1910s Akron, Ohio rubber tire watch fob, advertising souvenir

Description

This is an incredibly nice -- and rare -- municipal souvenir for the city of Akron, Ohio, which used to be the rubber capital of the world.  This is a rubber tire watch fob with leather chain dating to circa 1910.  The overall piece is about 9" long; the chain is 6", the tire diameter about 3".  The tire probably was meant to hold a pocket watch.  I don't believe it will do that now because it has become a hard rubber fob, and it's shape is a bit more oval now than round.  It still has the inner slit that would hold a watch.
Both sides of the tire have raised lettering.  One side says:  "The Rubber Center of the World.  Boost Akron.  The first auto tires in America were Diamond Tires made in Akron."  The second side says:  "Akron, O. USA.  Souvenir.  City of Opportunity.  Oakland Adv.  Akron."  Akron was promoting itself as the "City of Opportunity" in the early 20th century, up to around 1914.  It was home to a score of rubber companies:  Goodyear, Goodrich, Firestone, Seiberling, Mohawk, General . . .  the list goes on and on.  And the city was growing like a weed at the turn of the last century.
This is an extraordinary piece that I've had in my collection for 25 years.  The condition is exceptional.  The fact that the rubber became hard has actually kept the piece in better condition than if the rubber had remained softer.  There is some very light soiling; the leather chain is in VG condition.
I will take offers on this very nice item, but ONLY offers over and above the opening asking price.  This is a fascinating and very hard to find collectible.  I've loved owning and displaying it.  Now it's your turn to own it.
Please check the photograph(s); they are an important part of the description.  If you have questions, please ask before bidding.
ITEM CONDITION: I try to call all defects, dents, folds, nips, nicks, chips, skips, stains, tears, scratches, rips, wrinkles, etc. Please e-mail me with questions before bidding.
PAYMENT: Payment MUST BE RECEIVED within seven (7) days of end of auction. I gladly combine shipping on most items; if not sure, ask me before you bid.
SHIPPING: I ship at least three times a week, normally on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
PAPER ITEMS: Paper items such as  postcards, pamphlets, trade cards, sheet music, etc. normally are shipped in a rigid holder or with cardboard in a soft bubble envelope or in a cardboard envelope. I pack EVERYTHING carefully.
RETURNS: I will gladly accept a return if I describe an item inaccurately. You must notify me within 14 days of receipt of the item, and the ad description must have been markedly incorrect. I will reimburse the full purchase price and the return postage. I MUST receive the item back in the same condition I sent it out.
Thanks from the Filmmaker. Serving customers on eBay since 1999