Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company
Encyclopedia
The Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company (1909-1939) was a manufacturer of trucks in Syracuse, New York
.
for over 30 years until 1939.
, which was making automobile transmissions as a side venture, and C. Hamilton Sanford
, a local banking executive.
The first truck produced was called the Sanbert and was designed by Charles Herbert. He had been an engineer for Franklin Automobile Company
and served in the same capacity in the new organization until ill health forced him to retire in 1912. The Sanbert, like other Syracuse machines, used the air-cooled engine. Although the automobile industry was partial to water-cooled engines from the start, many of the early trucks produced elsewhere also used air-cooled engines. The Sanbert had a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine with 25-horsepower. The one-ton truck could move at a speed of 15 miles per hour (6.7 m/s).
The trucks sold for US$1,500 and had a planetary or selective transmission system complete with "lubrication by splash and oil mixed with the gasoline." As with most early models, the seat was over the engine. The wheelbase was 88 inches (2,235.2 mm) with standard tread and the vehicle had a Holley carburetor
with gravity feed and steering wheel control. It also had a Bosch
ignition, fixed control, air-cooling with belt-driven fan, cone clutch and double chain drive from countershaft to dead, rectangular section axle and Brown-Lipe steering gear included. The tires were 36 inches (914.4 mm) by 3 inches (76.2 mm).
In 1912, the new Sanford truck was called the Model K had hard tires and oil lamps. The vehicle had also been increased to a 1.5-ton capacity and had a 4-cylinder, water-cooled Hazard engine manufactured in Rochester, New York
. Sanford began to buy more of its parts from other manufacturers, "content to build bodies and assemble the rest."
Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company reported in June 1912, what was claimed to be the largest single sale of trucks ever made to any one concern in the purchase of 325 trucks by the Atlantic Motor Truck Company of New York City
which were delivered as fast as they could be built. The total sale represented US$487,500.
. The three-story factory had a depth of 130 feet (39.6 m) and was originally built by Harvey A. Moyer
for use as a typewriter factory. The company turned out 150 trucks a year with a workforce of 50 men.
In early 1912, the company was still located in Syracuse
at Park and Wolf Streets.
The company motto was "Makers Always and Exclusively of One-Ton Trucks." Models advertised that year were the Chassis for US$1,600 and the Stake or Express body for US$1,750.
The company touted "nine long years' work on a one-ton truck... there isn't anything about the truck that is strange or freakish. Its success is not remarkable because of anything unusual."
. They had one of the most complete motor truck exhibits at the Grand Central Palace where the commercial trucks were shown. The exhibit included a completed truck, a chassis and a 4-cylinder motor bisected and run by electricity in order to demonstrate to the visitors all the details of the Sanford engine. The motor was also lit by electricity. Section 39A on the main aisle at the palace had been reserved for the Sanford trucks.
According to F. F. Sanford, secretary and treasurer of the company, this particular model was designed without relation to any precedent established by "pleasure car practices" as had most commercial vehicles of this type on the market at that time. "The commercial vehicle is distinctly and decidedly different from the pleasure car and entirely different engineering and manufacturing methods must be used to successfully build and produce of this type."
The Sanford Motor Truck Company products in the past had always been exclusively heavy vehicles, the newest model was only 3/4-ton and was composed of the products of America's foremost parts makers, "and is a standardized model in every respect."
Model R was the latest model in 1916 and had a 2500 pounds (1,134 kg) capacity. Sanford had recently delivered one to Pierce, Butler and Pierce Manufacturing Company
. Two more were in preparation for delivery to the same firm.
The company was getting ready to expand their plant on North Geddes Street in June 1917; "in order "to take care of the big output planned to take care of the demands." The new truck line that year included a 1-ton, 2-ton internal gear drive and 2.5-ton, 3.5-ton and 5-ton worm drive models.
