BEFORE GOODYEAR — THE SEIBERLING MACHINE WORKS

J.F. Seiberling & Co.

c. 1890 - Empire Mowers, Reapers, and Twine Binders [Goodyear - Akron Ohio History]

THE AKRON ROOTS OF THE GOODYEAR DYNASTY IN A CHROMOLITHOGRAPHIC RECORD OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE MIDWESTERN FARM.
A vibrant promotional fold-out for the 'Empire' line of agricultural harvesting machinery, manufactured by the prolific inventor J.F. Seiberling in Akron, Ohio.  This brochure captures the peak of the horse-drawn era with detailed chromolithography on one side and technical stone lithograph diagrams on the reverse.

KEY FEATURES:
+++ Visuals: The interior opens to a three-panel color spread featuring the 'Empire Twine Binder,' 'Empire Dropper,' and 'Empire Table Rake' in idealized landscape settings. The reverse features detailed black-and-white illustrations of the 'Empire Mower' gearing, pitman rod, and transport configuration.
+++ Content: Promotes the 'Lightest & Best' machinery, specifically highlighting the shift to 'Twine Binders' (a major innovation over wire binders which often killed cattle when wire mixed with hay).
+++ Imprint: Akron, Ohio: J.F. Seiberling & Co. (Lithography by Gies & Co., Buffalo, N.Y.).
+++ Reference: J.F. Seiberling was the father of Frank Seiberling. This company was the training ground for Frank before its failure in the 1890s led him to found the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

PHYSICAL SPECS:
+++ Date: Circa 1885–1893 (Based on company operation dates).
+++ Dimensions: 5.25 x 3 inches (folded); opens to 5.25 x 11.75 inches.
+++ Format: 4-panel fold-out brochure on card stock.

CONDITION: Very Good.
+++ Visuals: Chromolithograph colors remain vibrant and un-faded. Text is crisp.
+++ Flaws: A distinct surface scuff/abrasion on the monochrome panel titled 'Empire Mower on the Road' which obscures the rear horse's flank. Minor rubbing at the fold lines.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This item represents the 'Golden Age' of American agricultural manufacturing in the Midwest. J.F. Seiberling was a fierce competitor in the 'Reaper Wars' against McCormick and Deering. Beyond the agricultural history, this piece is significant to industrial historians as an artifact of the Seiberling family dynasty immediately prior to the founding of Goodyear, which would transform Akron into the 'Rubber Capital of the World.'

KEYWORDS:  Agricultural Machinery, 19th Century Farming, Chromolithography, Trade Catalogs, Akron Ohio History, Horse-Drawn Implements, J.F. Seiberling, Harvesting, Americana, Industrial History, Farm Ephemera.

Item #21505

Price: $145.00