Intriguing automobilia in Ladenburg

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We really don’t want to start a discussion here about the 1886 Benz being the first automobile or not, but must say we are intrigued by the ‘Beschreibung über Behandlung und Inbetriebszetsung’ (‘Description of treatment and putting into service') for the Benz Patent Motor Wagen. This little 40-page booklet may well be the very first instruction manual for a motor car to see print? It is dated ‘circa 1899’ and will be for sale during the Automobilia autumn auction in Ladenburg on November the 6th and 7th. According to the description, it comes with loose ‘colortechnical’ drawings, which we’d love to see. It looks to be in an excellent shape considering its age.

There are more interesting lots in the same street. How about a 1902 Benz sales catalogue - 24 pages describing a number of models in three languages? The 1932 SS and SSK fold-out brochure has to be similarly rare and surely seems to be very attractive.

And how about two original enamel body badges of Saoutchik of Paris - 4 x 10 cm and in excellent shape. It makes you wonder what was the car these were originally fitted to? Or could they have been spare ones? That other great French coachbuilder – Figoni & Falaschi – is represented in this sale also. In this case with an absolutely gorgeous watercolour by the great Georges Hamel, better known as Geo Ham. It shows a Delahaye 135 roadster like the one found in Jakarta by reader Rob Mellaart’s dad in 1975. Do you also recognize that other car in Ham’s artwork..?

Words by Jeroen Booij. Pictures courtesy of Automobilia Ladenburg Auktionen.

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