The 3.5-ton model had a normal operating speed of 13 mi/h on high gear and an immense tractive effort on low gear due to the relation of motor speed, power transmission and rear axle reduction ratio.
by August 12, 1917. The big truck, which started the test drive on July 5, was driven by James A. Nolan and J. A. Anderson who noted, "There was never any a hint of mechanical trouble of any sort since the big truck left the factory."
General sales manager, A. E. Dauer of the Sanford Motor Truck Company, who accompanied the truck to "explain its good points to dealers", was "well satisfied" with the result of the trip. The only trouble the truck gave, according to Dauer was "putting in water and gasoline."
Another problem was encountered when a decrepit bridge in the Alleghany Mountains caved in under the weight of the truck, "leaving it suspended in mid-air on the crossbeams." After five hours of strenuous work in the midst of a torrential downpour, the truck was finally "jacked off" safely.
The Syracusans traveled to Buffalo
, Erie, Pittsburg across the mountains it was a "steady climb in steady rain." So bad were the roads on this part of the run, that at one place it took five hours to drive 18 miles (29 km). After Pittsburg, the truck headed to Baltimore, Philadelphia
and then New York City
. Dealers in Scranton
and Binghamton, New York
, looked over the truck and finally, dealers in New England
had a "chance to inspect the latest Sanford product."
The dealers interviewed by Dauer were "all enthusiastic about the Sanford truck" and he signed a number of new contracts. The company was encouraged that "pleasure car dealers" were discovering the possibilities of the "motor truck game." The sales manager believed that "once the country adjusts itself to World War I
, the truck business will be better than ever."
The importance of motor trucks during that period was emphasized by the fact that railroads were reducing the number of trains for "the carrying of freight" due to the war. Motor trucks were seen as a way to supplement the railroad deliveries. "The carrying of freight by motor trucks and this business will grow rapidly as the war goes on and more and more trains are eliminated."
, New Haven
, Allentown
, Philadelphia
and other "eastern points." The truck company was "doing the largest business in its history." During the past several months, agency connections were set up in Pittsburg, Kansas City
and Newark
.
Recent distributors appointed in New York State included Lawrence Motor Sales Corp. of New York City
, Oswego County Auto Company of Oswego
, W. Ondy Smith in Schenectady
and R. E. Lent in Ossining
. The Pittsburg "house" was the leading Overland dealer and one of the most representative auto houses in Pennsylvania
.
By October 1919, Durston Sales Company located at 107 St. Mark's Avenue in Syracuse
, were distributors of Sanford Motor Trucks. Local company, Crucible Steel Company had just ordered a fleet of Sanford trucks for their steel operation at Sanderson Works.
, builders of dump wagons and motor trucks. Gramlich was a graduate of Syracuse University
and a "pioneer designer" of motor trucks. For several years he was chief engineer of the Chase Motor Truck Company
and left that position in 1918 and associated with Edward A. Kingsbury, secretary and general manager of the Sanford Motor Truck Company.
Gramlich designed the 2.5-ton, 3.5-ton and 5-ton truck models for the company. To supplement its line of "heavy duty" trucks and "to meet an insistent demand from dealers and owners for light, strong and speedy trucks," the company was getting ready to introduce a 1.5-ton model which was equipped with all the latest features such as electric lighting and starting outfits, pneumatic cord tires and "other modern devices." The new truck was capable of 25 miles per hour (11.2 m/s) "if necessary." Gramlich had been working for many months on the design "which promises to be the last word in design, construction and equipment."
co-founded the company in 1909 with Charles Herbert who designed the first truck called the Sanbert.
In August 1914, F. F. Sanford, was secretary and treasurer of the company.
The personnel of the company in June 1917, included; J. F. Durston, president who was also vice president of National Bank of Syracuse, treasurer of Durston Gear Company, director of Syracuse Savings Bank and Great Lakes Steamship Company as well as Mack-Miller Candle Company and Salina Solar Salt Company.
Vice president was C. Hamilton Sanford
who was also president of National Bank of Syracuse and director of New York and Dominion Company and Morris Plan Bank of Syracuse. He was also president of Syracuse Clearing House.
