Well Herb get ready, It looks like the family is all dressed up and headed your way for Thanksgiving!
Nice photo
Great photo Herb. Is it actually dated 1909? My first thought was - supplied as a basic car, no screen or top. But I can't see any top fittings which I thought were there even if it was supplied without top. It has a good kink in the front fender and running board, also looks pretty dirty. There are streaks down the body and splash pan where the water has run down from the door. Doesn't look like someone's brand new pride and joy. I wonder, just how new was it in this photo?
The fenders are later 1909 - 10. Headlights look odd, may be replacements or damaged. I agree the car looks several years old in the photo.
It has a license plate with a dash on it next to the numbers making it a state-issued plate. Iowa didn't have state-issued plates until 1911. My guess is the plate is 1912 or 1914 because those were white numbers/letters on a black or dark blue background with a fine date and state font.
Regardless of the bent up fender and running board I'd still give them what they paid for it.
The photo is dated 1912.
You all pass the test!
Herb
But I thought the car was an 09.
The car is a very early 1909 model with later front fenders.