37 OUNCES

'We are quite pleased to show this important late 19th century Tiffany sterling silver montieth style punch bowl.

One of the most uniquely designed and crafted examples of late 19th century Tiffany we have ever designed.

In a roughly circular form, gently fluted at lower body.

Elegant notched Montieth style rim. Adorned with brilliant leaf and vine centre layered shell medallions. The shell displays united by rolling vine streams.

The bowl supported atop boldly fashioned acanthus cap banded ankle ball and claw feet.

Monogramm "TL + CR" (un-traced) as shown.

 

This rare c1897 Tiffany sterling Silver Montieth style ball and claw punchbowl is 10 1/2 inches diameter. Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling construction it weighs 37 oz.

Hallmarked as shown. The Tiffany pattern number denoting c1897 production.

In excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. Stands firm on table or display shelf.

For the discerning collector of the finest 19th century Tiffany. Focused upon the most unique designs and most deservedly this exceptional c1897 Tiffany sterling silver Montieth style punch bowl in excellent condition.

Please feel free to inquire directly about this, or any item we have written about. Whether the item is alone or part of a larger grouping, we very much welcoming  your interest. We are collectors first. & as such, we are quite easy to work with & are pleased to answer personal enquiries.'

1912 Titanic Era Hat for A Gentle Lady

'This antique Edwardian Titanic era black beaver felt fur red feather large brim hat dates from 1912. It is made of a black plush beaver felt fur fabric, with a red feather hatband, feather plumes, red tulle net and a large gold metal red rhinestone bow brooch pin. This gorgeous grand ladies hat has an exaggerated upturned dramatic wide brim front. There is a large round crown, with a smaller inner crown which is lined inside in black silk and would have sat atop a full Gibson Girl style updo hairdo. There is a "Pickering Ladies Hatter Lewiston, Maine" label inside. The hat measures 18 inches wide, 6 1/2 inches tall, 25 inches in circumference on the top crown and 20 inches in circumference inside the inner crown. It is in excellent wearable condition. This is truly a rare and wonderful example of an extravagant opulent Titanic era hat!'

1908 Bradley & Hubbard Bronze Table Lamp in Pristine Condition

'In November of 1874 the Crockery and Glass Journal reported that "all the factories in Meriden, Connecticut, are running over time. Bradley & Hubbard is especially busy this season with their regular fall trade of gas and kerosene fixtures and bronze ornaments. A large foreign order for gas-chandeliers, to be filled early next year, gives evidence of the advancing reputation of this house. They employ at present over four hundred hands, and preparations have already been made for adding, next year, another four story brick building to their present extensive establishment. Within the past year they have removed their New York show room (Murray and Park Place) to the commodious chambers, Nos. 21 and 23 Barclay Street, where a comprehensive display is made of the wares of their manufacture."

A few months later, in 1875, the final reorganization of Bradley & Hubbard took place. The joint stock company name became Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, with Walter Hubbard as President and Nathaniel Bradley as Treasurer. This name was retained until 1940 when the Charles Parker Company, part of Union Manufacturing Company, bought out the company. The Charles Parker Company is still manufacturing steel bathroom equipment and building products in Meriden, Connecticut.

This is a totally undamaged bronze table lamp of the year 1908 with particularly French Revival, though with a demure color choice that is handsome on the appliance'

1911 Undamaged J.A. Whaley Stained Glass Table Lamp

'This one-of-a-kind 1911 leaded floral table lamp depicts pink striated glass tulips with deep green foliage set against a caramel and light green ground. The shade is supported by a 3-socket base with deep brown patina finish and ends with three acorn pulls and top cap.The lamp manufacturer J.A. Whaley & Co. made beautiful leaded mosaic glass lamps to compete with Duffner and Kimberly around the turn of the century. There isn’t a lot of information about the J.A. Whaley & Co. lamps available, but we do know that J. A. Whaley & Co. opened its first lamp store in New York in 1901. 

J.A. Whaley & Co. did not aggressively advertise its lamps to the general public. Instead, J.A. Whaley & Co. focused on building partnerships with lighting distributors like Mckenney & Waterbury. Because of the lack of advertisements and catalogs, J.A. Whaley & Co.’s lamp line has not yet been fully discovered.