During 1917, the secretary and treasurer was F. F. Sanford and the general manager was Edward A. Kingsbury, formerly secretary, general manager and treasurer of Chase Motor Truck Company
. In addition, chief engineer and designer, J. E. Gramlich and assistant engineer, W. F. Himmelahaudt both formerly occupied the same positions at Chase.
By December 1921, Edward A. Kingsbury, was named secretary and general manager of the Sanford Motor Truck Company again. It was announced in March 1922, that Kingsbury, former secretary and treasurer of the Chase Motor Truck Company
, had joined Sanford after it was reported in the local press that "rumors have been circulated locally, that the Chase Motor Truck Company
was to be "taken over" by some concern outside the city. In each case, A. M. Chase, president of the company discounted the rumors.
C. Hamilton Sanford
succeeded the late J. Frank Durston as president of the concern in 1921.
All the models had 4-cylinders, Splitdorf ignitions with disc clutch and first gear final drive.
In 1939, Sanford was one of 18 manufacturers competing for the average annual market of 100 fire engines in the United States
.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
.
History
The Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company was founded in 1909 and manufactured trucks in SyracuseSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
for over 30 years until 1939.
Early production
The company was backed by prominent Syracusans such as; J. F. Durston, head of the Lefever Arms CompanyLefever Arms Company
The Lefever Arms Company was a manufacturer of guns in Syracuse, New York founded by Daniel Myron LeFever who was an American gun maker, popularly known as "Uncle Dan LeFever". He is best known as the inventor of the hammerless shotgun, first introduced in 1878...
, which was making automobile transmissions as a side venture, and C. Hamilton Sanford
C. Hamilton Sanford
Charles Hamilton Sanford was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was president of the Syracuse Trust Company and co-founder of Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company in Syracuse, New York.-Biography:...
, a local banking executive.
The first truck produced was called the Sanbert and was designed by Charles Herbert. He had been an engineer for Franklin Automobile Company
Franklin (automobile)
The Franklin Automobile Company was a manufacturer of automobiles in the United States between 1902 and 1934 in Syracuse, New York. Herbert H. Franklin, the founder, began his career in the metal die casting business before establishing his automobile enterprise.Franklin founded the H. H. Franklin...
and served in the same capacity in the new organization until ill health forced him to retire in 1912. The Sanbert, like other Syracuse machines, used the air-cooled engine. Although the automobile industry was partial to water-cooled engines from the start, many of the early trucks produced elsewhere also used air-cooled engines. The Sanbert had a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine with 25-horsepower. The one-ton truck could move at a speed of 15 miles per hour (6.7 m/s).
The trucks sold for US$1,500 and had a planetary or selective transmission system complete with "lubrication by splash and oil mixed with the gasoline." As with most early models, the seat was over the engine. The wheelbase was 88 inches (2,235.2 mm) with standard tread and the vehicle had a Holley carburetor
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
with gravity feed and steering wheel control. It also had a Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ignition, fixed control, air-cooling with belt-driven fan, cone clutch and double chain drive from countershaft to dead, rectangular section axle and Brown-Lipe steering gear included. The tires were 36 inches (914.4 mm) by 3 inches (76.2 mm).
In 1912, the new Sanford truck was called the Model K had hard tires and oil lamps. The vehicle had also been increased to a 1.5-ton capacity and had a 4-cylinder, water-cooled Hazard engine manufactured in Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
. Sanford began to buy more of its parts from other manufacturers, "content to build bodies and assemble the rest."
Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company reported in June 1912, what was claimed to be the largest single sale of trucks ever made to any one concern in the purchase of 325 trucks by the Atlantic Motor Truck Company of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
which were delivered as fast as they could be built. The total sale represented US$487,500.
Company facilities
The original plant was located on Park Street just off Washington Square in Syracuse, New YorkSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The three-story factory had a depth of 130 feet (39.6 m) and was originally built by Harvey A. Moyer
Harvey A. Moyer
Harvey A. Moyer was born in Clay, New York and founded the H. A. Moyer Carriage Company in Cicero, New York in 1876. The company relocated to Syracuse, New York in 1880 and later changed assembly to luxury automobiles in 1908 and was renamed the H. A. Moyer Automobile Company...
for use as a typewriter factory. The company turned out 150 trucks a year with a workforce of 50 men.
