The latest in a series where I ask customers (and other collectors) if they’d like to share how they display their collection. Spark plug collector Joe Cook goes above and beyond in today’s post.
Joe’s a customer, but I certainly don’t sell spark plugs, so how’d this post come to be? Ah, it’s a wonderful thing for dealers and collectors alike when interests overlap as it did in this case of a 1930’s Autolite Spark Plug movie star premium photo. Now I don’t know the first thing about spark plugs, let along collecting them, but the very fact that they are collected piqued my interest and I’m so pleased that I followed through and asked to hear more.
Joe Cook holding 4 Auto Lite Spark Plug movie premiums
But I’ll let Joe tell the rest of the story, enjoy:
When I won Cliff’s auction for a Madeleine Carroll print he emailed me a confirmation of payment and an invitation to describe how I display my collection. After looking over the VintageMeld and enjoying what it had to offer I replied to Cliff and let him know my main collecting interest was SPARK PLUGS and all things spark plug related–the movie star print of Madeleine Carroll fitting the bill as one of a series of movie starlets released by Autolite Spark Plug as a promotional item. He replied that his request wasn’t limited to ephemera collectors, but that he was most interested in the process of collecting and especially display.
Let me start by saying that I am a firm believer in displaying a collection. Collections should be shared and enjoyed by as many people as possible. With that in mind, when I started my spark plug collection 12 years ago I also started my own little mini-museum right in my basement. This has worked out very well and I enjoy sharing my hobby with anyone who is interested.
Some of Joe's spark plug displays with the older, larger style plugs front and center
I still felt I could reach more people if I could make my collection, or at least a representative portion of it, portable. I had a friend build me special display cabinets that can easily be taken from the wall, folded like a suitcase, and taken to any event I desire where they’re set-up on specially made tripods for display.
I’ve enjoyed sharing my collection so much that I’ve even gone a step further and designed a platform for my pick-up truck that allows me to remove the back seat and carry the cases inside the cab of the truck. I can now load and transport over 1,000 plugs to an event in about 10 minutes! Once there I can set-up the display in about another 10 minutes. To date I have displayed my collection at over 30 events including the New Jersey State Fair, local auto shows, antique tractor and engine shows, and I have given presentations at a local old age home, local tractor club meetings, and one local high school.
Joe folds case upward as he gets it ready for transport.
I also attend, with my collection, of course, the Spark Plug Collectors of America (SPCOA) meetings with our National/International meeting being held in conjunction with with the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association shown in Portland, IN each August. The SPCOA also has a show in Hershey, PA at Hershey Park, in Florida every February at the Florida Flywheelers antique engine and tractor show, and at a couple of smaller shows around the country.
I am currently a Director of the SPCOA and am a former Co-Editor and Vice-President of the club as well. The SPCOA has over 300 members from 12 countries and issues a 32-page newsletter, The IGNITOR, 4 times per year. You can learn more about the SPCOA here.
Returning to the display itself, my plug display cases are 2′ X 4′ when open and I can mount 132 plugs in each. The case is hinged in the middle and folds in half to 2′ X 2′. It locks shut and has a handle on top for easy handling. We used white peg board inside and mount the plugs with plastic tie straps. Most plugs require only one strap, some require two. I make sure they are secure as when the case is folded in half, half of the plugs will be upside down during travel and with all of the potholes in the Northeast I quickly learned to make sure to have them tightly secured! The cases have a Plexiglas cover and the only way to gain access to the plugs is to physically take the case apart. This was done on purpose as I can’t always be near the plugs at every event, and since some of them can be worth a lot of money … well, let’s just say the cases are designed to keep an honest man honest!
Folded up and ready to go!
As I mentioned earlier and my purchase from Cliff attests, I collect all things spark plug related, beyond the plugs themselves. Besides the movie starlet items, I also collect spark plug related posters, post cards, stamps, letterheads, brochures and pamphlets, matchbook covers, decals, signs and counter displays, salesman’s samples, patents (over 5,000 of them!), and any and all types of promotional items.
