Manufactured in Crossing, Illinois, the Schmidt Brothers Co. produced half-, three-quarter-, and one-ton trucks. Public deliveries started in 1911 with the half-ton Model F and the two-ton Model C, which sold for a whopping $1,375.

This individual truck was used by the Schmidt Brothers Company as a demonstration model, and it was used to both test and evaluate the operation of the vehicle. It was also used to advertise the Schmidt Model C Trucks in their brochures and advertisements. Documentation included with the sale consists of several old photographs of the vehicle, the factory where it was constructed, factory workers, and a gentleman who is allegedly one of the Schmidt brothers; a Schmidt Brothers brochure for the brothers’ paints and hardware business from 1904; and contracts and receipts for a space for Schmidt Brothers Co. at the Chicago Annual Automobile Show in both 1911 and 1912.

This Schmidt, which has been a part of the AACA Museum’s permanent collection for quite some time, is currently in unrestored and original condition. It was awarded with the AACA’s Historic Preservation of Original Features (HPOF) Award, which is a testament to the vehicle’s originality and preservation over time, and it has also won an AACA Perseveration Class Award. The wood on the body is in good condition, but its yellow and red paint has faded some over its 103 years of life. Since this vehicle has rotated between static display and storage over the last 10 years, it will require some mechanical recommissioning to become fully operational.

Luck was not with the Schmidt brothers, and the company closed in 1913. During those two years, less than 100 vehicles were produced in total. Survivors are extremely rare and seldom offered on the open market. This example, a unique prototype, represents an opportunity not to be missed for the antique car and truck collector who, as they say, “has everything.” He or she will never find another.

This lot will be sold on a Bill of Sale only.