1904-1906.
Some of below I regard as indisputable hard fact, some is also questionable. Anything red, or with question mark? definitely questionable/requires more research and or editing/possibly deleting.
Chronology continues:
1904 Jan 12, driving his rebuilt 999/Arrow race car on the winter ice of Lake St. Clair, Henry Ford established an official (AAA sanctioned and timed) world record for the mile, covering the distance in 39.4 seconds (91.37 mph) https://myautoworld.com/ford/history/fo ... 3race.html
https://corporate.ford.com/articles/his ... raphy.html
- scheb polks1904unse_0947 pg 957.jpg (4.05 KiB) Viewed 675 times
1904 precise date unknown, George M. Schebler, mech engr*, b**, 516 North Capitol Avenue. * mech is not listed in 1904 abbreviations; engr is engineer; **boards/rented room. Source Polk’s 1904 Directory, Indianapolis page 957. Image source https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
Regardless of incomplete abbreviations, this listing suggests that George Shebler may have forsaken his previous occupation? Not verified, More data required. See Polk’s 1904 abbreviations page 155, https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
- wheeler polk 1904 pg 1205.jpg (3.45 KiB) Viewed 675 times
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
- pierce polk 1904 pg873.jpg (3.74 KiB) Viewed 675 times
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
1904 Polk’s has no “classified” listing for carburetor manufacturers, or Frank Wheeler in relation to china* goods. *crockery/tableware.
- langs copper polk 1904 pg8 crop.jpg (57.02 KiB) Viewed 675 times
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
- langs polk 1904 pg1204.jpg (47.8 KiB) Viewed 675 times
1904 May 24,Langsenkamp Bros. Brass Works. Founders and finishers; aluminum, brass and phosphor bronze castings. 136-142 E. Georgia st Indianapolis Source Indianapolis Journal newspaper, May 24,1904, page 12.
Page 12 — Indianapolis Journal newspaper 24 May 1904
https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d& ... 40524.1.12
1904 precise date unknown, Frank Wheeler & George Schebler formed a partnership circa 1904 to manufacture carburetors. Source Page 10 https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/r ... CO_Nom.pdf
“Wheeler soon became the chief selling agent for Schebler Carburetors”. Source John Glenn Printz, Posted 30 September 2006 - 17:44, https://forums.autosport.com/topic/9031 ... 4-to-1920/
As outlined in part 2, I suspect it was always intended that Frank Wheeler was to be the promoter/salesman, he was demonstrably good at promotion/selling, while also prone to self promotion and exaggeration. By at least December 1904 there were advertisements stating “F. H. Wheeler, Sales Agent for the World”. See below
“George was to be the inventor and designer and to keep improving the carburetor with the newest engines as they came out. Frank Wheeler was to be the man to bring the attention of the carburetor to the motoring public and to car and marine engine manufacturing companies who had money to advertise the carburetor and manufacture it.” Original data source unknown, this verbatim text from Pages 5 & 6, History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection.
1904 precise date unknown, “Harry C. Stutz, who was involved in the design and manufacture of internal combustion engines, introduced George Schebler to Frank W.* Wheeler. In the resulting partnership, Wheeler provided the money, while Schebler provided the engineering skills. Stutz worked temporarily as Sales Manager.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheeler%E ... or_Company
*error, should be H for Henry.
May not be 100% accurate? Some of above may have occurred pre 1904? Initially Wheeler may not have had much money? Stutz may have moved to Schebler late 1904? Not verified, More data required. See 1902 & 1903 in part 2. And late 1904 below
As at Feb 02, 2023, no pre 1904 magazine, or other advertisements known for Schebler carburetor.
As at Feb 02, 2023, appears that at least 2 different SCHEBLER carburetors were advertised 1904, both types advertised for cars, boats, or any engine.
As at Feb 02, 2023, appears that 2 different SCHEBLER booklets “The Heart of the Gasoline Engine” and “The Heart of the Automobile” were advertised 1904.
1904 precise date unknown, “Frank Wheeler spent $2,500 on advertising the carburetor before anybody showed an interest in it. Finally orders started to come in one after another. Soon the orders came in so fast that they rented a loft at 129 Alabama Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. In which Schebler installed a half horsepower motor and worked alone on the manufacture of the carburetors. In two months the orders were too many for George to keep up with so he hired a man to assist him in the manufacturing business.
