My late 1911 touring would have had hubcaps with the Ford script with the raised ring around the outside without MADE IN USA. They were introduced in July, 1911. Here is a photo of an original I have which is pretty rough:
Notice how sharp the script is on this compared to the reproduction that Lang's has:
We all know that Bob Bergstadt has the original Ford dies for Model T hubcaps. I wish someone would buy them and start production! But until that happens, I'd like to know if there are any other reproduction hubcaps that are better, or do ALL the hubcaps that are available come from the same set of dies?
Better still, does anyone have any originals that they would be willing to part with? I so, please send me a PM.
Also, the Encyclopedias says the background was
"oxidized." That is that? Tarnished and unpolished? We know that background was painted with black enamel on the 1914-1915 hubcaps and then wiped so the script shows, but what is the oxidized background finish of 1911-1913?
: ^ )
Keith
Probably similar to applying patina to a bronze sculpture as I learned from my high school art teacher.
Brass can be made to turn black by applying a copper nitrate and water solution and then heating to the object.
Dull black on brass involves applying a solution created by dissolving copper scraps in nitric acid and water.
(The above is from "Workshop Formulas, Tips and Data" by Kenneth M. Swezey - I have it on my bookshelf).
Bronze World War I "U.S." collar buttons have a black finish. Probably created by the method described above.
Here are examples of bronze WW I buttons with an oxidized black finish.
The method to make these black is probably the same that was used for the background of the hubcaps.
Erik J,
Nice "medical" button I don't see many of those. The ones on my uniform and cap don't have the "V" on them. What is the significance of that?
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2 (Master of thread drift)
I use a hot solution of Ferric Nitrate and Sodium Thiosulfate to produce the black background on brass plates and badges. It may be easier to get than nitric acid and certainly safer.
Wayne,
That is an Army Veterinary Corps insignia.