1905 Big Eli Ferris Wheel Seat w/ custom stand

**THIS ITEM IS CURRENTLY SELLING WITH NO RESERVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12TH @ 1:47PM EST. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.**

“This 1905 Big Eli Ferris Wheel seat with custom stand is one of the coolest pieces of Memorabilia ever offered from the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. I think at some point in most people's lives they've experienced the thrill of riding on a Ferris Wheel. The memories are worth a thousand words. This unique piece is the perfect piece of décor for any setting and a must have. Don't miss this opportunity!” – Marc Schiliro

This stunning 1905 Big Eli Ferris Wheel Seat with custom stand is the ultimate piece of Memorabilia. It was inspired by the original Big Eli Ferris Wheel seat #12. In 1893, 1.5 million people rode the very first Ferris Wheel when it debuted at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. It was the creation of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr who proved it to be a wheel of fortune. In 1893, W.E. Sullivan visited the Columbian Exposition, where he marveled at the original Ferris Wheel. Like George Washington Gale Ferris, Mr. Sullivan owned a bridge building business named the Eli Bridge Company. As he took his first ride on Mr. Ferris' Wheel, little did he know that his life was about to change forever.

The Big Eli, designed by W.E. Sullivan was the first portable Ferris Wheel and is still in production by the Eli Bridge Company in Jacksonville, Illinois. The Big Eli Ferris Wheel is a well-known attraction, especially in Jacksonville, Illinois and is known for its portability and historical significance. Many of these wheels including the original Big Eli #1 are still in operation and can be found at various amusement parks and events. One of the most iconic Big Eli wheels is #17 located in Jacksonville, Illinois. The wheels are often painted in various colors including yellow and are a popular attraction for families and individuals.

From the information gathered, this example is an authentic 1905 Big Eli Ferris Wheel Seat. It's embossed with PATD AUG 8, 05 which is an abbreviation for patented on August 8th, 1905. It was completely restored to high show quality condition throughout. The metal bucket was stripped, prepped and repainted in Yellow. It was refinished with automotive grade paint. It was decorated with decals that reassemble the original artwork design. The rear decal reads Trade Marked Big Eli Registered. The decals appear to have painted and clear coated. The trim work and safety bar was re-chromed for a brilliant appearance. The interior surface was painted black. The seating surfaces were covered with luxurious black upholstery. The floor was covered with black ribbed rubber matting. The seat swivels on a custom made metal stand that appears to fit the era. The stand was painted a creamy white and was decorated with a Rides 10 cent black metal sign. The display mat is included. The dimensions are 55x37x36. This is great opportunity to purchase a 120-year old piece of Americana!

MS CLASSIC CARS will assist the new owner with crating and shipping anywhere in the lower 48 United States.