Hello, l have had this old seat back for some time now, it was with my '13 when l purchased it, but to this point in time l am still at a loss as to which T if any its from., my initial thought was a tourabout, but thats a guess !

width at arm rest curve front = 43"
height at base to top of backrest = 16 1/4"
height at base to top of armrest = 8 5/8"
width from front edge to back edge = 20 1/2"
opening under seat = 10" x 32 1/2 "

The seat back is made of tin, magnet will stick to it, with a steam ( guess ) bent wooden bead around the edges.

It is painted black but after chipping a small amount of paint off, found that it is a bright red under with good gloss when polished.
The black appears to be brushed on but what l could best describe as some many years ago.











Now my "13 runabout also came with a 1911 Torpedo windsheild with original float glass still intact, but l am not sure if the two are or were related at any time.

Can you assist in putting an end to this mystery ??

Cheers David.

David-
It looks a lot like the seat that is on my 1921 American LaFrance fire engine, but the bead looks more narrow. Maybe its a seat from a fire engine. Is there any gold, white, or black striping near the bead? Or any evidence of any handles on the side of the seat?
Is the bead rolled or wood?
-Keith

Hello Keith, l'll have another scratch around tomorrow, up near the bead area.
The bead is wood.

David

No black or white or gold banding , just red, any other thoughts as to what it could be ??
Only holes are in the back about where the robe rail would be ??
Thanks David

David,

Looks like a seat out of an old sleigh I redid once.

David,
Your seat may be from a 1909 or 10 2cyl. REO. The dimensions are close. A REO front seat has a board centered going from front to back on the seat bottom. Yours may have been removed. The wood wicker bead is correct for REO. The red color is also correct as is the one tapered metal side support bracket. The plate with two screws located near the top edge is where the top irons bolt. My vote....it is a REO front seat. In addition to my 13 model T touring I also have a 1910 2 cyl. REO touring. I am a member of the REO 1 & 2 cyl. group and Forum. The 1 & 2 cyl. REO forum has a for sale section in case you want to sell it. Let me know if I can help.
Les

Don't know what it was originally, but it looks early. It would make a good seat for a speedster.
Norm

Hello,
Does look like a REO Model D front seat except for the missing center board in the access hole in the seat bottom.
Coincidently the only color ever noted in the REO brochures for that model was "Bright Red"
Dave in Wichita.

David-
It looks a lot like this 1910 REO seat. Maybe contact Mr Ray and ask about specific dimensions.
http://www.rayscarriageworks.com/wwwrayscarriageworkscom/main.JPG

: ^ )
Keith

Here's an 09 REO with upholstery and the same skinny bead...and its red...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/26050 11631_6cc0eb2155.jpg&imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/historian77/2605011631/& usg=__L-puyuqWap2oblfmr84WwrlN-R4=&h=375&w=500&sz=177&hl=en&start=9&tbnid=v7YSsj qKN6yhMM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3D1909%2Breo%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

: ^ )

Wow thanks, its been sitting in the garage for years, should l carefully remove the rest of the brushed black paint to show the full color under , l have found the two sets of two holes and a light impression on the back where the robe rail was attached, and you're right about the top brackets, a little dust removal shows the impressions of where the bracket was fastened.
Did the seat back have 4 coil type springs on it ?
What do l do with it , how much is it worth ???
So many questions.
David.

Just looked at that pic of the 1909, it also clears up the other question of why did this seat come with two square seat springs with original leather on them.
That is a pretty car
Looks like a match to me.
David

pic attached

David,
Try to find a new home with a 2 cyl. REO owner. The seat is not priceless as it is not that difficult to reproduce. However, just like the T owners who strive for "Original" it does have value! More with some than with others...depending on your pocket book. The suggested value would be compairable to an original early Model T front seat in like condition.
If it were mine, I would like it go to someone that needs it for their REO restoration/project.
This is a rare find and should go back on the correct model car......not on some model T speedster project.
I will try and find someone in the REO group where it could be used again.
Les

Ok , that sounds like a fairly reasonable suggestion, so someone in Benton Kansas is missing his or her REO front seat , contact me if you want it back.
Thanks for helping clear up this mystery.

David.