Can anyone tell me what this old trailer is?

[MacCoroner]

This is a picture of a trailer my grandfather used as a portable radio repair shop in the 1930's. Does anyone recognize what it is?

I'd love to find one to look at and take modern pictures of, if one is still around.

Thanks to the group!

Jim

[Hittenstiehl]

That looks very cool and love the old vintage photo.

The back of the trailer looks Airstreamesq but something about the front is not quite right.

Get a couple more people to look at the pictures and somebody will be able to tell you.

[Tom Nugler]

Can't tell a model from the pic. There's a couple of common design elements. Blowing up the photo a bit seems to show the trailer is a precursor to the modern fifth wheel. I've seen several examples of this type where a ball was mounted in the trunk.
With the trailer wheels so far back an A frame hitch would have put too much weight on the common bumper hitch of the time necessitating a dolly.
Good Luck,
Tom

[Bubba L]

If you check out the book “The Dumb Things Sold”, it tells of the fifth wheel hitch invented by Curtiss Wright of the aircraft fame around 1920. It goes on to discuss John Schroeder’s role in the “Aerocar” manufacturing in 1928. It was one of the first fifth wheel trailer manufacturing companies. I guess it could be tied to aerocars. Interesting subject. Good luck in your quest.

[Hittenstiehl]

Bubba that looks like you could be on to something. Makes sense as Wally worked for Curtis Wright.

Here are some images that look similar.

[MacCoroner]

Lots of great information, thanks to all of you!

It does appear to be an Aerocar. I have a couple of other pictures of it which I will try and post here shortly.

I'd love to find the 5th Wheel book. Internet searching did not find one for sale anywhere.

Safe Travels and Cheers!

Jim

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

Bubba that looks like you could be on to something. Makes sense as Wally worked for Curtis Wright.

Here are some images that look similar.Attachment 339029Attachment 339030Attachment 339031

Just to clarify - Wally Byam worked for Curtis Wright for a few months after WWII before restarting Airstream. Curtiss-Wright is a totally different unrelated company. I believe it was Curtiss-Wright that made the Aerocar trailer. Gotta count those s's.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thank you 66 for the correction.