Word got around about the efficiency of the new carburetor. Orders started to come in for fifteen or twenty castings at a time. In a short time he had to hire four men to take on the task of building more carburetors. After that the orders started to come in so fast he had to hire more men.” Not verified, More data required.
Original data source unknown, this verbatim text from Page 6, History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection.
My interpretation of above is that, likely a loan, or venture capital, was split between renting and equipping the first small factory, where initially alone, George Schebler worked full-time. The “half horsepower motor” likely powered overhead line-shafting, which in turn via flat leather belts, powered at least a lathe and pedestal drill, and Frank Wheeler spent the rest of the money on advertising and promotion. It may well have been a near run thing, between running out of money and receiving orders for carburetors.
- 1904 sheb pre D ex ebay.jpg (178.11 KiB) Viewed 674 times
1904 precise date unknown, Advertisement, stated source Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal 1904 page 184. Image source https://www.ebay.com/itm/291532863931 More data required.
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows plain intake at top, interchangeable air intake & manifold connection, guillotine throttle, a bottom fuel feed which judged by its height is long, pull-up to close, float valve needle, also bottom concentric mixture screw/adjustable main jet, as per 1903 patent application.
“Automatic Carburation, the right mixture at all engine speeds automatically”.
At this time Frank Wheeler was advertised as Indianapolis SCHEBLER sales agent, presumably post formation of partnership?. “The Heart of the Automobile” booklet.
Model unknown, possibly first generation B?. NOTE: As for all known probable and verified 1904 ads, product name just “The Schebler” or “Schebler Carburetor”, no “Wheeler” or “Manufacturers” in name.
Entirely possible that this and other, lifelike, highly detailed, Schebler carb images were created by artists from blueprints, sketches and mere descriptions, as engravings for printing, and used in advertising, before the carburetors were actually made.
Such engravings for printing, were known as “cuts” and were readily available from the likes of Stafford Engraving Co, Indianapolis, see 1904 Polk directory, 8-page Stafford supplement inserted between pages 1244-1245.
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
1904 Nov 26, THE SCHEBLER AUTOMATIC CARBURETER, Scientific American magazine, Vol 91, No. 22, pg. 380. Author’s collection.
- Sci Am 1904 pg 380 extr a.jpg (18.26 KiB) Viewed 649 times
- Sci Am 1904 pg 380 extr b.jpg (11.02 KiB) Viewed 649 times
- 1904 cutaway ex alamy.jpg (98.29 KiB) Viewed 674 times
1904: 'enlargement Schebler Automatic Carbureter for Gasoline Engines' (1904). Artist/photographer: Unsigned. Provenance: "Scientific American". Type: Antique halftone photographic print. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/carbu ... y=relevant
While the spring biased, illustrated item M, “yielding check plate normally obstructing the passage” was an improvement intended to supply a rich fuel-air mixture for starting and intended for plate to be proportionally open thereafter while running. It was still a very crude carburetor and likely had little of the wide range of “throttle control” desirable for safe vehicle operation.
NOTE: The alternate “piston valve” mentioned in SA text does not make this an auxiliary air valve carburetor, nor is it what is generally accepted to be a Schebler Model D, it lacks the Schebler signature push-down to close, hinged float needle arrangement. Alamy image apparently originates from a pristine copy of above Nov 1904 "Scientific American" article/report, from which, unfortunately, Alamy have cropped & deleted text. Missing from both drawings is the intake elbow at top with its suction/vacuum opened, spring controlled “sort of piston valve with an adjustable spring which gives a wider range of adjustment than the arrangement shown.” (as described in Scientific American text above). Item M is the previous spring controlled, suction/vacuum opened “check plate” superseded by the piston type described, but not illustrated. The float, concentric nozzle, and float bowl shape are as per Schebler 1902 patent and instantly recognisable to anyone who has handled Schebler, Linkert and many other makes of carburetor to present day. The pull-up to close float valve needle with taper seat at bottom, item N, may have only been used late 1903 and early 1904. Strangely, the text incorrectly describes the taper-seat float valve as a “ball valve”*
*very similar float needles, arranged concentrically in metal floats, were used for decades in British Binks, Brown & Barlow, AMAC and AMAL motorcycle carburetors to 1953.
