Early Automotive Engineering Anonymous French Technical Manuscript Analyzing Hispano Suiza Twelve Cylinder Engine circa 1905 to 1915

Early Automotive Engines Manuscript

Manuscripts & Autographs

Anonymous. Technical manuscript on early automobile engineering, circa 1905 to 1915, documenting the foundational mechanical and electrical principles that shaped European motor production during its formative decades. Written in French and progressing from theoretical foundations to applied engine analysis, the text reflects the rapid professionalization of automotive engineering in the years following the establishment of firms such as Hispano Suiza in 1902. Headings including “Concepts mécaniques élémentaires” and “Concepts élémentaires d’électricité” introduce structured treatments of ignition systems, magnetos, carburetors, cooling mechanisms, starting systems, and multi cylinder crankshaft design. Several pages are devoted to the Hispano twelve cylinder V engine, noting: “Dans le moteur de Hispano 12 cylindres en V… chaque rangée composée d’un seul bloc en aluminium qui comprend la chambre de combustion. Les soupapes sont réglées à chaud et sont en acier nitruré,” emphasizing aluminum block construction and nitrided steel valves. The manuscript captures a technological transition from experimental motor carriages to precision engineered touring and racing automobiles, situating engineering knowledge within the broader industrial modernization of early twentieth century France.

Anonymous. Technical manuscript in notebook form. No place, circa 1905 to 1915. Fifty four handwritten pages in an 8 x 10 inch notebook, extensively illustrated with pen drawn schematics, sectional diagrams, and labeled mechanical studies. Accompanied by a contemporary printed automobile exhibition advertisement approximately 14 x 11 inches featuring Hispano Suiza and other marques with illustrated coachbuilt body styles.

The structured progression from elementary theory to detailed mechanical application suggests disciplined technical study at a moment when automobile engineering was emerging as a specialized scientific field. Drawings detailing carburation systems, electrical current generation, spark plug ignition, twelve cylinder crankshafts, and coachbuilder configurations reflect the integration of metallurgy, electrical innovation, and luxury design characteristic of the period. The inclusion of motor show ephemera situates the notebook within the culture of early twentieth century industrial exhibitions, where technological advancement and commercial display intersected. Minor edge wear to notebook covers and light toning to pages consistent with age; manuscript clean and legible throughout. Overall condition: very good.

Item #15226

Price: $1,400.00