Lists of Body Styles and Prices

John Stevens has provided the author with copies of price lists published by two manufacturers, the Abbot-Downing and John Stevenson companies.  We are most grateful for the use of this material.

Abbot-Downing (no date)

The Abbot-Downing list is noted as being from their Pattern Book Vol. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE VARIETIES OF
OMNIBUSES,
WITH THE PRICES ANNEXED.

No. 0 —A small Six-Passenger, weighing 900 to 1000 lbs. with roof and railing for light baggage, neatly furnished, trimmed with best crimson plush or leather,Price 375.00
No. 1 —A light Eight-Passenger, weighing 1100 to 1200 lbs.  Same style of finish,do. 400.00
No. 2 —A light Ten-Passenger, weighing 1300 to 1400 lbs.  Same style of finish,do. 437.50
No. 3 —A light twelve passenger, weighing 1600 to 1700 lbs.  Same style of finish,do. 475.00
The foregoing sizes are usually made to suit the Mail Coach Track.  No. 3 may be three or six
inches wider, with an increase of about 100 lbs. without additional cost.
No. 4 —A “Light Usual,” Twelve-Passenger, weighing from 2000 to 2200 lbs.  Same style of finish,Price 500.00
No. 5 —A “Usual” Twelve-Passenger, weighing 2100 to 2300 lbs.  This is the size used in New York and cities generally.  Finished as above,Price 500.00
No. 6 —A “Heavy” Twelve-Passenger, weighing 2300 to 2500 lbs.  These are used for great “top loads.”  Finish as above,Price 525.00
            From these sizes upward, the prices increase at the rate of $75 for each two passengers; it being remarked that eighteen inches of room is allowed for each passenger.  If the Coaches are fully and elaborately ornamented, $25 extra is charged; also for a good Brake, $25.
            These are Cash prices in New York, without commission or deductions.  The work delivered at the vessel Boxing $15 fir Twelve-Passenger; larger sizes in proportion.
            Our long experience, extensive facilities and perfection of system, produce superiority which has always received the Premium when exhibited in New York and other cities, including the “World's Fair.”
            Our Omnibuses are used in all parts of the Continent, and adapted to the various kinds of service for which they may be required.
            Our establishment being in the City of New-York, affords the greatest advantage for shipment at all seasons, and under our own immediate care.

John Stevenson Co., 1871

The date and prices on this list are handwritten.  Unfortunately, the letterhead suffered some damage in copying.

Stephenson_letterhead-1871

PRICES OF OMNIBUSES.
No. 1—A Light,  6 Passenger; Body, 5 ft. 0 in. wide; Track, 5 ft. 2 in.; Weight, 1000 to 1100 lbs. $550
  "    2— "    "  8       "    "     5 ft. 0 in.    "    "      5 ft. 2 in.;      "      1200 to 1300  "575
  "    3— "    "10       "    "     5 ft. 0 in.    "    "      5 ft. 2 in.;      "      1400 to 1500  "600
  "    4— "    "10       "    "     5 ft. 3 in.    "    "      5 ft. 6 in.;      "      1500 to 1600  "625
  "    5— "    "12       "    "     5 ft. 0 in.    "    "      5 ft. 2 in.;      "      1600 to 1700  "650
  "    6— "    "12       "    "     5 ft. 3 in.    "    "      5 ft. 6 in.;      "      1650 to 1750  "675
  "    7— "    "12       "    "     5 ft. 6 in.    "    "      6 ft. 0 in.;      "      1700 to 1800  "700
  "    8— " Top Load,12       "    "     5 ft. 6 in.    "    "      6 ft. 0 in.;      "      1900 to 2000  "725
  "    9— " Heavy Top Load,12       "    "     5 ft. 6 in.    "    "      6 ft. 0 in.;      "      2100 to 2200  "750
  "  10— " Broad,12       "    "     5 ft. 9 in.    "    "      6 ft. 3 in.;      "      2200 to 2300  "775
  "  11— " City,12       "    "     6 ft. 0 in.    "    "      6 ft. 6 in.;      "      2300 to 2400  "800
  "  12— " City Top Load,12       "    "     6 ft. 0 in.    "    "      6 ft. 6 in.;      "      2500 to 2600  "825

Painted in best manner, neatly striped and lettered; Cushioned with the best Plush, Moquette or Leather.
THE ROOF MAY BE FLAT, OR HIGH IN THE FRENCH STYLE, WITHOUT CHANGE OF COST.
Elaborate Ornament on Outside Panelsincreases price.$37.50
Higher Double Rail around the Roof      "           "12.50
Boot or Apron, for the protection of the Driver      "           "12.50
Top Seat on ridge of Roof, to carry six or eight persons      "           "25.00
From 12 Passengers upward, each 2 passengers      "           "100.00
A Good Spring Brake      "           "37.50
Boxing, packing and shipment, (12 passenger,)      "           "25.00
        These are Cash Prices in New York.  Delivery made at vessel or depot without extra charge.
        This Establishment, by long experience, extensive facilities, and thorough system, produces ELEGANCE, LIGHTNESS and STRENGTH in the highest degree, adapted to all kinds of service.
        Its location in the City of New York affords the greatest advantage for shipment.

John Stevenson Co., 1880s

This is an actual image of the printed price list.  The base prices of the various models are the same as in 1871, but some of the “Extras” are priced differently.  Note also the last line, advertising the manufacture of streetcars, i.e., horsecars.  The business was changing.  Also, J. B. Slawson, now resident in New York City, is listed as Treasurer of the firm.  He died in 1886, so this price list must have been issued earlier in the 1880s.

Stephenson_price_list-188x

Copyright © 2014 Louis C. Hennick.  All rights reserved.

b5

Previous Page | Next Page

Appendix III Title Page & Contents

Computer Science Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Home Page

H. George Friedman, Jr. Home Page