For many situations these Schebler carburetors were a big improvement and in many situations such as vehicles driven in mostly flat, wide open spaces, entirely satisfactory. In constant speed applications they were very good.
However, the text phrase “(Provided of course that the throttle is wide open)” hints at the Achilles’ heel of these early single jet carburetors, which was, no variable fuel supply except E, the manually adjustable needle valve at main jet at tip of nozzle D. For example, descending hills with partially closed throttle resulted in high manifold vacuum, which pulled fuel from nozzle, but without the inrushing volume of air, which resulted in very rich fuel-air mixture “loading-up”, which was wasteful, damaging to engine and when throttle opened again, took some time to clear, thus annoying to driver and passengers.
- bottom feed float needles NZ.jpg (115.69 KiB) Viewed 649 times
It must also be remembered that in these early days, the concept of octane rating of gasoline did not exist. Instead, gasoline was classified by its weight, or specific-gravity, in the same manner as a hydrometer testing electrolyte in wet-cell batteries. As a test method to determine fuel suitability, specific gravity was better than nothing, but unreliable for selecting fuel suitable for engines. An early motorist test was to pour a little gas into ones hand and wait until it completely evaporated. Then “judge” by the oiliness of the residue that the fuel was close to kerosene, but if hand was dry and clean the fuel was of higher grade. However, if too high a grade, the fuel boiled and evaporated at a lower temperature, causing vapour-lock etc. By the early 1920’s the maximum and minimum boiling points of gasoline were used to classify gasoline and the gasoline sold by reputable suppliers was blended to strict limits. However, across the USA, the quality varied wildly, with up to 50% kerosene being “normal” in some places. This erratic fuel quality was at its worst in early 1920’s and held back development of “good” carburetors. All carburetor makers were trying hard and with many different methods, just to get their products to function on all grades of available gasoline, at a wide range of ambient temperatures and elevations above sea level. All while also avoiding detonation. Source Dykes Carburetion Instruction No 13, page 103, DYKES AUTOMOBILE and GASOLINE ENGINE ENCYCLOPEDIA 13th edition 1923, author’s collection.
- 1904 third more.jpg (68.15 KiB) Viewed 649 times
1904: Precise date unknown, Advertisement, stated to be 1904, Schebler Carburetor ad. Original source unknown. Image source https://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/ ... 96585.html Lack of date and original source, diminishes historical value. More data required. Judged by the testimonial, ad is post May 1904 and obviously Schebler carbs available pre May 1904. NOTE: As for all currently known 1904 ads, just “Schebler Carburetor” no “Wheeler” or “Manufacturers” in name. Targeting watercraft market and sales of booklet, the heart logo in keeping with title of booklet “The Heart of the Gasoline Engine”. At this time Frank Wheeler was advertised as Indianapolis SCHEBLER sales agent.
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows at top, an intake elbow as per description only in 1904 Scientific American magazine. Bottom fuel feed and bottom concentric mixture screw/adjustable main jet, as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American, float needle type not 100% determined, but judged by height/depth it is long, pull-up to close type as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American magazine.
Model unknown, possibly first generation C?, or early version of D? More data required.
- The automobile dec 3 1904 schebler.jpg (13.69 KiB) Viewed 674 times
1904 Dec 03, Schebler advertisement, THE SCHEBLER CARBURETOR IS “KING OF THEM ALL” Source THE AUTOMOBILE, magazine, Dec 03 1904, pg 40, image source, cropped from full page at https://www.chuckstoyland.com/category/ ... r/#group-1
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows at top an intake elbow as per description only in 1904 Scientific American magazine. Bottom fuel feed and bottom concentric mixture screw/adjustable main jet, as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American, float needle type not 100% determined, but judged by height/depth it is long pull-up to close type as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American magazine.
Earliest currently known, complete “hard” date for Schebler advertisement. Strangely no mention of booklet, or slogan in this advertisement and thus no explanation for the heart. Likely word limit for ad cost dictated content.
Regarding the Nov 7 1904 testimonial from Ford Motor Company, re their success using Schebler carburetor on Ford car, for world record car event. The Nov 7 date appears to be a miss-print, and apparently nothing to do with a real “world record”, see below and Apr 1905.
1904 Nov 08, Frank Kulick, Ford 20*, Empire City Track, 1 mile dirt oval, Yonkers NY. Kulick won both heats of the International Cup event. *horsepower. Apparently Kulick used a “Schebler Racing No. 1 carburetor”, see Apr 1905.