Although I do not as a rule take the more ephemeral items on tour, I do display them in my mini-museum. After a lot of searching I found a poster display rack from a store closing and mounted it on my wall. The rack displays 20 posters, and since I have about 50 posters in my collection I rotate them about twice per year (I’m currently seeking an affordable second rack for some of the additional posters). I mounted the signs along the top of the wall using their supplied mountings.
Poster rack displaying spark plug posters.
One wall of the basement was designed to hang my display cases and is angled, or tipped, slightly so the bottom, or ground electrodes, of the plugs can easily be seen. At the same time we built this we added a shelf to display the counter displays and other items.
I put steel shelving along another wall to display all of the Go-Alongs, which is how I refer to the wide array of promotional and hand-out items related to the plugs.
I acquired an old glass display case from an antique shop that was going out of business and refinished it. I display all of my AC brand spark plugs and items in that, sort of a collection inside a collection.
For all of my paperwork items, except the few hanging up, I again have steel shelves set up which hold several three-ring binders containing this ephemera. The items are stoed in acid free plastic pages inside the binder and I keep an area with a desk and chair nearby for people to relax and look them over. For all of my club newsletters (33 years worth!) I have a special display rack, again acquired from a store closing.
Book shelf with 3-ring binders of assorted spark plug literature.
On the wall next to my poster display I have a glass display case, also with the white pegboard and pegboard clips, where I store newly acquired items temporarily until I have time to permanently move them to their proper spot inside the collection. For example, my plugs are all displayed alphabetically, according to manufacturer. I have my entire collection cataloged so I can identify and locate items inside the collection as easily as possible. I hope to transfer all of this info to a computer program sometime soon.
Antique glass display case displaying AC spark plugs and AC items.
Since my collection has expanded too fast for me to build new display cases I brought back a couple of my original one-piece cases and have them on display on a tripod in the middle of the room. I keep some of my better plugs in them and use them to show off the different types and styles of plugs to visitors. After I introduce them to the wonderful world of spark plug collecting with those intro-cases, they are free to roam and enjoy all of the other items inside the room that I’ve told you about.
To all the collectors out there, I say, display your collection! Let others enjoy what you have so enjoyed collecting. You will be surprised at how many leads for new additions to your collection you will receive from unexpected sources once you have you collection displayed for all to see.
Shelving displaying spark plug Go-Alongs
Thanks so much, to Joe Cook, for taking the time to share this with all of us. Particularly I enjoyed reading about the passion for collecting from a collector in an area where I didn’t expect to share much common ground. If I knew Joe offline, I’d expect very little of this connection, let alone would I expect him to ever buy anything from me, but as the relation grew from customer into this post I’m pleasantly surprised to see that there’s much more in common that I could have ever guessed.
Please have a look at this page if you’d like to Share Your Collection with us like Joe Cook did.
Newsletter display rack (2 Sided)
Spark plug box display.
North wall of museum showing signs and temporary cabinet.
One of Joe's recently framed Spark Plug signs from 1928
Wow, what a wonderful collection. It amazes me how much time and effort he must have (and continues to) put into this hobby.
Thanks for finding him Cliff… and sharing him with the rest of us.
Tom
Cliff, what an incredibly fascinating story. I love all the things that people lock into when they collect. Joe must be the spark plug king — and with his very own mini-museum, too! A great story to begin the big holiday weekend. Inspiring, actually. I also agree with the pothole comment about the Northeast!
Thanks for the comment, Frank. As I’ve mentioned, I personally have no knowledge into this area of collecting, but I’d be shocked if anyone is topping Joe, I agree, he must be the spark-plug king!
Thanks to him again for sharing his fascinating mini-museum!
Thanks for the comment, Dave, interesting note about Sparky!
Joe couldn’t detail everything in his collection, but it wouldn’t surprise me–he does have some binders of spark plug literature, though at the same time he mentioned that he didn’t collect ads because there were so many! It sounded like advertising was the ONLY area he didn’t delve into though.