J.A. Whaley & Co. also did not make it a point to faithfully sign or design its lampshades or bases as unique products. In fact, of the four styles of bases that J.A. Whaley & Co. favored, at least two appear to mimic Duffner and Kimberly bases.  Fortunately, some base styles and lampshades were signed, and from those we can determine other J.A. Whaley & Co. pieces.

An original J.A. Whaley & Co. lamp in good condition can be worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand. A signed lamp by J.A. Whaley & Co. could be worth more.'  22" tall
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1932 CADILLAC 370-B V-12 RUMBLE SEAT CONVERTIBLE COUPE

'When is the last time you have seen the rarest of the rare, a 1932 Cadillac V12 Convertible Coupe restored to better then new condition?  For those that know their classic cars, in the 1930’s Cadillac’s slogan was ‘Standard of the World’.  This slogan was not taken lightly by Cadillac, its design and engineering team and when they produced the 1932 Cadillac V-12 convertible coupe it was considered one of the five most beautiful American classic cars ever produced.  To top that off, everyone knows that there is the perfect color and color scheme for every car ever produced, in this particular case most classic car judges would agree that the color of this car is absolutely perfectly suited to bring out the classic car lines and show the depths of the mirror like finish.  It should be noted that the underside of the car is done for show purposes, the underside was washed, cleaned and polished.

 If there was ever a time to see one of the rarest and most beautifully designed and engineered classics from the 30’s, this is it.
This magnificent V-12 Cadillac is one of only 81 convertible coupes produced in 1932, with very few remaining today. This numbers matching Harley Earl designed, Fisher Body, car is all-original and was the 6th vehicle produced in 1932. The frame off restoration was done to the highest of standards approximately 12 years ago and has been very well maintained ever since. The two-tone maroon color combination is enhanced with red pin striping, brown leather interior and chrome spoke wheels with contrasting red rims. The rear mounted spare is very rare and gives the body an extremely sleek look with the long 6-louvered hood. The speedometer shows 72, 091 miles, which is believed to be correct, with very few miles since restoration. The car runs and drives extremely well, and can be shown or toured without hesitation.

The car sits on a 134-inch wheelbase and is powered by its original 368 cubic inch V-12, rated at 135 horsepower.'

Circa 1910 Chicago Mosaic Blossom Lamp with Amber Background

'      'A magnificent Chicago Mosaic table lamp for your viewing. The shade represents red roses on stems all the way around against an amber background. The lamp stands approximately 26 inches tall with a 9 inch diameter hexagon base, and the shade is approximately 18 inches in diameter. All materials and hardware are original and in perfect working order, and the condition of the shade is excellent, with some cracks to some of the the panels, which is to be expected for the age of the glass, but no missing parts, and no restoration.'

1929 Cadillac Fleetwood Previously Owned by Herbert Hoover

'Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind Buick and among the oldest automobile brands in the world. Depending on how one chooses to measure, Cadillac is arguably older than Buick. Since GM has discontinued offering Oldsmobile, Buick has the distinction as the oldest American make.

Cadillac was born in 1902, at the dawn of the twentieth century. Its founder, Henry Leland, a master mechanic and entrepreneur, named the company after his ancestor, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, born Antoine Laumet, the founder of Detroit. It was purchased in 1909 by General Motors and within six years, Cadillac laid the foundation for the modern mass production of automobiles by demonstrating the complete interchangeability of its precision parts, also establishing itself as America's premier luxury car. This is also the inspiration for the company's crest, which is based on a coat of arms "created" by Detroit's founder, around the time of his marriage in Quebec, in 1687 (there is no ancient "Cadillac" family or coat of arms in France). Cadillac pioneered many accessories in automobiles, including full electrical systems, the clashless manual transmission and the steel roof. The brand developed three engines, one of which (the V8 engine) set the standard for the American automotive industry. Cadillac is the first American car to win the prestigious Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club of England - having successfully demonstrated the interchangeability of its component parts during a reliability test in 1908; this spawned the firm's slogan 

"Standard of the World". It won that trophy a second time, in 1912, for incorporating electric starting and lighting in a production automobile.
Cadillac managed to survive the Great Depression by being part of GM. By 1940 Cadillac sales had risen tenfold compared to 1934.
1934 brought about a revolution in assembly-line technology. Henry F. Phillips introduced the Phillips screw and driver to the market. He entered into talks with General Motors and convinced the Cadillac group that his new screws would speed assembly times and therefore increase profits. Cadillac was the first automaker to use the Phillips technology, which was widely adopted in 1940.

