Anyone recognize this steering wheel ?

Okay , I'll try not to make this a long story . I inherited this '29 tub two years ago when my good friend and mentor , Dave Gale , passed away .It was just a pile of parts then. He had bought this steering wheel on Ebay and had no idea what it was originally off of .It is 18" in dia. with aluminum spokes and a mahogany rim . It's in mint condition and since I'm finishing the car for Dave ,I 'm using it. So anyone ever seen one ?

 

Whatever it is, it's way more cool than anything by Grant or LeCarra.

 

That is a sweet wheel! Seems to ring a bell, but I just can't place it.

 

Thanks , I agree . I'm quite sure that it was made in the late teens or early '20's due to the styling . The huge 18" dia. is unusual . Probably some sort of large luxury car from the time . It would be kind of neat to know .

 

Anyone ?

 

Still wondering .I know that someone on here has the answer .

 

Try posting it on www.hemmings.com , surely someone there has an answer !

 

Thanks , I'll check it out .

 

Well if it's Aluminum, and you're thinking the 20's (give or take) and luxury, I'd say the only luxury make that used aluminum would be Syracuse New York's (Cazenovia NY more like it) Franklin Automobiles. Their bodies were aluminum and alot of their cast trim parts and some engine parts were too. Just a guess but check this site out : http://www.franklincar.org/news.htm

 

Scroll down and look at the pictures of the steering wheels, they look like the one you've got and fits in with what you're thinking as for a time line. Best of luck, maybe email someone from the Franklin Club and compare pictures.

 

The Franklin lead didn't pan out.Anyone else?I know the guy that will recognize it is here!

 

Bringing this old thread back up. I have looked at a lot of old cars with wheels that were kind of close, but no match. If anyone can solve the mystery, it's the HAMB.

 

Looks very similar to anearly 21's Packard. It maybe LaSalle

 

Dodge used an alum. wheel in the 20's,

 

Might try a Chris Craft boat site.

 

I checked out the Chris craft lead. I didn't find one like it,but one of them was probably the closest thing I've seen so far.

Makes me wonder if it may have been from a boat,not a car.

 

What about an aftermarket accessory item? Automotive, or marine application ...? It's mega cool !

4TTRUK

 

Try contacting the National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada. They have the entire research department from the old Harrahs collection. A vast archive of historical data and they are very helpful folks.

 

Metal Man that wheel looks a lot like one a friend of mine here in Lexington has on his 27 but his has brass spokes,but he also told me the made them with aluminum.Making a phone call an sending a email.

 

That looks like a GarWood boat wheel. Diameter is right, too. Gar cast the hub to blend with the mast jacket, so it faired in like yours in your tub.

Very conservative (tasteful) styling you're doing, BTW...

 

Rich, that's good information. Much appreciated,but I hate to bother those folks with this. It's really just a curiosity thing,and an opportunity to test you guys. I'm going to run the wheel no matter what it is.

Razin Cain, I would like to see a nice picture of that wheel, and thank you for taking the time to check it out.

Atwater Mike, thanks for the lead, and the compliment. I'm off to investigate Garwood boats now!