Hi all
We recently came across a Studebaker advertising piece that we are having trouble tracing back to its place of origin. The advertising is stamped into a "nails" puzzle -- two pieces of interlocked metal that separate when held in the correct position (see photo below). This type of puzzle was patented in the US in 1910, so it seems unlikely that the puzzle is any older than that.
The text on the puzzle offers three additional clues:
1) Since a specific dealer is not named on the puzzle, it is likely a regional advertising piece used by dealers who did joint advertising. We have been told that the puzzle in not something that was distributed by the parent corporation. We think that the Pittsburgh Region or the Philadelphia Region are potential points of origin (based on family history and other materials packed with the puzzle).
2) There are differing estimates of the puzzle's age. Guestimates range from the 1910's to the '20's to the 30's. The text of the advertising talks about a Studebaker costing about $650. From what we have found so far, that price is low for new cars sold in the '10s and 20's (we are still looking). We recently found a print ad for a new 1939 Studebaker Champion with a posted price of $660. There may have been other years when the cost of a new Studebaker was around $650.
3) The timeframe mentioned in the text of the puzzle indicates it is a seasonal piece -- Christmas is mentioned.
The text of the puzzle reads:
Side 1 of the link on the right says, "TELL DADDY A STUDEBAKER"
Side 2 of the link on the right says, "WILL MAKE IT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS"
Side 1 of the link on the left says, "A SMALL DOWN PAYMENT AND"
Side 2 of the link on the left says, "$12.50 A WEEK GETS ONE"
Is there anyone who follows the Studebaker Drivers Club Forum who can tell us about where (and when) this Studebaker puzzle comes from? Or if you have (or have seen) other examples of this Studebaker advertising piece?
We'd appreciate any information you can provide.
Thanks!!!
We recently came across a Studebaker advertising piece that we are having trouble tracing back to its place of origin. The advertising is stamped into a "nails" puzzle -- two pieces of interlocked metal that separate when held in the correct position (see photo below). This type of puzzle was patented in the US in 1910, so it seems unlikely that the puzzle is any older than that.
The text on the puzzle offers three additional clues:
1) Since a specific dealer is not named on the puzzle, it is likely a regional advertising piece used by dealers who did joint advertising. We have been told that the puzzle in not something that was distributed by the parent corporation. We think that the Pittsburgh Region or the Philadelphia Region are potential points of origin (based on family history and other materials packed with the puzzle).
2) There are differing estimates of the puzzle's age. Guestimates range from the 1910's to the '20's to the 30's. The text of the advertising talks about a Studebaker costing about $650. From what we have found so far, that price is low for new cars sold in the '10s and 20's (we are still looking). We recently found a print ad for a new 1939 Studebaker Champion with a posted price of $660. There may have been other years when the cost of a new Studebaker was around $650.
3) The timeframe mentioned in the text of the puzzle indicates it is a seasonal piece -- Christmas is mentioned.
The text of the puzzle reads:
Side 1 of the link on the right says, "TELL DADDY A STUDEBAKER"
Side 2 of the link on the right says, "WILL MAKE IT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS"
Side 1 of the link on the left says, "A SMALL DOWN PAYMENT AND"
Side 2 of the link on the left says, "$12.50 A WEEK GETS ONE"
Is there anyone who follows the Studebaker Drivers Club Forum who can tell us about where (and when) this Studebaker puzzle comes from? Or if you have (or have seen) other examples of this Studebaker advertising piece?
We'd appreciate any information you can provide.
Thanks!!!
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