RBM Crate

[Buccaneer]

Is this RBM crate original?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401234890523?ul_noapp=true

I see no holes where a lid might have been attached.
Also, what’s up with that divider in the crate?
Were the RBM shipped in pieces?

Maybe John Wellington of Maine will chime in 🙂

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Attachments:

Prepare to be boarded!

[PM T2]

Crate is almost certainly original. The wood dividing wall on the interior, probably not so much.

I have an earlier Evinrude crate with the stenciling on both sides, I believe that it is intended for shipping the 1910-1912 motors, as the illustrated motor on the crate is sans skeg. I can tell you that it is not possible to fit my skegless motor in that crate without taking the foot off first.

Not uncommon for the crate to show up minus the cover. Lack of easily visible nail holes doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I’ve not seen any evidence that Evinrude box lids were hinged like I’ve seen on other motor manufacturers wood boxes (Caille, for instance). I’m surprised ANY of them would have hinges to be truthful, it would have been extra expense to provide them.

Hope this helps. FWIW I don’t think it’s ‘worth" the starting bid of $300 US, but that’s just me, and I’m sitting here fat dumb & happy with an Evinrude rowboat motor crate already in hand, so might be some bias involved.

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

[Buccaneer]

PM T2, thanks for the reply. I wasn’t planning on bidding,
but rather curious about that interesting outboard history!

Prepare to be boarded!

[1946zephyr]

Nice original. However, I have better uses for $350 😀 😀

[joecb]

Hi ya’ Buccaneer, I see from the e-bay posting that you or at least the crate reside in Oakland Maine the residence of the original recipient of the motor. For the sake of historical continuity, have you attempted to track down Mr. John T. Wellington? or decedents? … never know he or the family may have a barn full of old RBM’S

Joe B

[Buccaneer]

Not my crate at auction, and I’m no where near Maine,
but I did look briefly at the 1920 and 1930 Federal
censuses, but did not find a John "T" Wellington,
but found some John Wellingtons.
Perhaps I’ll research the dealer that sold the outboard next!

Prepare to be boarded!

[Buccaneer]

Found Mr. Moreton in the 1930 census, in MA
and occupation is "proprietor" in the Marine
Engine Industry.
Perhaps one of his grandsons will chime in
on how the RBM sales are going 🙂
===================================

Walter H Moreton
in the 1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Walter H Moreton
Birth Year: abt 1885
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Michigan
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Street address: Moreland Road
Ward of City: 1
House Number in Cities or Towns: 3
Dwelling Number: 458
Family Number: 605
Home Owned or Rented: Owned
Home Value: 15, 000
Radio Set: Yes
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 33
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father’s Birthplace: Michigan
Mother’s Birthplace: Ohio
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Proprietor
Industry: Marine Engine
Class of Worker: Employer
Employment: Yes
Household Members:
Name Age
Walter H Moreton 45
Elizabeth M Moreton 37
Elizabeth P Moreton 5
Walter M Moreton 12

Prepare to be boarded!

[wbeaton]

Interesting detective work. Where do you find US census information? I would love to learn more about the first owner and seller of my 1925 A-25. The original crate that came with my A-25 is a pretty rough, but it was the main selling feature when I bought it. I think the RBM crate would be worth $350 if the crate was complete. I’d still be tempted to place a bid if I had a 1917 Evinrude.

Wayne
Upper Canada Chapter

uccaomci.com

[PM T2]

I dunno – 350 US equates to 465 Cdn today….. just sayin’, hehehe

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

[wbeaton]

quote PM T2:

I dunno – 350 US equates to 465 Cdn today….. just sayin’, hehehe

Best,
PM T2

That’s a good point. My thoughts haven’t caught up with the exchange rate, yet.

Wayne
Upper Canada Chapter

uccaomci.com

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