c.1904 Pope-Waverley Model 27 Electric Stanhope

The Amelia Island Auction|7 March 2019, 13:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

c.1904 Pope-Waverley Model 27 Electric Stanhope
Engine no. 3260

Type C4 Battery-Powered Electric Motor
4-Wheel Fully Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Don C. Boulton Collection
*One of the earliest known surviving Pope-Waverley electric automobiles
*A long-time part of the collection for over four decades
*Formerly owned by noted Brass car collector Jack Skaff
*Offered with a period home charging station

THE POPE-WAVERLEY

Of Colonel Albert Pope's numerous fine automobiles produced in the Brass Era, the Pope-Waverley was the only one produced in the famous early automaking state of Indiana. Built from 1904 to 1908, it was a literal 'horseless carriage,' a buggy powered by an electric motor fed from banks of lead acid batteries. Keeping with Colonel Pope's challenge to conquer the whole of the market, it was intended for the electric car market's focus clientele, wealthy ladies who used the clean-running, silent automobiles for around-town transportation and often drove themselves.

"Clean, Noiseless, Always Ready," Pope advertising noted, speaking to the front parlor. "Simple to Operate. Works perfectly in any weather."

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Boulton Collection's Model 27 Stanhope hails from the inaugural year of Pope-Waverley production. It was formerly owned by Jack Skaff of Grand Blanc, Michigan, a well-known Brass car enthusiast, and is believed to have been restored prior to or during his ownership in the present rich burgundy with black leather upholstery, dashboard, top, and fenders. The car retains its Pope-Waverley-badged wheel hubs and running boards.

Paperwork from Mr. Skaff describing the car is on file, and it appears to have been in the collection since at least the early 1990s. The car retains its 60-volt "Waverley Department" Type C4 Direct Current electric motor, and beautiful electric lamps with curved beveled glass lenses. With the restoration now somewhat aged, it shows some cracking and crazing to the finish, and the left-hand leather fender shows some damage; nonetheless it is still highly presentable throughout. Accompanying are a small file of receipts, the aforementioned Skaff documentation, and a photocopy of a Pope-Waverley instruction manual, undoubtedly very helpful to the new owner who intends to use this car as Colonel Pope intended. Also sold with the Pope-Waverley is an original period home charging station, in itself a fascinating piece of equipment!

This is one of the most charming cars in the Boulton Collection, with wonderful character and highly charming details.

Saleroom notices

Please note, research kindly provided by electric car historian Galen Handy indicates that this car is more likely a 1906 rather than a 1904 as previously believed. Additionally, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please email us at [email protected]
Click here for a free appraisal and to consign your vehicle.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Please Note the Buyer's Premium for this auction is as follows:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR VEHICLE property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% of the amount exceeding $3,000, up to and including $400,000, 20% of the amount exceeding $400,000, up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% on any amount exceeding $4,000,000.
For the CHARITY lots 186 through 190, no buyer's premium will be charged.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or charge card for returning clients only. Please note that only automobilia and/ or charity lots may be paid for by credit card and the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited. Credit cards may not be used to pay for motorcar purchases.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
Special Car Dealer Notices
, number VI/1087220/1
- Automobilia
- Cars