Vintage Glass Oil Bottle

Vintage Glass Oil Bottle

Marquette MFG. Co

Original lid 

* Marquette *

The name Marquette was first used for an automobile when the Berwick Auto Car Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, frequently took it as a model designation for their electric car in 1904.

For General Motors, William Durant bought the Rainier Motor Car Company in May 1909, which was in severe financial trouble. A new company, the Marquette Motor Company was established in Saginaw, Michigan, to continue production of the luxurious Rainier motor car until 1911. Further, they manufactured parts for another luxury make belonging to General Motors, the Welch Motor Car Company (1903–1911), and its cheaper sister car, the Welch-Detroit (1910–1911). Management was controlled by Buick officers. After Durant left GM for the first time in September 1910, it was tried to make both the Rainier and the Welch profitable with the Marquette, a new make was introduced. It produced two car lines, both with huge 4-cylinder engines. The 40 hp line, essentially an improved and elongated Rainier (122 instead of 120 in. wheelbase), was available in four open body styles.