In early 1912, the company was still located in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
at Park and Wolf Streets.
Name change
During May 1912, when company founder Herbert retired, the company shortened their name to Sanford Motor Truck Company. The company capital had doubled to US$50,000 and the plant was moved to 1970 West Fayette Street and St. Mark's Place where they had 25000 square feet (2,322.6 m²) of space.The company motto was "Makers Always and Exclusively of One-Ton Trucks." Models advertised that year were the Chassis for US$1,600 and the Stake or Express body for US$1,750.
The company touted "nine long years' work on a one-ton truck... there isn't anything about the truck that is strange or freakish. Its success is not remarkable because of anything unusual."
Company expansion
By June 1913, the company added a new addition to their factory at West Fayette Street and St. Mark's Place.Auto shows
The Sanford Motor Truck Company made plans in December 1912, for the upcoming New York Automobile Show that took place the week of January 11, 1913, in Madison Square Gardens in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. They had one of the most complete motor truck exhibits at the Grand Central Palace where the commercial trucks were shown. The exhibit included a completed truck, a chassis and a 4-cylinder motor bisected and run by electricity in order to demonstrate to the visitors all the details of the Sanford engine. The motor was also lit by electricity. Section 39A on the main aisle at the palace had been reserved for the Sanford trucks.
State Fair exhibit
One of the most interesting exhibits in the Motor Truck division of the New York State Fair in late August 1914, was a small truck shown by the Sanford Motor Truck Company. This vehicle "encompasses many features uncommon to the usual run of the small commercial vehicles."According to F. F. Sanford, secretary and treasurer of the company, this particular model was designed without relation to any precedent established by "pleasure car practices" as had most commercial vehicles of this type on the market at that time. "The commercial vehicle is distinctly and decidedly different from the pleasure car and entirely different engineering and manufacturing methods must be used to successfully build and produce of this type."
The Sanford Motor Truck Company products in the past had always been exclusively heavy vehicles, the newest model was only 3/4-ton and was composed of the products of America's foremost parts makers, "and is a standardized model in every respect."
Factory and showroom
In a company advertisement in May 1916, Sanford touted their "Factory Service" and five chassis models from 3/4-ton up to 2-ton with "any style of body." The vehicles were "built in Old Syracuse with Syracuse capital, by Syracuse workmen."Model R was the latest model in 1916 and had a 2500 pounds (1,134 kg) capacity. Sanford had recently delivered one to Pierce, Butler and Pierce Manufacturing Company
Pierce, Butler and Pierce Manufacturing Company
Pierce, Butler & Pierce Manufacturing Company was a manufacturer of "heating and sanitary goods" for the bathroom in Syracuse, New York...
. Two more were in preparation for delivery to the same firm.
Company reorganized
Those behind the reorganized company in June 1917, were Edward A. Kingsbury, general manager; Edward A. Dauer, designer; and J. E. Gramlick, chief engineer. They had "active control" of the sales, management and production. According to the general manager, Kingsbury, the company was "backed by almost unlimited capital, and this capital will be used constructing the best line of motor trucks that money, men, materials and modern manufacturing methods can produce."The company was getting ready to expand their plant on North Geddes Street in June 1917; "in order "to take care of the big output planned to take care of the demands." The new truck line that year included a 1-ton, 2-ton internal gear drive and 2.5-ton, 3.5-ton and 5-ton worm drive models.
The 3.5-ton model had a normal operating speed of 13 mi/h on high gear and an immense tractive effort on low gear due to the relation of motor speed, power transmission and rear axle reduction ratio.
WWI era
The new Sanford 3.5-ton truck showed a "consistently perfect performance" in the midst of rain and sleet in a 10000 miles (16,093.4 km) test run which returned to SyracuseSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
by August 12, 1917. The big truck, which started the test drive on July 5, was driven by James A. Nolan and J. A. Anderson who noted, "There was never any a hint of mechanical trouble of any sort since the big truck left the factory."
