Reed Brothers Memorabilia
Dealers have always produced a wide array of promotional giveaways. These items are rare finds, because most get thrown away when the doors are closed. Some of the more difficult collectibles to obtain are awards given to the salespeople for outstanding sales performance, including neckties, cuff links, pen and pencil sets, and award plaques. Unique items were often given to salesmen to promote a new model being released that year. Each year at new car introduction, dealers created an entirely new set of collectibles. A few items were provided by the factory to promote a theme for the new models, but most of the others were created uniquely by the dealer.
Most of the memorabilia in this special post belonged to Marvin Shultz, Reed Brothers longest tenured employee. Marvin worked for 43 of the company’s 97 years of existence before retiring in 1984 as a new car salesman. A few others are from my own personal collection.
I would like to express my thanks to the Shultz family for sending me these mementos!

Sales Meeting left to right: Dorsey Howes (Sales Manager), Dale Reed (Salesman), Marvin Shultz (Salesman), Lee Gartner (President). In the 1970s, the sales staff wore red blazers with the Dodge emblem on the pocket. Note the neckties.

1970s Reed Brothers Dodge Service Department Pen – Quaker State Motor Oil. Courtesy the Shultz family.
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