Backstory: By the summer of 1904, Ford had a new driver, Frank Kulick, who started winning races in a car powered by a pair of two-cylinder Ford Model A engines* bolted together to form a flat four. The engine produced 20 horsepower, but the car was very light — eventually down to 881 pounds. Kulick often beat much more powerful but also much heavier cars, and this was one of the first** race cars to prove the advantage of a good power-to-weight ratio. Source https://myautoworld.com/ford/history/fo ... 3race.html i.e. The 1904 Kulick, Ford 20HP was a Ford factory race car with a unique engine and Kulick was a Ford factory driver. *first generation 2 cyl Ford A, not the second generation 1928-31 Ford 4 cyl Model A. **first American.
Racing results of Nov 08 1904, Empire City Track http://www.dlg.speedfreaks.org/archive/ ... /1904.html
1904, F. H. Wheeler, Sales Agent for the World !
1904 precise date unknown, “Stutz moved on from the Central Motor Car Company and took a job with Wheeler-Schebler and became a carburetor salesman.” https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2022/ ... st-part-i/ Not-verified, More data required. See 1902 & 1903 in part 2.
1904 late, Harry Clayton Stutz “moved on to the Schebler Carburetor Company at the end of 1904 to sell their carburettors” Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_C._Stutz Not-verified, More data required.
Seldom mentioned elsewhere, Stutz selling Schebler carburetors is a very intriguing concept. Many possibilities, but I don’t see Stutz as just a carburetor salesman? However, if Stutz had a financial interest in Schebler, he had incentive to ensure success. Not verified, more data required.
1904 Schebler produced 500 carburetors, see 1907 Not verified, More data required.
…………………………
1905
Schebler “By January 1, 1905 there was $25,000 worth of carburetors manufactured. By March 1, 1905 the factory was working night and day with 25 men to take care of orders.” Original data source unknown, this verbatim text from Page 6, History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection. Not verified, More data required.
Unverified $25,000, divided by unverified 500 carburetors = $50 each in 1904! Not verified, More data required.
- scheb wheel carb polks1905 pg1308 crop.jpg (4.84 KiB) Viewed 649 times
Schebler-Wheeler Carburetor Co, 129-1/2 North Alabama street, were the only carburetor manufacturer listed in 1905 Polk’s. This Schebler-Wheeler name only known from entries in 1905 Polk’s. Was this another “official” name? Or simply a Polk error? More data required.
- scheb & wheel scheb polk 1905 pg1034 crop.jpg (4.31 KiB) Viewed 649 times
George M. Schebler, (Schebler-Wheeler Carburetor Co) b*, 516 North Capitol Avenue. *boards/resides in rented room/boarding house. This address as for 1904 George Schebler residence.
North Capitol Avenue runs north-south and is a few blocks west of North Meridian
- wheelr 1905 polk pg 1229.jpg (2.46 KiB) Viewed 644 times
Frank Wheeler’s 1905 residential address 937 North Meridian street, as for 1904.
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1905 Precise date unknown, Original source Polk’s Indianapolis 1905 Directory, pg 15. Image source https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
WILLIAM LANGSENKAMP Snr, COPPERSMITH, Corner Georgia and Delaware streets, Both Telephones 121.
- langs brass polk 1905 georgia st.jpg (25.08 KiB) Viewed 644 times
1905 precise date unknown, Classified Advertisement, Original source Polk’s Indianapolis 1905 Directory, pg 1304. Image source
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
LANGSENKAMP BROTHERS BRASS WORKS, Henry J & William Jnr.; 136-142 East Georgia street, near Delaware. Both Telephones 121.
1905: 1900 to 1905: Indiananapolis, J. Richard Francis was an apothecarist/ pharmacist/chemist/druggist; he later backed Burt Pierce & Marvel. Source see below and J. Richard Francis obituary 1931.
- Francis 1905 polk pg482.jpg (11.48 KiB) Viewed 644 times
1905 Precise date unknown, J Richard Francis & Richard Francis Co. Original source Polk’s 1905 pg 482, Image source
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
- pierce violin polks 1905 pg943 crop.jpg (3.86 KiB) Viewed 644 times
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... ew=theater
Burt Neulon Pierce, violin maker, 15-1/2 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis. Address as for 1904.
