I think I found this lathe on Marketplace some time ago, it was described as having been built in 1883 and looks like a good simple solid machine. I was hoping to find more information on the company, there seems to have been different Massachusetts companies using the Wright name in the late 19th century. Vintage Machinery is always a good place to start.
Friday, July 25, 2025
S. C. Wright lathe
I think I found this lathe on Marketplace some time ago, it was described as having been built in 1883 and looks like a good simple solid machine. I was hoping to find more information on the company, there seems to have been different Massachusetts companies using the Wright name in the late 19th century. Vintage Machinery is always a good place to start.
Killinger and Freund
Late '30s Killinger and Freund: It’s hard to find images of this motorcycle online as it’s so rare. Contributions welcome! Looks like this picture was taken in maybe 1945?
Like the Megola, its engine is mounted in the front wheel (actually its described as 3 separate 2 stroke singles). This one is apparently 600cc and the styling is obviously art deco influenced. More here plus comments and a slide show.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Norton Manx
I recently read a report on an auction that noted that Manx racers seem to be coming down in price, seems the guys that lusted after them are aging out.
Modern Fruit Ship (for 1959)
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Monday, July 21, 2025
Racing in France
Unboxing your 1982 Katana 1100

Sunday, July 20, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
First US stamp to feature a motorcycle
This stamp was issued in 1922, replacing an earlier stamp (issued in 1902) with a bicyclist making the delivery.
More than you ever knew or wanted to know about the creation of the stamp at https://sdproofs.wordpress.com/
Friday, July 18, 2025
More multitool, Bonney Tomahawk
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Massey Toronto Light Binder
In the late 1800s, farm equipment trials were the sporting spectacles of the day. In 1889 Massey went to the event in Paris with their "Toronto Light Binder" and came home with not only a gold medal but also a Grand Object of Art Award.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Sikorsky S-38 "Osa's Ark"
The S-38 was a well performing 10 seat flying boat introduced in 1928. It was able to cruise at 100 mph with a range of 600 miles with good landing and takeoff characteristics. It could also fly on one engine (important at that time).
1956 Cadillac
In this ad the woman's gown is featured more prominently than the car- and no gown credits even given... someone slipped up.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Goodyear airship, Pilgrim
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Aircraft of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithonian, 1985 |
In the mid 1920s Goodyear constructed a number of small scale airships designed to demonstrate and train pilots in lighter-than-air craft, the Pilgrim was one of these. It was made of a magnesium coated steel tube frame with a rubberized fabric balloon. The envelope had a capacity of 55,000 cubic feet of gas and was the first airship designed to utilize helium as the lifting gas.
The engine was a single Lawrence air-cooled three cylinder engine of 40 hp, with a 40 gallon fuel tank, giving it had a range of 525 miles. Launched in 1925, it made 4765 flights before being retired in 1931.
Below, landing atop the M. O'Neil department store in Akron, Ohio. That must be the railway terminal on the left in the background.
Monday medal mystery
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Marion Model 35
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Mike Filey, Victor Russell, From Horse Power to Horsepower, Toronto 1890-1930, Dundurn Press, 1991 |
This Marion steam shovel cost the City of Toronto $8665 in 1911 and was described as a "self propelled, full circle" steam shovel. It was used to prepare the right of way for the Gerrard St. streetcar line.