General sales manager, A. E. Dauer of the Sanford Motor Truck Company, who accompanied the truck to "explain its good points to dealers", was "well satisfied" with the result of the trip. The only trouble the truck gave, according to Dauer was "putting in water and gasoline."
Another problem was encountered when a decrepit bridge in the Alleghany Mountains caved in under the weight of the truck, "leaving it suspended in mid-air on the crossbeams." After five hours of strenuous work in the midst of a torrential downpour, the truck was finally "jacked off" safely.
The Syracusans traveled to Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, Erie, Pittsburg across the mountains it was a "steady climb in steady rain." So bad were the roads on this part of the run, that at one place it took five hours to drive 18 miles (29 km). After Pittsburg, the truck headed to Baltimore, Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
and then New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Dealers in Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton is a city in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the largest principal city in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. Scranton had a population of 76,089 in 2010, according to the U.S...
and Binghamton, New York
Binghamton, New York
Binghamton is a city in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. It is near the Pennsylvania border, in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers...
, looked over the truck and finally, dealers in New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
had a "chance to inspect the latest Sanford product."
The dealers interviewed by Dauer were "all enthusiastic about the Sanford truck" and he signed a number of new contracts. The company was encouraged that "pleasure car dealers" were discovering the possibilities of the "motor truck game." The sales manager believed that "once the country adjusts itself to World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the truck business will be better than ever."
The importance of motor trucks during that period was emphasized by the fact that railroads were reducing the number of trains for "the carrying of freight" due to the war. Motor trucks were seen as a way to supplement the railroad deliveries. "The carrying of freight by motor trucks and this business will grow rapidly as the war goes on and more and more trains are eliminated."
Dealerships
By May 1918, E. A. Kingsbury, general manager, visited Sanford dealers around the country in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Allentown
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is Pennsylvania's third most populous city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the 215th largest city in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 118,032 and is currently...
, Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
and other "eastern points." The truck company was "doing the largest business in its history." During the past several months, agency connections were set up in Pittsburg, Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
and Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
.
Recent distributors appointed in New York State included Lawrence Motor Sales Corp. of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Oswego County Auto Company of Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
, W. Ondy Smith in Schenectady
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
and R. E. Lent in Ossining
Ossining (village), New York
Ossining is a village in Westchester County, New York, United States. The population was 25,060 at the 2010 census. As a village, it is located in the Town of Ossining.-Geography:Ossining borders the eastern shores of the widest part of the Hudson River....
. The Pittsburg "house" was the leading Overland dealer and one of the most representative auto houses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
.
By October 1919, Durston Sales Company located at 107 St. Mark's Avenue in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, were distributors of Sanford Motor Trucks. Local company, Crucible Steel Company had just ordered a fleet of Sanford trucks for their steel operation at Sanderson Works.
Standardized features
These items were considered "time tested standardized features" on all Sanford vehicles;- Sheldon front axle
- Brown-Lipe transmission
- Borg & Beck clutch
- Perfection springs
- Pierce governors
- BoschRobert Bosch GmbHRobert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
or Eiseman magnetos - Spicer universal joints
- Fin and Tube radiator
- Continental motor
- Sheldon worm drive rear axle
- Stromberg carburetorCarburetorA carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
- Ross steering gear
- Parish frame
Chief engineer
J. E. Gramlich returned to his "former" position as chief engineer at Sanford Motor Truck Company in December 1921. Previously, he had been chief engineer for Watson Wagon Works of Canastota, New YorkCanastota, New York
Canastota is a village located inside the Town of Lenox in Madison County, New York, United States. The population was 4,425 at the 2000 census.The Village of Canastota is in the south part of the Town of Lenox.- History :...
