Description: The Grand Antique Mall, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, presents an Antique Bear Manufacturing Trade Sign featuring BEAR WHEEL ALIGNER + Matching BEAR ALIGNER TOOL. 1925. The Happy Bear was the mascot and logo for Bear Manufacturing Company, founded in 1913, by brothers Will and Henry Damman, who opened their first shop in Rock Island, IL. The brothers invented an electric starter for the Model T., allowing auto owners to drive, even if they left behind or lost the crank. Bear starters were so popular that Henry Ford made electric starters standard equipment, causing the Dammans’ market to disappear. Undeterred, the Dammans incorporated a new company in 1917 to design + manufacture auto equipment, quickly becoming the standard of excellence for auto diagnosis and wheel, steering, and frame alignment repairs. The same year, the Dammons established a Bear shop on 21st & Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, causing a national sensation. Celebrities at the opening included Wilbur “GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES” Shaw, internationally famous racing champion + Indianapolis Speedway president. DIMENSIONS: TOOL=16”H x 65”W x 2”D. SIGN=13.5”H x 57”W x 2”D. TOTAL WEIGHT=42 lbs. TOOL=10 lbs. SIGN=32 lbs.Patent No 1-516-549. Bear #10A. Bear Manufacturing Co. Rock Island, IL. Serial #: Left Tool=WA-1705. Right Tool=WA-1706. QUESTIONS? Please send us message, and we'll promptly reply.
Price: 1275 USD
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
End Time: 2025-01-20T21:38:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Type of Advertising: Trade SIGN + Trade TOOL for Wheel Alignment
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Original/Reproduction: Original
Patent Number: 1-516-549
Serial Number: Left: WA-1705 Right: WA-1706
Date of Creation: 1925
Total Weight For Sign + Tool: 42 Pounds
City Where Manufactured: Rock Island, Illinois
Founders of the BEAR Company: The Damman Brothers
Color: Gold, Orange, Black
Brand: Bear Manufacturing Company