- 1905 racing scheb crop apr 13 motor age pg 53.jpg (21.16 KiB) Viewed 644 times
1905 Apr 13, Model No. 1 racing Schebler carburetor, source MOTOR AGE magazine Apr 13 1905 page 53, verified, cropped from full page at https://www.chuckstoyland.com/category/ ... r/#group-2
Again reference to 1904 racing at Empire City Track, but date now corrected to Nov 08 1904.
F. H. WHEELER, “Manufacturer” and Sales Agent for the World? Was Wheeler the promoter/salesman stretching the truth? Or had partnership become more formal circa April 1905? No mention of George Schebler, or the Langsenkamp brothers. More data required.
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows at top an intake elbow as per description only in 1904 Scientific American magazine. Bottom fuel feed and bottom concentric mixture screw/adjustable main jet, as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American, float needle type not 100% determined, but judged by height/depth it is long pull-up to close type as per 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American magazine
This carb image appears to be same as used pre model D, is it a C? or is it an early D? More data required.
Entirely possible Schebler advertising personnel* used incorrect/obsolete image in ad? *probably Frank wheeler? More data required.
- rsz Joe top feed pg 30 1905 .jpg (278.05 KiB) Viewed 644 times
Original date and source unknown, Image source Page 30, History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection.
Model not stated and unknown. Judged by the use of Schebler name with no reference to “Manufacturers”; the “Wheeler, Sales agent for the World”; and reference to 1903 & 1904 Oldsmobiles: This ad is likely 1905, if so this may be earliest known illustration of top fuel feed float-bowl and angled mixture screw/adjustable main jet, plus concentric bowl drain cock. No signature hinged float pivot visible. Historical value diminished due to lack of date and original source. Not-verified, More data required.
- 1905 wheel & scheb manf old marine.jpg (46.6 KiB) Viewed 639 times
Catering to specific markets, the previous “The Heart of the Gasoline Engine” slogan now revised to “The Heart of The Marine Motor”.
Above name change to “Wheeler & Schebler, Manufacturers” suggests a more formal partnership/company formed around this time.
Appears to me Wheeler’s ego insisted on name, but in practical terms it was always a mouthful and just Schebler remained in advertising and general use. For a time Wheeler-Schebler script appeared on some carburetors, then later, at least some carbs dropped the Wheeler from their cast-in script, and remained so, even after George Schebler sold out and Frank Wheeler and subsequently Douglas Wheeler were sole owners.
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows a top fuel feed and angled mixture screw/adjustable main jet, plus bowl drain cock. No signature hinged float pivot visible. Model not stated and unknown.
1905, precise date unknown, Frank Wheeler bought into Langsenkamp Brothers Brass Works 136-142* East Georgia Street Indianapolis, which became Langsenkamp Brothers & Wheeler Brass Works (Foundry and finishing business). *some sources 148. How Wheeler obtained funds for this buy-in is unknown, possibly Harry Stutz? Possibly the demonstrated sales growth persuaded a bank to provide a loan?
1905: One 1926 secondary source states to effect that Langsenkamp & Wheeler Brass Works established 1905. The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]), July 03, 1926, Home Edition, Image 1
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/sear ... Type=basic
1905: One 1928 secondary source suggests Wheeler bought into Langsenkamp Brass Works 1905. The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]), December 29, 1928, Noon Edition, Page PAGE 8, Image 8
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn ... nge&page=4
Wheeler’s actual buy-in of Langsenkamp Brass Works appears to have occurred circa 1905, but apart from Langsenkamp & Wheeler Brass Works listings in subsequent Polk’s Directories and occasional mention on Sanborn and Biast maps, there appears to be little to indicate the very existence of a brass foundry associated with Frank Wheeler. And the 1907 Polk’s has multiple conflicting company names and addresses. More corroborating data required.
As at Jan 2023, I have been unable to find any 1905-1920 newspaper advertising for Langsenkamp Brothers & Wheeler Brass Works, or Langsenkamp Bros Brass Works, or Langsenkamp & Wheeler Brass Works.
Perhaps the Brass Works were so flat-out busy keeping Wheeler-Schebler supplied, there was no need to advertise for more foundry work? Not verified, More data required.
