Posted 3 years ago
Candydidnot
(1 item)
For the person who thought this was for a barber shop. It is a gym set made by the health developing apparatus company out of New York.
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Posted 3 years ago
Candydidnot
(1 item)
For the person who thought this was for a barber shop. It is a gym set made by the health developing apparatus company out of New York.
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Candydidnot, Very cool. :-)
I'll link the other pertinent post here:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/295763-barbers-tool
Here's the text of the description at that 2ememain dot be listing (translation courtesy of Google Translate):
*snip*
I found 3 x the triangular part on the internet, but no one knew what it was or what it was used for. With the other parties, it is clear. It is a gymnastic set with footrest. The accompanying rubber bands of course did not survive, but what is there is in good condition. The identification is printed on the back of the footrest. So it's New York. The triangular part is nicely decorated and the following words are engraved on it: health, vim, pep, strength, vigor and power. Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of how the system works, but it's a great piece for the collector or to decorate your mancave!
*snip*
(https://www.2ememain dot be/v/antiquites-art/curiosites-brocante/m1777343603-article-de-fitness-vintage-des-annees-1920-30-ensemble-de-gy?correlationId=d5f60181-b139-4ca4-8a39-ca5472f98152)
FYI, I tweaked the URL a bit (dot be) so it doesn't automatically link here, because when I first went to find the original listing, I found complaints about the website at trustpilot dot com, and ICANN dot org couldn't give me any information about it. I'm perhaps being a bit over-cautious here on behalf of other CW users.
So the piece marked "GYM-SET" is a foot rest with buckled bands that would have secured it to the user's feet. There were presumably non-surviving pieces (either elastic bands or perhaps springs) that connected it to the other components.
Candydidnot, I was hoping to find the patent listing for this item. No joy yet, but I did find some other HDAC equipment and patents:
Here is what's characterized as a 1905 model rowing machine by HDAC:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-1905-rowing-machine-health-1829650243
Here's a 1933 patent listing for a HDAC rowing machine (the overall design changed a bit, but the pattern on the seat is the same):
https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=01905092&IDKey=1E8F3DB0FBF2%0D%0A&HomeUrl=%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fpatimg.htm
Here's another HDAC rowing machine that has that same trademark with the HDAC initials interwoven in between the foot rests:
https://www.ashcroftandmoore.com/auction-lot/vintage-the-seat-of-health-rowing-machine_14B4B77B8A
In truth, I suspect the rowing machine at Worthpoint also has that trademark, but it's hidden under a strap.
Here are more HDAC patents:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US1866868A/
https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=D0087153&IDKey=7027BC7C2800%0D%0A&HomeUrl=%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fpatimg.htm
https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=D0087154&IDKey=564FBC7C4B40%0D%0A&HomeUrl=%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fpatimg.htm
https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=D0087059&IDKey=E0A0BC7C8FBF%0D%0A&HomeUrl=%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fpatimg.htm
https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=D0087261&IDKey=1217CCB9F941%0D%0A&HomeUrl=%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fpatimg.htm
I wonder if maybe this is part of a rowing machine and more than just the springs are missing.
Candydidnot, That thought occurred to me, but I couldn't discern anything like that triangular piece in the patent listings I found. It's still quite possible.
As to the elaborate trademark/logo of interwoven initials: my sense of it is that it's older than the 1920s/1930s, and that Worthpoint listing supports that somewhat.
I don't know how the owner determined that their rowing machine was a model that dated to 1905, but stylistically, that logo would suit that era better.
I did find a Google Book with some pictures of various 1930s HDAC trademarked logos, but none of them looked like the interwoven one. They were all much plainer.
Here's another HDAC patent listing from 1932:
https://www.freepatentsonline.com/1866860.pdf
Here is a catawiki listing for a HDAC rowing machine and you can clearly see the interwoven logo on the foot support:
https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/26433031-apparatus-co-inc-bridgeport-conn-vintage-rowing-machine-100-years-old-aluminium
Somehow, I knew I'd find that Google Book again after I logged out. >8-(
On pages 17, you can see some HDAC trademarks for various devices of theirs called "Chief," HI-RO," "PAR-ROW," and "Skipper." On Page 633, you see a trademark for the initialism HEDCO enclosed in a diamond (sorry about the heinous Google Book link, but sometimes they just are that way):
https://books.google.com/books?id=d0GgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=health+developing+apparatus+co.+patent&source=bl&ots=uA0_R60M9B&sig=ACfU3U2Gm1mNt7sQhSPPbes0VLXk8h6zfg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiT_KWlpMb0AhX9l2oFHUu7CjUQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=health%20developing%20apparatus%20co.%20patent&f=false
I didn't see "VIG-ROW" in there.
