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Early family material includes Augie’s 1901 Iowa naturalization papers, formally renouncing allegiance to the “Emperor of Germany”; his 1905 marriage certificates; signed automobile club, Social Security, and driver’s identification cards; his 1955 death certificate, listing him as a “retired auto manufacturer”; and the 1921 wills of Augie and Gertrude Duesenberg, executed one month before the team’s victory in the French Grand Prix. Also included are annotated photographs of the brothers’ childhood home in Germany, an original circa 1900 portrait of Fred with his racing bicycle and competition medals, and an original painting of Augie by Felix Palm.
The correspondence is highlighted by a March 23, 1917, typed letter signed by Fred Duesenberg about a "battery in the Buick car being in bad shape"; a handwritten 1918 letter signed by Fred Duesenberg on Duesenberg Motors Corporation letterhead, discussing a tractor motor built for the Ordnance Department and warning his nephew Wesley about the influenza epidemic; and three telegrams from Fred. Most significant is his 1924 message announcing that “Duesenberg car number fifteen winner of todays five hundred mile race” had used the recipient’s rubber shock insulators—a direct reference to the Corum-Boyer entry that won the Indianapolis 500.
Business and manufacturing records include Fred and Conrad Duesenberg financial ledgers, a handwritten statement headed “Settlements on D. Bros. accounts,” and later family expense records. Material from the Duesenberg Model Company—the miniature racing-car venture operated by Augie and Wesley—includes a miniature dashboard plate, company letterhead, correspondence, and scarce sales literature.
Advertising and promotional material is led by an early circa 1919–1920 “Duesenberg Automobile” booklet with Elizabeth, New Jersey, imprint; Model J sales brochures; an original September 1934 “He drives a Duesenberg” advertisement presented to Harlan Duesenberg by Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club historian Ray Wolff; a Pyroil advertisement featuring Augie and the Prince Nicholas of Roumania Special; embroidered “Straight 8” patches; and the original zinc printing plate and lead positive used to reproduce the winged Duesenberg emblem.
A substantial portion documents Harlan and Kenneth Duesenberg’s effort to revive the marque during the 1970s and 1980s. Highlights include Ken Duesenberg’s full-scale steering-wheel and hood-ornament drawings; original dashboard-instrument films; concept renderings and press photographs; correspondence from Cord designer Gordon Buehrig; and a December 1979 check from Stutz Motor Co. to Duesenberg Brothers, Inc., for $150,000, annotated “For Duesenberg Auto Prototype.” Press releases, brochures, clippings, and Harlan’s extensive revival binder further document the ambitious project.
Additional material includes a signed photograph of 1925 Indianapolis 500 winner Peter DePaolo with Harlan Duesenberg, accompanied by DePaolo’s handwritten wishes for success with the new automobile; commemorative plaques and programs; drawings and prints; belt buckles; and other family-preserved memorabilia.
In overall very good to fine condition. An extraordinary multigenerational archive offering an intimate and unusually complete account of the family behind one of the most celebrated names in American automotive history.