- OME scheb D 96586.jpg (39.98 KiB) Viewed 644 times
Said to be 1904, Schebler model D in sidedraft configuration. Original source and precise date unknown. Image source https://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/ ... 96585.html Date not verified, More data required.
For reasons outlined below, I suspect both this image and the release of Model D to be post 1904.
NOTE: Above carb shows a bottom fuel feed float bowl with visible pivot for Schebler signature hinged float lever to operate Schebler signature push-down to close float needle.and bottom angled mixture screw/adjustable main jet.
i.e. later than 1903 patent and 1904 Scientific American carburetors which are known to be used during 1904 and 1905
Intake at top, side draft, pipe thread manifold connection at left.
NOTE: The above illustration also shows choke shaft and lever at left side of intake elbow
Conflict: According to one source, the butterfly type choke was not introduced until 1912 . https://www.gasenginemagazine.com/gas-e ... arburetor/ Not verified, More data required.
- scheb D text.jpg (63.61 KiB) Viewed 644 times
Historical value diminished without date and original source, Not-verified, More data required.
- Schebler D drwg.jpg (20.03 KiB) Viewed 639 times
Model D cutaway drawing in side draft configuration, adjustment for “piston valve” at top right, choke at top left, crank handle for adjustable jet at lower right, image source https://www.gasenginemagazine.com/gas-e ... arburetor/
Note; In its elbow type air intake adaptor, this model D has both a cable, or linkage controlled butterfly “choke” for cold starting only and the spring controlled, tuneable, vacuum-operated “piston valve” used for “automatic” adjustments to running, but this is not an auxiliary air valve, its merely a vacuum/inrushing air, operated variable restrictor.
- The Schebler.jpg (24.51 KiB) Viewed 639 times
- 1902 patent.jpg (23.52 KiB) Viewed 639 times
1905up Schebler Model D also carried only the 1902 patent number (1903 patent application not granted until Dec 05 1905). Schebler D script/lettering raised above surface. Image source ex Ebay. The Model D was made and sold for decades, in sizes from 1/2inch to 2inch, source JAS. J. NIVEN (New Zealand) 1926 brochure page 3. NOTE: these sizes correlate to pipe-thread sizes at manifold connection. Note also throttle valve is a guillotine or “flatslide” which were re-invented many decades later by Gardner, Lectron, Mikuni, Keihin et. al. As for previous model, the inlet air bend and manifold connection with integral throttle were interchangeable, making it very adaptable for installations. The airflow through carb was reversed, but apparently still functioned satisfactorily. See undated but at least post 1916 W-S Incorporation, Model D leaflet here https://archive.org/details/schebler-ca ... d/mode/2up
NOTE: Above carb images show a bottom fuel feed with Schebler signature hinged float pivots and bottom angled mixture screw/adjustable main jet.
Regardless of the unverified date of ad and unverified choke introduction date, I currently suspect that the above carburetor, is what is widely accepted as the Model D Schebler, and it was introduced circa 1905, initially without choke.
- scheb D b-fly thrott.jpg (117.39 KiB) Viewed 639 times
- long butterfly throttle scheb D crop.jpg (101.46 KiB) Viewed 639 times
- aust alpha knoc-off scheb D.jpg (293.03 KiB) Viewed 639 times
The Schebler model D was widely copied in at least USA, Canada and Australia. Precise date unknown, Australian “Alpha” knock-off of Schebler model D. Image source eBay item number:134385663659. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/13438566365 ... R5TQuZnFYQ
1905, precise date unknown, “while employed at Wheeler Schebler selling carburetors, Harry C. Stutz left to design an all-new car for the upcoming and short-lived American Motor Car Company” (Indianapolis). https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2022/ ... st-part-i/
1905 Stutz “designed the first car for the new enterprise. However, Stutz quickly left and Fred L. Tone took over as chief engineer in 1906” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_ ... ar_Company
1905: Nov 5&6, Indianapolis State Fairgrounds, 24 hour world record event on the one-mile horse track, conceived by future Indianapolis Motor Speedway founders Carl Fisher and Arthur C. Newby to publicise the National cars used in event (National Motor Vehicle Company was partly owned by Newby, and Fisher owned a National car dealership). The 24 hour event was co-promoted by a third future I.M.S. founder, James Allison, Fisher & Allison were also the owners of the Prest-O-Lite company, which they publicised by supplying the car acetylene headlights affixed to the fenceposts to illuminate the fairground track during the hours of darkness. Frank Wheeler, the 4th future I.M.S. founder, was also likely present.
https://www.firstsuperspeedway.com/book ... chure-1917
The 24hr record setting National car used a Schebler carburetor*, likely George Shebler also attended above 24hr event. *See 1906 advertisement.
