The Orient Buckboard & The Waltham Mfg. Co.
In 1891, Charles Metz formed the Waltham Manufacturing Company to design and build bicycles called the Orient. Metz made about 100,000 bicycles and is credited with producing the first American motorcycle in 1898. The following year the company announced production of an electric runabout automobile. However, the Electric Car never went into production. Another company using the Waltham Manufacturing Company factory built the Waltham Steam Car. Charles Metz's association with the company ended in 1902. From 1903 until 1907 the company produced the Orient Buckboard and the Orient Motor Car.
1903 Orient Buckboard Two models were offered in 1903, the Orient Buckboard and the Orient Motor Car. The Orient buckboard was equipped with a single cylinder air cooled four horsepower engine geared to the rear axle. The price of this light car was $500.00. The $950.00 1903 Orient Motor Car was equipped with a 8 horsepower single cylinder engine.
1904 Orient Buckboard By 1904 the cost of the Orient Buckboard was lowered to $425.00. The single cylinder engine was still rated at four horsepower. However, it was now equipped with a two speed transmission. New features included additional springs for an improved ride, crank starting and wider seats.
1905 Orient Buckboard Prices dropped again in 1905 on the Buckboard to $375.00. Other American Automobiles built by the Waltham Manufacturing Co. in 1905 included the $450.00 Surrey, a $475.00 Runabout and the $525.00 Tonneau shown above. Also in 1905 a completely new car appeared. They were known as the Waltham Orient.
1906 Orient Buckboard The history of the Waltham Manufacturing Co. is shown in the above advertisement. It mentions that the company was started in 1891. By 1906 the Orient was still equipped with a rear mounted air cooled single cylinder four horsepower engine with friction drive. The price was up to $440.00.
Restored 1907 Orient Buckboard
1908 Orient Buckboard In 1909 the Waltham Manufacturing Company became known as The Metz Company. For additional information on the Waltham / Metz Automobiles! Waltham Steam Car 1898-1901 Waltham Orient 1905-1908
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