Milburn Light Electrics
Milburn Wagon Company
1914 - 1923
Bill Rigby's 1916 Model 22
| 1916 Milburn Light Electric | |
  Photos courtesy of Bill Rigby |
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| Owner: | William J. Rigby (Bill) |
| Email: | Bill Rigby [wrigby-at-stny.rr.com] |
| Location: | Cooperstown, New York |
| Serial number (oval plate): | 2-309-2 (square plate for Model 22) |
| Motor number (title): | 455708 |
| Body number (square plate): | 304 (wood stampings in the body) |
| Model: | Coupe |
| Wheels: | Artillery |
| Color: | Blue, with black fenders, upper body and running gear; cream wheels |
| Upholstery: | |
| Seating capacity: | 4 -- Rear seat for 2; auxiliary, fold-down front seats for 2 additional under the windshield |
| Windows: | Windshield and back glass lower into the body by means of leather straps, and door windows lower by crank |
| Steering control: | Lever (tiller) |
| Speed control: | Lever |
| Top speed: | |
| Range: | |
| Forward speeds: | 4 |
| Reverse speeds: | 2 |
| Length overall: | |
| Width overall: | |
| Height overall: | |
| Wheelbase: | |
| Track: | |
| Tires: | |
| Tread: | |
| Brake systems: | Dual band, rear axle only |
| Curb weight: | 2,700 pounds |
| Instrumentation: | Stewart Speedo datecode of "H" = 1916 |
| Lights: | |
| Heater: | |
| Motor: | 40 volts, speed 2100 |
| Drive train: | Worm |
| Controller: | Drum switch type |
| Springs: | |
| Axles: | |
| Batteries: | The car came with a set of Exide batteries with 1915 patent dates in the cell tops. I believe the cases are newer than the tops as I am sure these have been rebuilt many times over the years. The fellow I bought the car from got them second-hand out of an old tugboat. They still have a kick to them. |
| System voltage: | |
| Charger: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Price, new: | |
| Owner's remarks: My Milburn is a 1917 Coupe in running condition. The interior is about 98% original and in excellent condition. The exterior is a very old repaint. Both doors have a small monogram neatly painted on "J H S". There is a brass body plate fastened to the seat riser as well as a large wiring diagram glued to the underside of the trap door under the seat. It identifies the car as a Model 22 but is not dated. There is also a #304 stamped into the rear compartment lid wood cross member in 3/8" high numbers. This number also appears in chalk on the inside of the metal controller arm cover along with the words "rush order". I have owned it since about 1973. The car came from an estate in Massachusetts. I bought it from a friend of mine on Staten Island (he purchased it at the estate auction). I am the third owner. When I lived on Staten Island I had the car on display at the Richmondtown Restoration (a museum village) for many years. Bill Rigby Research Note (by Myles Twete): This must be a 1916 Model 22 as Model 27's were being sold beginning in late 1916 as 1917 models. It is also the 2nd earliest Model 22 known to exist. |
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