Thanks again,
Cliff
I wonder if Mr. Cook has any of this kind of “Go-With” paper? http://www.geocities.com/jospasttime/Anti-Coll.html
For those who don’t want to bother following the link, Barney Google was a popular comic strip created by Billy DeBeck, and Barney’s companion, SPARK PLUG (a race horse) was a favorite cartoon character of millions of Americans. There were even newborn kids nicknamed Sparky, including one famous Cartoonist – Charles Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
Thanks, Cliff! That was a great “Go-Along”!
Hello Cliff
To answer Dave Dube’s post about Billy DeBeck and his “Spark Plug” horse, yes I do have several “Spark Plug” items in my collection. Also the link you provided is one of Wayne McPherson’s. Wayne is an avid Spark Plug collector and maintains the Spark Plug Collectors Of America web site,
http://spcoa.awardspace.com/SPCOA1024.html
and he also has created a great spark Plug site of his own, http://www.geocities.com/sparkplugsite/
Than you for your interest in my collection!
Joe
First off…Joe, Your collection is amazing. Second, Thanks to Vintagemeld for bringing it to the eyes of all of us viewers. I am currently putting together a book on vintage automotive packaging. I have been collecting the empty boxes for years. I would like to speak to you Joe. In the book, I want to include a section on spark plug packaging, I have lots of boxes, but you have many, many more, along with the vast knowledge. I hope it’s Ok for me to post my email in here.
asmartdesigner (at) gmail (dot) com
Hey Scott, thanks very much. Since this post has been up awhile now I’m going to email Joe just to make sure he sees your comment. Hopefully he’s able to help out. Good luck!
Cliff
Hello Scott,
Thank you for the kind words. I will be happy to talk to you about spark plug packaging! I have plugs that are packaged in lead, wax and wax paper, tins, wooden containers and all sorts of cardboard packaging. I will contact you at your e-mail address. Thanks again.
Joe
wonder what the value of a glass paperweight from the Hagstrom Spark Plug Co in Lindsborg, KS is? shows a cutaway of the plug (“This porcelain guard feature alone worth the price of the plug”) as well as the Hagstrom Blowout Patch (“Your friend when the tire blows out.”) 2 1/2 by 4 inches, near perfect.
>golson@aol.com<
Hi Joe,
We touched base a while back when I was researching Firestorm.
Things have progressed somewhat since then.
I require a set of short rebuildable plugs, dimensions same as Champion CJ8.
I will need to be able to remove the electrodes at will, as well as slightly modify the shell base.
Can you help with a suitable rebuildable plug?
Hello Ross
I will contact you via your e-mail. I have a large selection of spark plug ‘parts’ and may be able to help depending on your requirements. Thanks for the inquire.
Joe
mtr. cook YOU WILL GO TO HERSHEY IN OCTOBER? AND HER LOCATION FOR SPEAK AND SEE
THE SPARK PLUG COLLECTION
PARDON ,BUT MY ENGLISH IS VERY POOR
AROLDPOWER BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
I appreciate the story of Joe’s collection. Not only does he have a great display, but Joe himself is a GREAT gentleman, just ask anyone who knows him. Thanks for doing the “special” on his collection.
Joe–This is the first time I have seen your site. Great job displaying your collection !!! Thanks for showing it.
Jim
Thanks very much, Lou, I appreciate that. As someone that’s a total outsider to Joe’s niche, but with, I believe, a great understanding of collecting and collections, I really appreciate what Joe contributed here. Not only did it make a great post, it’s one of the most popular on the site!
Thanks, Cliff
Hi Cliff,
I would like to commend you on a GREAT job with your collectibles site! Being a good friend and former Co-Editor with Joe Cook, I was thrilled to see the fantastic job you did to present his impressive collection. I can tell you that he works at it every day, he is the consummate collector!! The only thing that exceeds his collection of spark plugs and related materials is his generosity and kindness, you will not meet a better person. Over the past 15 years we have enjoyed and shared our finds with each other. Sometimes that is more gratifing than the find itself! Again, thanks for the great representation of Joe Cook’s collection.
Sincerely, Lou
To Joe Cook:
Could I please discuss with you privately, by email or phone, about “Reliance” and “Jeffery-Dewitt” (J-D) spark plugs?