 This rare and significant car was owned by President Herbert Hoover for many years. It was in the Imperial Palace collection many years spent some time in the hands of a noted Midwestern Collector who is very good at getting things running well before being passed on to another Museum where it currently resides. It may need some minor recommissioning to be road worthy, although it has obviously been in climate controlled storage, so should wake up pretty easily. The car is largely original although the paint, bright-work, and interior have been redone at some point in its life. Notice the desirable "Pennsylvania" V windshield, flowing beltline from the hood to the cowl and the unique triangular cowl vent, as well as the nice Landau Bars and interesting top arrangement.

The car is the only known Survivor of its body type, a long wheel base version, the body actually sticks out a bit from the rear chassis member. The car has Pilot Rays and Dual Side Mounted Spares. As you can see everything is correct and complete. This is a great piece of history.
This car really has presence in person. It is a very large car and the coachwork is simply stunning...this is Fleetwood at its best, and Fleetwood was second to none during their independant days.

This is an important car.'

1911 Ford Model T Fire Engine

'The restoration of this gorgeous Model T Fire Chief's car was started right after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The car was lettered NYC in honor and memory of those Fire Fighters who lost their lives in service to our country. The chassis was of a 1919 Model T Fire Chief's car purchased near Cleveland, Ohio. The mechanical restoration of the chassis had been completed  it was decided to complete the car as a 1911 because authentic parts from that era were available and it was felt the later electric starter and generator would enhance the utility of the vehicle.  It was to be used in parades as a promotional vehicle for Ashland, Oregon’s Lithia Hot Springs Inn & Gardens and having a later, more dependable running gear was desirable.
In the era of 1911 it was customary for Runabouts to also be outfitted with a removable pickup box for hauling things when you weren't on a picnic, or in this case were't going to a fire.  Such a utility box was fabricated incorporating to match boxes of that era, using the customary brass railings a fire dept would use.  [See last two photos with box monted)  The conversation from utility to runabout is quick and easy, as the box was only used for parades
Since it’s restoration, it has only been in one 4^th of July parade and was driven approximately a total of 100 miles.  Due to the owner’s age, it was decided to retire the truck when the owner retired, as no one else wanted to be responsible for the first nick or damage the beautiful restoration.   
The body is torch red with black fenders. It has been lettered and trimmed with real 23 Karat Italian Gold Leaf hand applied and pinstriped as it would have been originally. The wood portions of the body have a cherry-wood finish on them. The car has:

• A polished brass radiator with Ford Script
• Beautifully and accurately reproduced E&J Model 66 Carbide Headlights w/burners
• Beautifully and accurately reproduced E&J side and tail lights with burners and wicks
• Beautifully and accurately reproduced carbide generator with basket
• Beautiful Original Rubes Single Twist Horn
• Polished brass Ford Script Monocle windshield
• Solid brass step plates
• Brass steering quadrant and spider with beautiful wood steering wheel
• Restored Demountable wood wheels with all white universal ribbed tires.
• Accurately reproduced Heinze Coil box and switch made to hold the later coils. They have been gaped and adjusted to the proper amperage
• The car comes with an Oregon certificate of ownership as an assembled vehicle and is a legal driver.  If the high bidder would prefer, due to its age a legal 1911 title may be acquired through the use of Broadway Title Co.  We will provide the necessary bill of sale and help in the process.

Fire Equipment:

• Correct Hose reel with brass finials and springs (rare)
• Early restored Sterling hand crank siren with original brass tag
• Rare brass 6 volt Electric radiator cap bell with eagle stamped "Liberty Bell Cleveland, Ohio with pat'd dates
• Two early copper Badger Fire extinguishers with brass bases beautifully polished
• Early Gray and Davis Carbide Search light
• Fire Axe and Bucket
• Originally restored Fire King Fire Department Lantern with red globe and brass bracket
• Ladder has been stripped, metal parts painted and finished with several coats of Spar Varnish
• The only item that could not be located was the Copper Chemical Tank. In it's place is a very rare 5 gallon Soda Tank that is very similar in appearance to the original style tank

This may be one of the most beautiful Model T's ever restored & will not find another one like it.  It has been in dry storage since it’s restoration and since it’s appearance in the Ashland, Oregon’s 4^th of July Parade in 2010.'

