MTFCA Forum

These accessory shock absorbers are on my '14. I would appreciate any help confirming whether or not they are early Hassler shocks. I've never seen another set. The design is certainly similar to the common bee hive Hasslers with the obvious differences being the spring design and the grease fittings. Given the initials RH (Robert Hassler?) and RHC (Robert Hassler Company?) cast into the parts I'm assuming they are early Hasslers. Maybe prototype/test marketed? The T in the Wells ad below from The Fordowner magazine of September 1914 has identical shocks on it. There is no ad for the shocks. The bee hive style were being advertised by sometime in 1915 .
Do any of you have a set of these shocks or knowledge of them? If anyone has any Fordowner magazines from that period would you be kind enough to look through them for an ad. Or better still have an advertising brochure for them you could post?
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Is the RH on both or just one, the one on the right-hand side of the car?

"RH" was on Hassler parts, it did not mean "right". So the question about whats on the other is important. I have not seen these and have collected pictures of many styles and never noticed the ones on this Western Electric ad. In looking at the pictires and seeing the lettering and how well the match to Hassler's, I'd say they may be an early version of Hasslers

Really neat! They do have a Hassler look, perhaps you are on to it. Robert Hassler was an early auto genius. He invented and manufactured an early 2 speed rear axle, way before the Planatar or Ruckstell. Another pride of Indiana L

Those Indiana boys!!!
Pretty cool Tim. Wish I could help but back to top.

There is so much early auto history in Indiana. I think they were just behind Ohio , BUT still a far behind 2nd!

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:46 pm

"RH" was on Hassler parts, it did not mean "right". So the question about whats on the other is important. I have not seen these and have collected pictures of many styles and never noticed the ones on this Western Electric ad. In looking at the pictires and seeing the lettering and how well the match to Hassler's, I'd say they may be an early version of Hasslers

No question. They are Hasslers (1913?). Looking for more info

Nice work Frank. You saved me some time.
Rich

Thanks everyone.
First, Mark, the RH and RHC are on both the left and right side shocks.
Frank, great to know about the RH markings on Hassler products. I don't have any of the beehive style. Are the markings on those as well?
Tim and Dallas, thank you for chiming in. Back to you Frank.
I don't have the patience to do a deep internet search for info. Thank you for your efforts. Is the ad you posted in your possession or something you found online? Would you be so kind as to either provide me with a link to it or email me a copy? It would be greatly appreciated.
planetaryman@msn.com
And Rich, thanks for your intention to help.

I'm sort of torn between wanting to find someone with another set and having the only set in existence.

As always.., Way to go Frank!!!!!!!

Yes, later Hasslers have RH on both sides, as well. There are actually a few different versions between yours and the later pancake style, not to mention different spring rates for different body styles. The tapered springs of the later beehive provide more lateral stability of the spring, a reduced overall compressed height, and a non-linear spring rate. These were all likely considered to be improved features at the time, but it's neat to see an early set.

Brian, I’ve been into Ts for over 50 years now and it’s really a joy to learn and see something new at this point. Thank you very much! If I was younger, I’d have to have a set now!

old_charley wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:27 pm

Thanks everyone.
First, Mark, the RH and RHC are on both the left and right side shocks.
Frank, great to know about the RH markings on Hassler products. I don't have any of the beehive style. Are the markings on those as well?
Tim and Dallas, thank you for chiming in. Back to you Frank.
I don't have the patience to do a deep internet search for info. Thank you for your efforts. Is the ad you posted in your possession or something you found online? Would you be so kind as to either provide me with a link to it or email me a copy? It would be greatly appreciated.
planetaryman@msn.com
And Rich, thanks for your intention to help.

I'm sort of torn between wanting to find someone with another set and having the only set in existence.

The RH markings are on most items. the beehive style springs were color coated for spring rate.
I found the ads on-line using Google Books (Hap also uses it and described here https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26285 how above). I don't have any original ads
You should be able to right click on the above images and choose SAVE IMAGE AS... to download to your PC

Tim, like you I've been into Ts for more than 50 years, since '68, and I agree. It's a kick to see something T related that you haven't come across before. I'm glad I could bring some joy to your life! It would be fun to find another set. Incredibly unlikely though given that they were obviously made for a very short time.
Thanks for the link Frank. Greatly appreciated.

Thanks for showing us those rare ducks.