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Old 05-04-2019, 02:48 PM   #1
Werner
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Default What means the quail?

I always notice that the quail (Wachtel) is mentioned. Does this egg-laying little bird have a special historical significance in USA or on FORD?
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Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928
Citroen 11 CV, 1947
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Old 05-04-2019, 03:07 PM   #2
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: What means the quail?

The quail was to symbolize the sound and the speed of the quail as it took of into flight .
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Old 05-04-2019, 05:38 PM   #3
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Default Re: What means the quail?

There was a n excellent article a couple years ago I believe in the restorer magazine that said ford had tasked Standt to come up with a mascot ornament for the A. The quail was the result. I suggest to find he article as it was very interesting.
They are of course still in business today.
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Old 05-04-2019, 07:03 PM   #4
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Slow moving pedestrians can be identified by the sheer number of quail embossings.
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Old 05-04-2019, 10:28 PM   #5
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Default Re: What means the quail?

The definitive article on Stant was in March/April 1973 of Ford Life.
Henry Ford actually suggested the quail to symbolise " ä quick getaway". The Model A was promoted as having outstanding acceleration for the era.
Ford said "A quail flushes just like a firecracker going off".
Cheers. Tom.
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Old 05-04-2019, 11:46 PM   #6
Brad in Germany
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Default Re: What means the quail?

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...from the German Ford Service Bulletin:



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Old 05-05-2019, 06:16 AM   #7
JtownJoe
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Anyone out there that can translate that into English?
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Old 05-05-2019, 08:27 AM   #8
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JtownJoe View Post
Anyone out there that can translate that into English?
There is a program "Yandex" that converts wording in a photo, any language to any language! I have done the deed and here is the translation..................(Werner can probably do better than this program but.........)


Radiator cap with quail
A-18 385-B.
Introduce the quail to your customers,
by placing them on the car of the customer himself
attach. This is the best way to convince you
to what extent the appearance of the car
this tasteful cooler cap is lifted.
The flying quail, the Symbol of the
quick start. This radiator fitting
it is of extraordinary beauty.
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Old 05-05-2019, 09:20 AM   #9
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Thank you for the many detailed answers. What I would like to know is whether the bird quail in USA has a special meaning? H. Ford could have chosen another fast bird, Dove, Swallow, Gull.
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Old 05-05-2019, 09:24 AM   #10
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Joe, I try it:


"Show the quail-figure to your customers by mounting them on the customer's car. This is the best way to convince the customers of the extent to which the look of the car is enhanced by this stylish fine radiator cap.

The up-flying quail is the symbol for fast starting. This radiator cap is extraordinary beauty."
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Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version
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Old 05-05-2019, 09:30 AM   #11
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Default Re: What means the quail?

I think it had something to do with Henry Ford's roots as a country boy growing up in the Michigan area. I thought I have read where he also considered the cottontail rabbit.Both are simple non exotic as is the Model A and quick on the takeoff. I think if what I have read about Henry choosing the quail is true it is one of the best decisions he had made. I remember myself rabbit hunting on our country property and occasionally kicking up a quail what a start it would give you,now today I have not seen a bobwhite quail in years.
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Old 05-05-2019, 09:32 AM   #12
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Henry Ford can be credited with selecting the quail as the Model A mascot. He told Irving Bacon, who worked for him. He wanted something that would depict a quick getaway the way he was advertising his cars. Bacon suggested a rabbit but Ford wanted something better than that. He suggested that a quail flushes out of the brush just like a firecracker going off. He thought a quail would be just right. So a quail it was, designed with wings down as though it was just starting to fly off.

Borrowed from: http://www.picture-worl.org/automobi...iator-cap.html
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Old 05-05-2019, 11:23 AM   #13
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Everyone in rural USA was quite familiar with the quail. It was and is a very recognizable symbol.
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Old 05-05-2019, 11:44 AM   #14
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: What means the quail?

While the quail radiator cap is considered to be a pretty symbol . I would always prefer the simple original radiator cap . I have never cared for fancy do dads and visible addons . I prefer hidden performance mods .
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Old 05-05-2019, 02:45 PM   #15
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Purdy,
What about a round motometer? How do you feel about that?
Marty
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Old 05-05-2019, 06:32 PM   #16
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Default Re: What means the quail?

I've heard the explanation about the Quail being chosen because it represented quick acceleration but I've also heard that the exhaust sound of a Model A was similar to the sound made by a Quail's wings.
Made sense to me!
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Old 05-05-2019, 08:27 PM   #17
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Quote:
Originally Posted by marty in Ohio View Post
Purdy,
What about a round motometer? How do you feel about that?
Marty
Marty , either the quail or the round motormeter would be fine , it would be a mater of choice. The motormeter would probably be easier to read from the drivers seat . I prefer to use the repro inside temperature gauge .I had problems with leaks around where the quail connected to the radiator when I accelerated . I finally replaced the gasket and sealed it with silicone sealer and solved the problem . I mostly prefer the plain jane look for our model A's . I did put white wall tires on our 31 tudor .
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Old 01-25-2022, 03:49 PM   #18
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Have any of you seen this ornament that my Dad placed on the radiator of the 1929 Cabriolet that he restored in 1966. This car originally was purchased new by a gentleman on the assembly line so maybe had an inside track to other suggested ornaments.
The attached has a head that flips forward to allow the rest of the body of the bird to flip rearward to fill the radiator.
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Old 01-25-2022, 04:24 PM   #19
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Default Re: What means the quail?

I know they made one similar to that for Model Ts – a bird with a hole for the motometer, and the head is a flip latch. Different design but same idea.
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Old 01-25-2022, 04:52 PM   #20
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Default Re: What means the quail?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft View Post
The quail was to symbolize the sound and the speed of the quail as it took of into flight .
We have covey's of Quail around here, they sound like helicopters beating the air into submission as they take off.....

J
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