The vig-row I just look at definitely has the intricate symbol and that it was made by the health developing apparatus company but Hartford Connecticut and not new york.
https://fairauctionco.hibid.com/lot/79461-208898-29126/antique-wood-and-aluminum-rowing-machine/
Sorry that would be Bridgeport Connecticut
Yes, that Worthpoint listin mentioned Bridgeport, CT.
I don't know if HDAC branched out to CT, or perhaps started there, and branched out to NY.
I have yet to come across any decent history of the Health Developing Apparatus Company.
I do wonder whether the owner of the VIG-ROW machine in that Worthpoint listing found an old catalog, or perhaps a patent that points to 1905.
Truly wish I could find the rest of the pieces so we knew how it worked. I looked for the other names of equipment but have not found any of them.
Candydidnot, You and me both. >8-0
I've found advertisements for the "Seat of Health" in various editions of the Rotarian going back as far as 1929, but nothing for "GYM-SET":
https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Rotarian.html?id=eUEEAAAAMBAJ
I've also played around with the USPTO trademark database, but so far, nothing useful:
https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=4809:i5qz77.1.1
It's fairly exasperating.
To bad the gentleman from Belgium that had a picture of the set would have posted it.
I can image somewhere it had springs and two handles with it and used as an upright rower
Insofar as I can tell, the Belgian poster had exactly those four components you posted screen shots of here. There are actually eleven pictures at that listing, but they're all just different shots of those same four components.
Yes, I can imagine it as being a stand-up device.
I stumbled on a 1932 document that revealed the street address of the Health Developing Apparatus Company's factory in Bridgeport:
https://docplayer.net/101868794-List-of-connecticut-factories.html
Here's the Google Street View:
354 Myrtle Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
https://goo.gl/maps/qfQJrpQsqejK4mT86
Here's a museum listing for a HDAC rowing machine characterized as being of 1905 vintage:
http://content.enflyer.com/legacy/3116/Images/xx1989.444_sca_01312011.jpg
*snip*
Exercise machine, c. 1905
Designer unknown
Made by Health Developing Apparatus Co., Inc.
American
Aluminum, brass, steel, wood, and cotton rope
*snip*
http://content.enflyer.com/legacy/3116/EnFlyers/97610.html
So I did find a sale ad that had the vig-row, hardy-row and gym-set.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/414102491/?terms=%22Seat%20of%20health%20%22&match=1
Candydidnot, That is a fabulous find!
I was beginning to dispair of finding any other references to the Gym-Set.
Too bad that a subscription is required to view the image, because the OCR of the text on that page is a bit rough.
However, one can read in between the lines that Tuesday through Saturday (October 13-17 1931) on the third floor of Hearn department store on 14th Street, Miss Dorothy Britton was going to demonstrate the Vig-Row, the Seat of Health, the Hardy Rower, and the Gym-Set :
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/414102491/
Hearn's on 14th Street:
*snip*
Hearns was once one of New York’s largest department stores, located on the south side of 14th Street between Sixth and Fifth Avenues since 1879. It shut down in the 1950s
*snip*
https://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/tag/hearns/
https://www.loc.gov/item/2018744399/
https://www.loc.gov/resource/gsc.5a11783/
So the Gym-Set can definitely be pegged to 1931. :-)
Your find of that ad mentioning the Gym-Set at Hearn was excellent. I suspect there's no picture of it in the ad (only a single picture of Britton using the Seat of Health), but the mention of the Gym-Set and its price are great. :-)
It looks like it was one of the Health Developing Apparatus Company's less expensive offerings ($5.00 as compared to $50.00 for the Seat of Health), so perhaps the only components missing are springs and cables.
The fact that the Hearn department store carried all of those HDAC products supports those other ads in which HDAC boasted that their Seat of Health rowing machine was "Sold by nearly all Leading Department Stores and Sporting Goods Stores"
Hearn was indeed a leading department store in its day (it was a rival of Macy's), and occupied this beautiful building on 14th Street:
https://goo.gl/maps/9bCsYLQMjkMdsK2D8
Unfortunately you are correct. There were no pictures of the gym set but I am not giving up hope.
That's the spirit. :-)
I found an old Macy's catalog from 1911 on archive dot org, but no joy on HDAC.
