This is Sears number 1085 which was owned by John H. Howard. John gave one of the testimonials in the Sears advertisement booklet called "What Sears Owners Say". In his letter dated June 10, 1910 he says "Dear Sirs: - I received your motor car in August last; am much pleased with it and it does all you claim it will do. Last season I ran the car about 1,500 miles without a break or bog, and it crossed the Blue Mountain and also the Broad Mountain out in the coal regions and with ease. We have rough and hilly roads here in Pennsylvania and the Sears stood all kinds of tests." Some interesting things to note in this picture: The Sears name plate is mounted on the front of the car. This is the only original picture I have ever seen with the data plate mounted on the front of the car. They are usually mounted on the back of the car. It is possible that the original owner moved the data plate to the front of the car so it would not be covered by a license plate on the back. UPDATE: The current owner of this car looked on the back of the car and did find the 4 holes in the body where the data plate was originally mounted. Also note the nickel plating on the tiller bar comes down to the first mounting bracket. Take a look at the finish on the car. The shine on the fenders and the reflection of the head lamp in the body. They looked nicer than people think. Also note that the letter is dated June of 1910 and mentions the car was received the prior August. If this is the 85th Sears and it is received in August of 1909, how many could have been received in 1908? This car is now owned by Jim and Donna Bunch. John Howard sold the car to his friend James H. Roberts in 1929, and James is Donna's Grandfather.
Posted 2011-09-23
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