Frederick Collins, Genius of Wireless Telephony--1903-1913

'It had been two years since Marconi’s successful wireless telegraph transmission across the Atlantic ocean, and another year would pass before the invention of the vacuum tube.  Wireless Telegraphy, though still in it’s infancy, held great promise for the future.  Men with names like DeForest, Edison, Fessenden, Marconi, and Tesla were working intensely to make wireless a commercially viable alternative to the wired telegraph.

 At the same time, a much smaller group was attempting to take wireless to the next logical step – a wireless telephone.  In May, 1903, one of these men, A. Frederick Collins, formed the Collins Marine Wireless Telephone Co, and soon after changed the name of the company to Collins Wireless Telephone Co. As he prepared to take the company public, this technical visionary formed partnerships with businessmen of questionable character - men more interested in making a killing in wireless stock speculation than in building a successful company.

His first system was known as the “Inductive System” and featured coils of insulated wire four to five feet in diameter. The transmitting coil carried current modulated by a microphone, which produced amagnetic field that varied with the speech of the speaker.  The varying magnetic field produced an electric current in the receiving coil placed nearby, reproducing the speaker’s voice in a telephone receiver.

 Collins toured the United States. putting on demonstrations and selling stock in the Collins Wireless Telephone Co.  The company madewild claims about his technology and was vocal in predicting the downfall of telegraph stocks such as Marconi.  Usually two adjoining hotel rooms were rented for the demonstration, placing the coils on opposite sides of a wall. Celebrities and government officials would be invited to demonstrate the apparatus.  These demonstrations were spectacular and resulted in appreciable stock sales. Unfortunately the money received was used by the company to cover the expenses of marketing its stock and to promote further speculation, not for building the assets of the company for the benefit of the stockholders.

From 1900 to 1909 Collins wrote an incredible number of technical articles for science and trade journals, as well as best selling wireless books including "Wireless Telegraphy" (1905), "Manual of Wireless Telephony and Telegraphy" (1909), and "Design and Construction of Induction Coils" (1909.) 

In 1908 Collins issued a two part catalogue which described induction and conduction equipment in the first part, a true wireless set in the second part. He used an arc to generate the carrier and modulated it by a carbon microphone. He claimed this unit could span a distance of eighty miles with a power of 2.4 KW.

The company had a small shop in Newark. N.J. where demonstration equipment was built but little apparatus was ever sold. In December, 1909 Collins Wireless Telephone Company became a part of the Continental Wireless Tel. & Tel. Company, with A. Frederick Collins as Technical Director. The stock prospectus promised A Collins wireless telephone was to be installed in each Continental station. None were installed.

Stock Fraud

In December, 1911 four officers

According to the trial records, they were charged with 5 counts in:

1. Selling worthless stock in the Collins Wireless Telephone Co.
2. Persuading owners of Collins stock to buy worthless Continental stock.
3. Selling worthless bonds of the Continental Co.
4. Selling worthless Continental stock.

In addition, A. Frederick Collins was charged with giving a fraudulent demonstration of his wireless telephone on Oct. 14, 1909 at the Electrical Show in Madison Square Garden, New York, for the purpose of selling stock in the Collins Wireless Telephone Co.

It was developed at the trial that the four Collins officers had claimed in their prospectus that the Collins wireless telephone had been perfected to such an extent that in a community equipped with it, any two subscribers could talk to each other with total exclusion of all other subscribers, that the Collins wireless telephone would do away with all central exchanges. the necessity for wire lines, etc, that an automobile so equipped would be in constant touch with a garage so as not to be stranded in case of trouble, that because of the lower cost of the wireless telephone, with no wires needed, the telephone and telegraph systems would soon be put out of business and that the demand for the equipment would increase so rapidly that the stock price would quickly increase. Click here to see an example of these claims.

Four officers were convicted on all five counts. Three were fined and sentenced on January 10. 1913. to prison terms of up to four years. This was the end of the Continental Wireless Tel. & Tel. Co.

A. Frederick Collins was sentenced to three years in jail in Atlanta. After serving one year he was released.. Before his conviction he had been a respected engineer, considered an authority on wireless in general and a specialist in wireless telephony. In his later career he wrote an amazing number of books on a variety of subjects such as electricity, wireless, astronomy and many other topics. He is most well known for “The Radio Amateur’s Handbook," still in print and in it's 82nd edition!

The collapse of Continental was mirrored by the downfall of other companies such as United Wireless and DeForest. The era of bogus stock selling had come to an end.'