Sears Roebuck seems like a good candidate. After all, Sears Roebuck sold just about everything at one time, including house kits.
So fortunately or unfortunately I have found other rowing machines made by hdaco.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/615420550/?terms=Seat%20of%20health&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/573260299/?terms=Seat%20of%20health&match=1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/573260842/?terms=Seat%20of%20health&match=1
Glad you guys found more information on this odd piece.
I did have someone tell me they saw the gym set in New Jersey and I am trying to find out more information from him.
That would be fantastic if your New Jersey acquaintance could help.
In the meantime, I finally found some mentions of the HDAC Gym-Set in a USPTO publication (don't ask why it took me so long):
(From the Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, Volume 403 United States. Patent Office The Office, 1931 - Patents.)
*snip*
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF REGISTRANTS OF PRINTS
Health Developing Apparatus Company Inc New York NY The Gym Set For Exercising Devices 13,056 Feb 24
*snip*
PRINTS REGISTERED FEBRUARY 24 1931
13,056 Title THE GYM SET For Exercising Devices HEALTH DEVELOPING APPARATUS COMPANY INC New York NY Published December 22 1930
*snip*
https://books.google.com/books?id=xH1fAbewrxMC
That is a fantastic find. I am excited that it really is a thing. I am hoping somewhere we will eventually find a picture.
I'm getting quite frustrated with the USPTO databases.
When I do a search for "Health Developing Apparatus Co Inc," I get a lot of hits in this 1932 publication:
https://books.google.com/books?id=dA7RAAAAMAAJ
However, I haven't had any success tracking down any of those numbers in the USPTO.
And the Google book thing is a nightmare to read
Well, fortunately, this particular Googe Books copy lets you do a cut/translate.
If I eliminate the ones that obviously are related to HDACI rowing machines, I'm left with these:
Health Developing Apparatus Co Inc New York NY Athletic appliances Serial No 323,782 Apr 5 Class 22
Health Developing Apparatus Co Inc New York NY Athletic appliances Serial No 325,429 Apr 26 Class 22
Health Developing Apparatus Co Inc New York NY Athletic appliances Serial No 325,753 May 10 Class 22
Health Developing Apparatus Co Inc New York NY Table board game Serial No 328,690 Sept 6 Class 22
Of those, I find trademarks registered for these ones:
Athletic appliances Health Developing Apparatus Co 294,954 June 14 Serial No 323,782 published Apr 5 1932
Athletic appliances Health Developing Apparatus Co 295,996 July 19 Serial No 325,753 published 10 1932
The sticking point for me is the USPTO Trademark database. I just can't seem to make it work for me. I'm probably not holding my mouth right. };-)
Oops, I neglected to do a touch up on that one entry:
Athletic appliances Health Developing Apparatus Co 295,996 July 19 Serial No 325,753 published 10 1932
Should read:
Athletic appliances Health Developing Apparatus Co 295,996 July 19 Serial No 325,753 published May 1932
Gah. Some days I just can't type.
The entry should read:
Athletic appliances Health Developing Apparatus Co 295,996 July 19 Serial No 325,753 published May 10 1932
That is most days for me. Had to take a break as it is testing week at my daughter's taekwondo studio so we have been up to our ears in kiddos. Hoping to hear something soon from New Jersey. Still looking for a picture.
I sure hope your New Jersey contact comes through with something, because even using wildcards in the USPTO trademark database hasn't turned up anything useful.
I know. If I could just see one picture of the complete set I would be ecstatic.
Can you tell me the secret to opening the pdf in the image section of the uspto?
Hmmm, that's a bit of a tall subject.
Are you perhaps having difficulty opening a PDF from USPTO using a smart phone?
I myself have that trouble nowadays, and it started when I still had my previous smart phone, so I don't know if it was some software change on my smart phone, or some change at USPTO. I have never been able to access USPTO PDFs on my current smart phone.
This is why nowadays I try to link to Google versions of patents, but not all patents are available there.
As it happens, US1905092 (the 1931 patent for the Peter S. Hardy/HDACI rowing machine) is available via Google, so here it is:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US1905092
I just double-checked, and I was able to download/open it on my smart phone.
Sorry about not using a Google link for it earlier. That was lazy of me. When I post or comment here at CW S&T, I'm always using my Windows device, and accessing USPTO PDFs works pretty consistently from there.
Thank you. Yes I was using my smart phone. Gonna get the lap top out and see how it goes.