The Collection

The Seal Cove Auto Museum preserves an extraordinary collection of early automobiles from the Brass Era, a time when innovation, craftsmanship, and imagination were transforming the way people traveled. Located on a quiet back road of Mount Desert Island, Maine, the museum brings together remarkable vehicles built between 1895 and 1917, each offering a glimpse into the design, technology, and spirit of a rapidly changing world.

The collection was assembled over a lifetime by passionate automobile enthusiast Richard Paine, whose vision was to preserve these pioneering vehicles for future generations. He established the nonprofit Seal Cove Auto Museum to share this remarkable collection with the public and keep the stories of early motoring alive.

Today, visitors can explore these unique automobiles and discover the ingenuity, artistry, and ambition that helped shape the future of transportation. The museum is open to the public seasonally, May through October.

Motor Vehicles

Maxwell 1909

Motor Vehicle

In 1903, Jonathan Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe formed the Maxwell-Briscoe Company. The new firm began production in June, 1904. The company produced 532 automobiles during its first year. Over the next fifteen years, the company changed ownership and names several times. In 1920, Walter Chrysler, retired president of Buick and vice president of General Motors, purchased the Maxwell Company. In 1925 the Chrysler Corporation was organized, ending production of the Maxwell line of cars. Although Maxwell cars have not been produced since the 1920s, they remain popular with collectors. In June, 2004, Maxwell enthusiasts met in New Castle, Indiana, to celebrate the Maxwell Centennial Celebration Tour. Rear "mother-in-law" seat does not appear to belong to the car; no mounting holes and color is different. Traces of original red paint on car. AA-7605 on 2 cyl, engine; wooden cross member under seat stamped 118; #696 appears on a plate. Hood shows a painted 1902 date and does not fit well, may not be original to car. 1904: MAXWELL-BRISCOE PRODUCTION BEGINS. Shape of radiator not correct for 1904-05. Research conducted 12/1/2014 indicates the car is a 1909 or 1910 model. (#507 at Adirondack Museum is listed as 1909 Model A). Update web 12/1/2014. 1. 82" wheelbase 2. Tag on the front seat skirt, "Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Co. Model A car # 696." 3. Engine number on left side of block, "AA-7605." (could that mean that it's an AA engine in a model A?) 4. Tag on rear top of radiator shell, "Briscoe Mfg. C.o. Makers, Detroit, Michigan. Based on the above and referring to the Catalogue of American cars it looks like a 1909 Model A, possibly with an AA engine.

Motorcycles

Objects