Between the Covers

Softcover. Oblong small quarto measuring 10" x 7". Black cloth over flexible paper boards with "Photographs" stamped on the front board. Contains 46 black and white gelatin silver photographs measuring between 1.75" x 2.5" and 7" x 8.5", with captions. Very good album with some rubbing and with near fine photographs.

An original photograph album documenting the 1923 Indianapolis 500, highlighted by several enlarged, aerial shots of the track on race day, and intimate views of a group of contemporary racing and auto industry luminaries attending the race together. This was likely the album of early American auto racer, Mike Moosie, with a presentation inscription on the interior front cover: "These pictures were presented to Moosie by Caddy. Two speed Ruckstell men." The Two-Speed Ruckstell was the first 2-speed axle developed and marketed as aftermarket equipment for the popular Ford cars of the day by early automotive entrepreneur Glover Ruckstell. Its first foothold in the market came around 1922-1923, after its near decade of participation in racing competition; an early commercial success in a long line of street modifications adopted from the track. The Indy 500 was one of the most well-attended sporting events of the early 20th Century, routinely drawing audiences in excess of 100,000, as well as an important showcase and marketing venue for the bourgeoning American auto industry. Race drivers often entered the automotive business in its early years. Ruckstell, himself a former driver (though retired from competition by the ’23 race), competed against many of the sport’s early luminaries some of which are pictured here, presumably attending as part of the Ruckstell Co. contingent, including: Louis Chevrolet, Barney Oldfield (who appeared in Ruckstell advertisements), George Hill (Oldfield’s longtime riding mechanic), and two recurring men lacking captioned first names: Thompson and White.

An uncommon glimpse, captured from the perspective of a racing insider, of the 11th running of the Indy 500.

Item #415432