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Amesbury has the unique distinction of being the first and only town of the
country in which a rattan automobile body was ever manufactured. When these
bodies were placed on the market in 1906, they were a great novelty to the
automobile world. The firm that designed these bodies was the Amesbury
Rattan and Reed Co., which was located in one corner of Babcock's No.5
plant. During the company’s short existence it enjoyed a high reputation for
excellence in construction and beauty of design in its claims for the
bodies. Having been exhibited at several of the larger auto shows of the
East, and having gained the approval of the automobile critics, these bodies
were said to be the most durable on the market at that time. Such
exhibitions created a considerable demand for the basket bodies. They were
made to fit any chassis although the firm specialized in fine custom work.
The bodies were rubber lined with straight back upholstering, making them
water and dust proof. Due to uneasiness among the directors, George Ayscough
and Arthur Skinner, this concern was liquidated in 1911. The six employees
of the company tried to maintain the business after 1911, but were
unsuccessful in their attempts.
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