Sincerely,
Ed
WOW, these are THE best, most inventive, & darned clever collection displays I’ve seen. Totally appreciate hearing directly from Joe how he started collecting spark plugs & how he’s displaying components of the collection so smartly!
Thanks so much,
Dana
Greetings from across the pond! What a great read and a fantastic collection Joe. Joe I was wondering if I might ask a couple of questions about a few spark plug signs I have in my collection. If this is possible could you email me at mark.jefferson@talktalk.net All the very best and hope to hear from you. Best regards, Mark
Hello Mark,
I will contact you via your e-mail. I am always happy to try and help a fellow collector!
Thanks again to Cliff for making this connection possible!
Joe
Thanks for featuring Joe’s amazing spark plug collection. I also collect plugs and recently started a site … I’d love to have Joe contact me offline to offer some ideas about sources for spark plug literature and reference!
We found a spark plug and would like to know more about it… I haven’t had any luck finding one even similar. It has a conical end (porcelian) that fit into the combustion chamber and a small threaded piece on the other end. At first we thought it was missing something but it appears totally in tact. The mid section is a white spindle with 2 small ridges. There are no markings on it.
Hello Heather
Sounds like an interesting plug! Can you send me a picture of it? Then I might be able to help ID it for you.
My e-mail address is: joe.ignitor@gmail.com
I look forward to your reply.
Joe
joe thats the best collection ive seen yet. is the any brands that you havent got???there is no one in conn.thats bright enough to have something likethat.
I have a champion spark plug lamp. Have never seen another. Chrome ceramic. Plug is about 14″ tall? Anybody heard of such a thing?
Richard,
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, there are a LOT of plugs I still need, there are over 6,500 known manufactures of spark plugs! (With more being discovered all the time!) that is what makes it so much fun!!
As to your comment about no one in conn that could have something like that, I assume you mean my collection, If so, There are several collectors in CT that have beautiful, large collections! We are all members of the SPCOA (Spark Plug Collectors Of America) Do You collect?
have a plug called a fanflame could you tell something about and whats it worth
Hello Stan,
The Fan Flame is a very nice plug made in Yonkers NY, There are a couple versions of it, but the most common version is valued at between $35.00 and $85.00 depending on condition. Hope this helps! Have a nice Holiday! Joe
I have a champion spark plug lamp. Have never seen another. Chrome ceramic. Plug is about 14″ tall? Anybody heard of such a thing?
Yes! There are a small number of spark plug lamps out there. They make nice “Go Alongs” and are treasured by collectors! Nice find!
Is it worth anything?
G Ewing,
Sorry for the delay, i was away for the holiday
About the Champion lamp, sure it is worth something!. Contact me at my e-mail address and I will be happy to try to give you an idea of the value. joe.ignitor@gmail.com
hi i came upon a ac titan plug in some woods by my house all it says on the porclean is ac titan could you give me some history on it would appreciate any info
thanx
nick
I HAVE A SET OF STORM SPECIAL SPARK PLUGS NO NUMBER HOPE WILL FIT MY MODEL T CANT FIND ANY INFO
Let me know if you want to sell them.
Have a Pat.1916 Champion Spark Plug in it’s Box, worth anything?
Hello offlinevet,
Is there a model number, or any other markings on the plug? if possible, can you send me a picture?? You can send it to: joe.ignitor@gmail:disqus Have a GREAT weekend!
Joe.com
just curious i have a bunch of old ac plugs but there is one box of plugs i cant find what they are for and what they are worth they are ac 77 can send response to jaradt2011@gmail.com or jarad_tompkins@hotmail.com thank you
Hello Jarad,
I am sorry for the delay, I have been away. I looked through my catalogs and can find no listing for the AC 77 plugs. but I have a limited number of AC catalogs, sorry.
Do you know the thread size and heat range?
Joe Cook
Just wanted to jump in and say it’s great to see you here, Joe. You do a great job helping people out in this section which really saves me! I hope all is well and thank you, my friend.