1905 Schebler produced 2,500 carburetors, see 1907. Not verified, More data required.
………………………………
1906
- langs copper polk 1906 pg13 crop.jpg (135.23 KiB) Viewed 639 times
1906 Precise date unknown Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg13. Image source https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... 8/mode/2up
Langsenkamp Coppersmith, Corner Georgia & Delaware streets, Both telephones 121.
- langs bro 1906 polk pg 1384.jpg (140.23 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Precise date unknown Original source Classified Advertisement, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 1384. Image source
https://ldsgenealogy.com/IN/Indianapoli ... y-1906.htm
Langsenkamp Bros Brass Works, 136-142 East Georgia street near Delaware Indianapolis. Both telephones 121
- scheb polk wil fra ma 1906 pg1093 crop.jpg (4.11 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Precise date unknown The Schebler Carburetor Co 127-131 North Alabama Street Indianapolis. And George M. Schebler polk 1906 pg 1093 Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 1093. Image source https://ldsgenealogy.com/IN/Indianapoli ... y-1906.htm
The Schebler Carburetor Co 127-131 North Alabama street i.e. carburetor business has grown and expanded into adjoining properties.
George M. Schebler, residence 318 East Vermont street. Apparently East Vermont street re-numbered, 318 became 326? Not verified, More data required.
1906: George Schebler resided in Indianapolis apartment building “Wil-Fra-Ma”, built 1897, 326 E Vermont St, Mile Square, Indianapolis. Page 13 https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/r ... CO_Nom.pdf
See also page 4, History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection. Original data source unknown, but suspected to be from above PDF, see also 1912. See more on Wil-Fra-Ma here.
https://zaubee.com/biz/the-wil-fra-mar-1rmwacht
https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/indian ... il-fra-mar
No big deal, George changed his residence often and one old residence 1906 only, still stands. By 1907 George was residing at another location, see 1907.
- wheel 1906 polk pg 1303 crop.jpg (13.24 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Precise date unknown Frank H Wheeler (The Schebler Carburetor Co) h 904 Meridian street. Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 1303. Image source. https://ldsgenealogy.com/IN/Indianapoli ... y-1906.htm
NOTE: No more Schebler-Wheeler in Polk’s, but no Wheeler-Schebler in Polk’s either. Now The Schebler Carburetor Co circa 1906.
- langs list polk 1906 pg 761.jpg (43.36 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Precise date unknown Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 769. Image source
https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... 8/mode/2up
Langsenkamp Brothers Brass Works 136-142 East Georgia street,
NOTE new for 1906 “Telephones New 121, Central Main 121” are common to both Brass Works and Coppersmith.
- langs wm snr copper polk 1906 pg 769.jpg (26.81 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Precise date unknown Langsenkamp Coppersmith North-West Corner Delaware & Georgia streets. Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 769. Image source. https://archive.org/details/polksindian ... 8/mode/2up
NOTE: William Junior and Henry J were both lodging/boarding with parents circa 1906.
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1906 Precise date unknown. Burt N. Pierce violin maker 15-1/2 Virginia Avenue. Original source, Polk’s Indianapolis 1906 Directory, pg 995. Image source.
https://ldsgenealogy.com/IN/Indianapoli ... y-1906.htm
Address as for 1904 & 1905
- wheeler & schebler 1906.jpg (142.63 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Source ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/313182568565
Said to be 1906 (and most probably is) ad for “Wheeler & Schebler Manufacturers”. No specific address, undated, the 24 hour event described in ad actually occurred in Nov 1905, see 1905. Catering to specific markets, previous “The Heart of the Gasoline Engine” slogan revised to “The Heart of The Automobile”. Claimed 83 major users of Schebler carburetors.
NOTE: Above carb illustration shows a circa 1905 top fuel feed and angled mixture screw/adjustable main jet, plus bowl drain cock. No signature hinged float pivot visible.
https://www.firstsuperspeedway.com/site ... record.pdf
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/36363099469 ... dQEALw_wcB
1906
Joseph Greiwe wrote:
“In the spring of 1906 it was evident that the present factory* was not big enough and the equipment was not sufficient enough to meet the demand of the orders that were coming in.
