In 1902, My Great-Grandfather, Frederic J. Ball manufactured an automobile called Ball. He built it in his garage in Brooklyn, New York. He built 6. In these automobiles was a gear called the "Spur Planetary Reverse Gear," which allowed the automobile to go reverse and has a first and second gear. A first in automobile history. Frederic J. Ball invented the gear, and had it patented by the United States government. He also used it in Motor Boats. While trying to sell the automobile and motor boats, he caught the attention of John Wanamaker and Henry Ford. They tried to purchase the rights to the reverse gear, but Frederic declined.

As a couple of months went by, Frederic J. Ball noticed that the Ford automobile also had the same reverse gear that was being sold at all Wanamaker stores. Felling betrayed by them, he sued Wanamker for patent infringement. The case was tried in a New York City court house. The outcome of the case is still in question because I have not found the court decision on this case. But I do have two contracts - one from Ford Motor Company and one from Buick Motor Company that allows them to use the Spur Planetary Reverse Gear invented by Frederic J. Ball.

After the Ford Motor Company won the case in the infamous "Selden Patent Case," they stopped paying the patent rights not only to Frederic J. Ball, but to many other inventors that Henry Ford "borrowed" from. Thus, making my Great-Grandfather poor and bitter.

Now some 90+ years later, I feel it is time that Frederic J. Ball deserves the credit that is due to him. That is why I put this site up. To let people know what happened during these times. Even back in the early 20th Century, the little guy had it tough.

I hope that this site will make you aware of Frederic J. Ball and his accomplishment. And I hope you find the others who have helped in the making of Ford Motor Company. By basically being imitated, stolen, and ripped off by the Ford Motor Company.

-Jack H. Ball