A rare 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Contestant Ribbon Badge manufactured by The Whitehead & Hoag Co.
It was a fun day today at Jerry Lettieri's annual Automobilia Auction with several rare Vanderbilia available to collectors. Here is the first of the items that I was able to purchase.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Automobilia Auction, Plainville, CT.
Over 50 collectors had a great time today at the auction joined by hundreds online.
A Paul Newman helmet was sold for $8,000, the most expensive item of the 450 lots.
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Contestant Ribbon
This rare silk ribbon badge was likely worn by drivers and mechanicians to gain access to the course and race events.
The ribbon was manufactured by The Whitehead & Hoag, Co. based in Newark, New Jersey.
The Whitehead and Hoag Company was the preeminent American manufacturer of advertising novelties. The company was founded in 1892 by Chester R. Hoag and Benjamin S. Whitehead. Initially, the company was known for the creation and manufacture of ribbon badges such as this contestant badge.
In 1896, they introduced the pin back button for which they held the patent. W&H went on to become the world’s largest manufacturer of quality buttons and remained so for many years. The company also manufactured various types of medals in bronze, silver and gold, calendars, pocket knives, paperweights, letter openers , celluloid items and novelties of every sort.
The company lasted until 1959 when its was purchased by a competitor Bastian Brothers.
A former Whitehead & Hoag Company factory built in 1903 is still standing and serves as a self storage facility in Newark, New Jersey.
Comments
It is great to read about Whitehead & Hoag Company. It is rare to see the companies mentioned who produced some really fine quality items to supply to car manufacturers and auto accessory stores. I have know about W & H for decades and always look to check at the center on the back of cast emblems etc to see their makers mark. They had a huge volume of business . It is not often that manufacturers of auto related items are mentioned but it puts a whole new light on how things were provided and their important part in automotive history.
Is the actual name of the Cup Race, what is says on the ribbon?
I checked out the lot list before the auction and knew you would be there Howard.
Nice item to add to your collection. There were other Vanderbilia items of interest as well.
Amazing early Motor artifact still existing today! VERY RARE. Thanks for sharing!