In July 1906 property was bought at the corner of Shelby and Sanders Streets, Indianapolis, Indiana and ground was broke for a new plant at this location. The plant was designed by D.A. Bohlen & Son of Indianapolis, assisted by Herbert L. Bass. Both firms were well known for their architectural designs. “ end quote. *Alabama street for Wheeler-Schebler and Georgia street for Langsenkamp & Wheeler, however, the latter not mentioned by Joe Greiwe.
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Above image is modern, view appears to be looking West along Sanders street and shows part of the surviving 1911 built, Wheeler-Schebler building. Joseph Greiwe titled and inserted it. The title is correct for the building shown, however, both the image and the title have nothing to do with 1906, or the building interior layout described by Joe in his book.
Original data source unknown, the above verbatim text from Page 6, and image from page 7 of History of the Schebler Carburetor. Compiled by Joseph Greiwe, Batesville Indiana, circa 2009. Private publication and printing. No ISBN. Few sources identified. Some errors of fact. Author’s collection.
NOTE: July 1906 is likely correct, but not verified for commencement of construction at Sanders & Shelby. D. A. Bohlen & Son and Herbert Lawence Bass are verified architects for the 1911-12 constructed Wheeler Schebler building at Sanders & Barth, Bohlen & Bass et al, are not verified for the 1906-07 construction at Sanders & Shelby. Unverified, more data required.
1906 Aachen, Germany, Professor K. Rummel published a scientific paper which debunked Krebs’ carburetor formula and therefore the necessity of an auxiliary air valve.
Krebs excerpts and Rummel rebuttals can be found within the 1917 book- Carburetor Design - a Preliminary Study of the State of the Art, , actual book page 465, digital page 411 of 511. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67 ... 29/m1/412/
Plus a page or two either side, or the entire book for those who wish to know more.
University of North Texas requested credit
Lucke, Charles Edward & Willhöfft, Friederich Otto. Carburetor Design - a Preliminary Study of the State of the Art, report, 1917; (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67 ... 29/m1/411/: accessed January 22, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
As stated in above book, Rummel’s findings re Krebs were translated and published in USA in Horseless Age magazine April 1, 1915.
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Year unknown, but obviously later than 1906 Rummel ? Original source Automobile Trade Journal page 123. Image source http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/20 ... retor.html
“In 1903 Krebs played a joke on the automobile industry. The result was a carburetor involving the use of Trouble breeders such as auxiliary air valves, balls, springs, cams, sleeves and dash pots. In 1906 Rummel proved that Krebs taught a theory inviting failure. The Longuemare Carburetor is the foremost exponent of the New School of Carburetion.”
The New School Longuemare, was sans auxiliary air valve and all its associated inherent paraphernalia, instead it was a “pitot” or plain-tube type carburetor, with venturi, high and low speed jets and barrel throttle. Still a long way to go, but this Longuemare design was back on track and heading in the right direction.
NOTE “auxiliary air valve type” is a later industry term to clearly separate these Krebs influenced carburetors from “plain-tube” and other types of carburetors. Source Dykes Carburetion Instruction No 13, page 101, DYKES AUTOMOBILE and GASOLINE ENGINE ENCYCLOPEDIA 13th edition 1923, author’s collection. Source Dykes Carburetion Instruction No 13, pages 96-97, DYKES AUTOMOBILE and GASOLINE ENGINE ENCYCLOPEDIA 20th edition 1943-1948, author’s collection.
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Main air intake at bottom of float bowl, auxiliary air intake at top right.
This is George Schebler’s first Krebs influenced, auxiliary air valve design with cam controlled, variable, single jet fuel supply. It took George many more work-around attempts to improve and George would leave the carburetor business well before the mid 1920’s when Wheeler-Schebler belatedly adopted the “new school”, plain-tube design for motorcycle use.
1906 Schebler carburetor production said to be 30,000 units, not verified, see 1907
- 1906 moses scheb.jpg (325.7 KiB) Viewed 637 times
1906 Motor Age page 27 testimonial dated Oct 18 1906 Image source
https://www.ebay.com/itm/304519199466
End of part 3
Still some holes in knowledge of events, but lots more detail to come. Additional data very welcome, watch this space.
Nifty