Studebaker wheelbarrows - original or not?

[garyash]

The late Ray Silveira of Mattapoisett, MA, had many Studebaker things. Among them were these two wheelbarrows, at least one of which Ray claimed was an original “Wheelbarrow Johnny” one from gold rush days. Ray’s cousin handed them over to us this week, but I’d like to authenticate them. I’d like to pass them along to a museum if they are significant.

Is this an original?

[mbstude]

Gary, you might get in touch with Jim Geary in North Carolina. Years ago, Jim did extensive research on an original Stude wheelbarrow in California so he could build an accurate replica.

[altair]

Definitely original about 1930s. They are garden variety with removeable flaring sides so you could carry a round 45-gallon barrel and with the flaring sides attached you could fill it with potatoes. I have one that I have restored, I found it on the side of the road waiting for garbage pick-up, but I beat the pickers to it. All the wood was rotted but the steel was still there, and I replaced the wood painted it red, which was the original color.
The photo is from a 1930s catalog. They were made by a variety of companies, but I don't know if Studebaker ever made them. The model that you show appears to be a 1930s era and I don't think Clement would have been making them then.