mystery wheel? what is it? 1920's-30's?

a freind of mine has this one wheel. 18" split rim, ????

 

Appears to be some sort of knock off wheel,,no holes for studs. HRP

 

Yes, aftermarket "quick detachable wheel".

Some brand names like Hayes, Buffalo, etc.

There would be a special adaptor mounted to the hub for that pointed drive on the back of the rim hub. Then there will be a screw-on hubcap with either left or right hand threads depending on which side of the car.

Not like LH lugnuts that go on the left side; these cars have LH on the RT side, and RH threads on the Left side. Some caps have a locking dog tooth that prevents the caps from tightening themselves on a drive wheel, or loosening on a braking wheel.

 

Buffalo Wire Wheel?? Maybe?? Purely a guess... Neat looking! Curious to see what you find out.

 

Looks like a Rudge-Whitworth, made in Philadelphia between 1912-1930.

 

That wheel is a #3 Buffalo. The #3 refers to the size & style of center.
Buffalo made different size centers, #3 being the smallest.