, builders of dump wagons and motor trucks. Gramlich was a graduate of Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
and a "pioneer designer" of motor trucks. For several years he was chief engineer of the Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company , founded by Aurin M. Chase, was a manufacturer of trucks in Syracuse, New York. The vehicles were known for their air-cooled engines and simplicity of design....
and left that position in 1918 and associated with Edward A. Kingsbury, secretary and general manager of the Sanford Motor Truck Company.
Gramlich designed the 2.5-ton, 3.5-ton and 5-ton truck models for the company. To supplement its line of "heavy duty" trucks and "to meet an insistent demand from dealers and owners for light, strong and speedy trucks," the company was getting ready to introduce a 1.5-ton model which was equipped with all the latest features such as electric lighting and starting outfits, pneumatic cord tires and "other modern devices." The new truck was capable of 25 miles per hour (11.2 m/s) "if necessary." Gramlich had been working for many months on the design "which promises to be the last word in design, construction and equipment."
Company officers
C. Hamilton SanfordC. Hamilton Sanford
Charles Hamilton Sanford was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was president of the Syracuse Trust Company and co-founder of Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company in Syracuse, New York.-Biography:...
co-founded the company in 1909 with Charles Herbert who designed the first truck called the Sanbert.
In August 1914, F. F. Sanford, was secretary and treasurer of the company.
The personnel of the company in June 1917, included; J. F. Durston, president who was also vice president of National Bank of Syracuse, treasurer of Durston Gear Company, director of Syracuse Savings Bank and Great Lakes Steamship Company as well as Mack-Miller Candle Company and Salina Solar Salt Company.
Vice president was C. Hamilton Sanford
C. Hamilton Sanford
Charles Hamilton Sanford was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was president of the Syracuse Trust Company and co-founder of Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company in Syracuse, New York.-Biography:...
who was also president of National Bank of Syracuse and director of New York and Dominion Company and Morris Plan Bank of Syracuse. He was also president of Syracuse Clearing House.
During 1917, the secretary and treasurer was F. F. Sanford and the general manager was Edward A. Kingsbury, formerly secretary, general manager and treasurer of Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company , founded by Aurin M. Chase, was a manufacturer of trucks in Syracuse, New York. The vehicles were known for their air-cooled engines and simplicity of design....
. In addition, chief engineer and designer, J. E. Gramlich and assistant engineer, W. F. Himmelahaudt both formerly occupied the same positions at Chase.
By December 1921, Edward A. Kingsbury, was named secretary and general manager of the Sanford Motor Truck Company again. It was announced in March 1922, that Kingsbury, former secretary and treasurer of the Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company , founded by Aurin M. Chase, was a manufacturer of trucks in Syracuse, New York. The vehicles were known for their air-cooled engines and simplicity of design....
, had joined Sanford after it was reported in the local press that "rumors have been circulated locally, that the Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company
Chase Motor Truck Company , founded by Aurin M. Chase, was a manufacturer of trucks in Syracuse, New York. The vehicles were known for their air-cooled engines and simplicity of design....
was to be "taken over" by some concern outside the city. In each case, A. M. Chase, president of the company discounted the rumors.
C. Hamilton Sanford
C. Hamilton Sanford
Charles Hamilton Sanford was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was president of the Syracuse Trust Company and co-founder of Sanford-Herbert Motor Truck Company in Syracuse, New York.-Biography:...
succeeded the late J. Frank Durston as president of the concern in 1921.
Models
By 1918, Sanford had five models in production:- Model Q - Cost US$1,290 - Capacity 1500 pounds (680.4 kg)
- Model R - Cost US$1,370 - Capacity 2500 pounds (1,134 kg)
- Model S - Cost US$2,100 - Capacity 4000 pounds (1,814.4 kg)
All the models had 4-cylinders, Splitdorf ignitions with disc clutch and first gear final drive.
Later years
By 1930, Sanford Motor Truck Company had turned exclusively to the manufacture of fire equipment. Although motor truck sales had reached 400 vehicles by 1929, the motor truck branch of the plant was discontinued.In 1939, Sanford was one of 18 manufacturers competing for the average annual market of 100 fire engines in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.