Antique outboard help

[swimmin' for shore]

I picked up a really old motor this morning. Aside from some dents in the tank and bad plug wires, it's in almost mint condition. I've spent a couple of hours this morning just wiping the grease and dust off of it, and it's truly a gem. I won't be using it of course, but it also runs and has good compression.
This is a one-owner motor, believe it or not. More accurately, the guy I purchased it from was 70 and his father had bought it new, used it way back when, and stored it in the basement. This explains why it's in such good shape.
In any case, the guy thought it was a 1935 outboard, but I looked at it and the original patent stickers are still there. The patent stickers have patent numbers and dates, and they seem to go in order. 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926. Below the 1926, it says, "Patent Pending". That's all that's left of the sticker, so I can't add to that, but if they follow in sequence, that sounds to me like a 1927 motor.
In any case, this is a Johnson Outboard made in South Bend, Indiana. The model and serial number are stamped on the flywheel. The serial number is 54657 and the model number is the k-35.
Deciding to pick up the motor was too easy, but I'd like to find out what I have here if anyone has some knowledge of these or the old outboard books. Thanks

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Antique outboard help

A Johnson K-35 is a 1927 6HP.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Antique outboard help

I picked up a really old motor this morning. Aside from some dents in the tank and bad plug wires, it's in almost mint condition. I've spent a couple of hours this morning just wiping the grease and dust off of it, and it's truly a gem. I won't be using it of course, but it also runs and has good compression.
This is a one-owner motor, believe it or not. More accurately, the guy I purchased it from was 70 and his father had bought it new, used it way back when, and stored it in the basement. This explains why it's in such good shape.
In any case, the guy thought it was a 1935 outboard, but I looked at it and the original patent stickers are still there. The patent stickers have patent numbers and dates, and they seem to go in order. 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926. Below the 1926, it says, "Patent Pending". That's all that's left of the sticker, so I can't add to that, but if they follow in sequence, that sounds to me like a 1927 motor.
In any case, this is a Johnson Outboard made in South Bend, Indiana. The model and serial number are stamped on the flywheel. The serial number is 54657 and the model number is the k-35.
Deciding to pick up the motor was too easy, but I'd like to find out what I have here if anyone has some knowledge of these or the old outboard books. Thanks

Why not use it some? I love to use my old motors! Of course, I don't have any as old and neat as your k-35. That's a nifty find! I hope you enjoy it. I'd have to run it once in a while, myself.
Just curious,
JBJ

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Antique outboard help

ah, therein lies a good point. I've always wanted to stick one of those on my boat, although this one is really, really old. You're right about it being a neat find and I spent the better part of today wiping it down. I should really post some pictures, but if anyone wants to see them, send me a PM with an email addy and I'll forward them on.
I'm afraid, though, that I rarely keep a motor. I have a garage full. I usually try to fix them and resell. I've thought for some time that I'd take an antique like this one and keep it, but in reality, there's no place to keep it and my fiancee gets antsy about hanging them on the living room wall.
No. I dare say that I cleaned it to sparkling beauty today and I'll probably put it on ebay tomorrow fellas. I will say, though, that it's a beauty. You can probably see it on ebay if you're interested in taking a look at some of the pictures. Thank you for the help in identifying it, though

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Antique outboard help

you need a new fiancee, you had the motors first, that is part of accepting you. guess that is why i have been single for the last 30 years.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Antique outboard help

I think if I don't move some motors out before I buy some more, I'll be looking for a new fiancee and a new place to put my head at night.