Is this a T? Old photo ID help, please.

My aunt dug up this old photo of my great grandfather. He died in 1979 when I was 5 or 6...so my memories of him are limited, but he was a pretty neat guy (on the right in the photo). Can any of you guys ID the car he's in?

I wish he'd lived long enough that I could have known him better. I'd love to know the things he saw being born in the late 1800's and growing up in New York City during the industrial revolution (and the Depression, Prohibition, etc.). Amazing stuff. My aunt digging up family history has prompted me to talk a lot more to my grandfather, who is in his mid 80's now, and another fascinating guy that inspired me to mechanical thinking as a kid. He was a WWII aviator and NYC firefighter...ok...way off topic...thanks for the help!

 

Not a T, das fer sure. Hmmm... Got me wonderin what that is too. I can't remember a hood / grill with the bottom edges curved like that.

 

Curved dash Olds?

got me...

VonDad

 

with that right side drive and no doors. Is that even american?

 

The light is askew, too. Early version of a spotlight?

dka

 

Looks like early studio work witht he the canvas backdrop.

 

Askew, how can you not love that? Not a T and many early American cars drove from the right. That's where the wagon drivers sat. The engine is in front because that's where the horses were. The builders didn't care but the public balks at change.

 

It's not a Studebaker.

 

have to get lucky to id that with something like 2500 differnt makes of u.s. cars prior to 1960. thats 1915 or earlier

 

The vehicle is from a pre 1910 era. There were many different coachworks back then and this may be one that was cut up for the studio type photo. Remember that many of the manufacturer of this time were also sending vehicles overseas where steering wheel placement was a preference and not the norm. After some thought, this may be a photo from a european studio prior to or at the beginning of the first world war. This would explain the parlor look.

 

Check with the Eastman House in Rochester. Their staff can determin what the photo really is.

 

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm pretty sure the photo would have been taken in Brooklyn or Queens, NY shortly after the turn of the century. Other than that, we don't know much. Thanks again.

 

Agree with PunkRodder.

Ya, could be a prop from a photog studio. Those dudes are dressed up pretty well and hair all done up. Might just be a pose.

 

Pretty sure it's a Pope-Toledo runabout, around 1904,05. The rad shape is quite unique.

 

Right hand drive was common in the 0's. The background is painted right on a wall, note the door visible under the mural.

 

It didn't occur to me prior to you guys suggesting it that it was a studio shot, but the more I look at it, I think you guys are right. I contacted Eastman...we'll see if they're willing to take a look. Thanks again!

 

Maybe the photo is flipped and the steering wheel really is on the left?

 

If I had to make a guess I would say that it is NOT right side drive. Old photos in those days are mirror image. Tin types and glass plates were also this way if I remember correctly. So dont out rule this option.. Dont know much about this era car but I would guess Buick. 1900-1905ish.

 

Taint no T! I don't recognise it. From those days it may be from a low production, soon defunct marque. Perhaps even French or German.

 

Your right about the image being flipped. They did a study on the Billy the Kid photo. For years they said he was left handed until History Chanel did a study on the image. It was not uncommon for the print to be a mirror or flipped image.

 

Say ya' want it flipped, here ya' go.

 

It certainly does look like a Pope-Toledo. See the photo of a 1904 model. The hood is open on this one and you can see the curved edges of the hood. Note also the right hand drive.

 

Yes, but the hood in the pic is a 4 piece, and the Pope-Toledo has a 2 piece... but I think you're on the right trail!

It could also be an early Buick.

 

Look at the carbide lights.

 

This forum never stops amazing me!! Good ID!

 

The car is a right hand drive. Check out Great Grand Pa's vest buttons. If the car was left hand drive she would be great Grand Ma! That was the clue to the Billy the Kid tin type. Even though this was clearly a staged photo it could have been taken in a situation where early automobile owners brought their cars to have their photos taken. The door in the background may be a clue that this was a "Drive by" type of studio. Maybe in an alley near a tourist area. (Coney Island?)

 

Not sure of the car but to have a picture of your grandfather like this is so great..............

 

pre 1905 marmon and premier cars had a grill like that also

 

Grandpa has a kickass pomp going on up there...

 

Early Hupmobile?