For Information – Deaccession Item: REO Speedwagon Charabanc, 1926

In line with the Museum’s Collections Development Policy 2017-2021, the REO Speedwagon Charabanc is being deaccessioned for the following reason:

• it is outside the Collections Development Policy (Section 4.3), which requires collections to have a reputable and clear Black Country provenance

Manufactured in the USA and then imported to Britain, the REO Speedwagon Charabanc was purchased by the Museum in 1996 for use on site as additional transport for visitors but no connection to the Black Country has ever been established.

In line with the Museums Association Code of Ethics and Disposal Toolkit, the charabanc has been be offered to other museums for purchase for the past two months.  There has been no interest, so the charabanc will be sold by public auction.  The proceeds from the sale will be ring-fenced for maintenance of the vehicle collection and/or the purchase of appropriate vehicles to add to the vehicle collection.

The Collections Team