Cliff
Hi, i have a Edison Splitdorf Spark plug and would like to know what vehicle it fits? HC-72 15/16 Hex 7/8 Reg Reach Kalb.b@bigpond.com
Hello Bill
The Edison Splitdorf plug was an aftermarket plug and designed to fit a variety of engines requiring a 7/8″ thread plug. Off hand, I do not have a listing for that particular plug, that is what heat range it is. It is a nice collector plug, but if you intend to use it in an engine, compare the heat range first.
Thanks for asking!
Joe
Joe, I have a box of 1920’s era Firestone plugs still in the original box of 10 plugs. Box has weathered but all ten plugs are still in thier original boxes. Any interest in buying these. Bob Bailey——bbailey1934@clearwire.net
cliff,
I went to a sale last week , I bought a box of old plugs in it . I have 2 duel electrode plugs Im not sure of the aplication and value , the first is wizard deluxe 66s and lincoln,blue crown, with raceing flags on them can you help me figure this out?
dave
Joe,
A while back I bought some Ford flathead parts. Mixed in was 7 plugs marked Jet ignition 560 and with what think is a heat range of 14. Very strange end on these 3 piece plugs. Any input on these? Thanks much, Wayne
Hi, I have a few 1/2″ Fan Flame “Ford Special” spark plugs from the 1920’s that are unused and still in their boxes if anybody is interested in buying them. From what I’ve been told these plugs were used in old Model T’s, they also came in some old John Deere’s and Harley Davidson’s back in the day… If anybody is interested in purchasing one you can contact me at (701) 330-9568, Text me if I am unable to answer. You can also email me at Uwewho@gmail.com
Thanks
James
Joe Cook: Hello. My name is Virginia. My father died a couple of years ago and we have been holding onto a drawer of some old spark plugs thinking we might sell them. I was surprised to see the article about you in the American Profile Magazine yesterday and your collection. If you would be interested, I will see what details I can get from my brother who has them. You may email me at Auntsissy152@comcast.net. Hope to hear from you.
Congratulations to @c447116ab4b404db95ff2309b8a229a6:disqus for being featured in the American Profile Magazine article that the read below mentions. You can find the American Profile article about Joe here: http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/collecting-spark-plugs/
Joe, I don’t know if you will get this message, but I know that I have 2 spark plugs that you don’t have. I got them from Avon many years ago, they are champions made just like a plue with cologne for men in them. If your interested in them let me know, their still in great condition.We may be able to nogotiate a deal. My e-mail is dmorin@myfairpoing.net.my Good luck with your collection……
Doris
This is Doris again correction on e-mail
dmorin@myfairpiont.net
Joe, my father-in-law has several old spark plugs 1 is a Benford Monarch Golden Giant spark plug with 24 k gold plate. He also has the original metal box. If you are interested, you can email me at marbuf@sbcglobal.net.
Is there anyone out there who is interested in buying a set of avon glass spark plugs??? they are about 30 years old phone # 207-330-1406 thank you
Hello, I have a Edison spark plug, that I can’t seem to find any info on. Its a Edison, Albanite Z-19 no metal , except for the top and bottom electrode on it?
thank youi
Hi, looking for the price of a autolite spark plug cabinet aprox 24 x 24 inches dark blue with red and yellow letters, two rows of pull drawers and two shelves below, Not sure of year
Hi I have came across a couple of NGK spark plug cabinets and trying to figure out what year they are from and if they have any value. They are yellow, top say’s heart of copper core and door says for a long and zappy life these are brand new units one even has the original poster that came with the unit. Any info would be great.
Thanks
Seeking info on a NGK spark plug cabinet that I found in my grandpas garage. It is yellow has three shelves and on the front says a long Zappy life. Any info would be great even tried ngk direct and they have never seen it. Also have a poster that they have never seen.
Thanks
HI, Just got home with a 6ft.high spark plug. its a display Plug that lights up and has a clock like motor on top which turned something. Missing that piece. Don
My husband collected plugs also. He passed away couple of years ago. Any ideas how to sell the whole lot? Even 24 karat gold plated ones in boxes. Would appreciate any help.
well done joe good work wondered if you have an emu spark plug