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Charles Duryea and Ransom E. Olds Signature Lot. Charles Duryea Signature and Ransom E. Olds Autogra

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Charles Duryea and Ransom E. Olds Signature Lot. Charles Duryea Signature and Ransom E. Olds Autogra
<B>Charles Duryea Signature and Ransom E. Olds Autograph Document Signed.</B></I> This lot features two signatures from leading men in the automotive industry, Charles Duryea and Ransom E. Olds. The first item is a small slip of paper, signed "<I> Chas. E. Duryea.</B></I>" Duryea was an American inventor and manufacturer. He and his brother Frank built the first successful gasoline powered automobile in 1893. They were bicycle makers who became interested in engines and gasoline power. Together they founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Co. in Springfield Mass. This pioneer of automobiles as we know them today signed this 4.5" x 1" slip of paper, which was clipped from a check. The slip is in fine condition with only slight foxing on the lower right corner. The signature is bold and dark. <BR><BR> Ransom E. Olds was also a pioneer in the automotive industry. He claimed to have built a steam-powered automobile as early as 1894. He successfully manufactured the first Oldsmobile in 1895, however, he is better known for his "Curved Dash Oldsmobile" which sold for around $500 in 1901. The car is said to have been "born in fire" since the factory was burned down and destroyed in a fire. Yet despite this setback, the car sold over 600 units in its first year of production. Olds signed this 12.75" x 8.5" stock certificate in 1916. It is printed and signed on both sides by various individuals. The certificate is printed on REO Motor Car Company Letterhead, and is signed at the bottom of the front page by Olds as, <I>"R.E. Olds."</B></I> Olds was president of the company when he signed this document, due to the fact that he had left his own company after a quarrel with his business partner. The document is in good condition, with only the slight issue of the cancellation stamp affecting the middle part of the signature. There are also several hard creases from the folds held by the document over the years. <BR>Two wonderful signatures to motor your collection miles ahead!