Kelly Ashton is hoping to unlock the mystery and the history of a small delivery van he is currently restoring.
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The van, which he bought as a wreck from McGroder Street in Molong nearly 20 years ago, has the signwriting on its sides from a long-lost company he believes was based in the Central West.
"The faded signwriting on the van says 'Golden Galley Clothing' and the company sold kitchenware, lingerie, manchester and stockings," he said.
But despite an intensive search Mr Ashton, who lives on the NSW mid-north coast, has been unable to find a single reference to the company.
He said he bought the 1955 Morris J Van from a farmer he knows only as 'Graham'.
Mr Ashton said he believed the company might have been based in a Central West city, but that could be anywhere from Orange to Bathurst, Dubbo or Parkes.
"I've searched in the Mitchell Library and scoured the internet but I can't find any reference to Golden Galley Clothing," he said.
"I'd love to know a bit of the history of the van, at least where it worked.
"It would also be fantastic if any period photos of the van existed."
Mr Ashton said he was hoping to find someone who knew about the company or the van.
"I'd love to know a bit of the history of the van, where it worked," he said.
He said it appeared the van had been rusting away in the Molong paddock for up to 30 years before he bought it.
"The guy who I bought it from said a mate of his gave it to him so he has no idea about it," he said.
"When I first spotted the Morris at Graham's farm it was missing all the front panels and had some minor dings in the bodywork, so it looks like an accident put it off the road some time in the late 1960s.
"After towing it home I found the totally worn-out steering system and cracked chassis where the steering box bolted on.
"That gave me a clue as to why it may have crashed out of service."
Mr Ashton said he believed the van was probably painted a light-maroon colour with black panels when it was operating.
He said part of the signwriting appeared to be yellow.
Apart from the Golden Galley Clothing sign the words 'stockings' and 'lingerie' are visible on the right hand side of the van.
"It's been hand-painted over. I think the roof was black," he said.
According to Wikipedia the Morris J type van was produced in Britain from 1949-1961.
If anyone has any information about the company or the van contact Mr Ashton by email at ajs500@bigpond.com or call 6559 4847.
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