In the early 1800s, Jeremiah Colman began making mustard at a water mill near Norwich (England)... Jeremiah founded Colman's of Norwich in 1814 and by 1840 had expanded his range from just mustard to include starch and 'laundry blue' all of which were packed in containers distinctive in size, shape, label, and colour.

 

This enamel sign was produced in May1911 (has a date marker in the lower left, pictured) by the Patent Enamel Co. Birmingham. This blue on white portrait enamel sign would have been produced alongside the identically formatted blue on yellow 'Colman's Mustard' signs - certainly a company with a strong brand identity. The design is simple, clear and bold and even over a century later it remains a striking piece. 

For an early piece of enamel advertising it has survived remarkably well with just some minor losses around the outer edges and some surface scratching / dulling to the gloss (see angled photos for a better understanding). 

 

The original mounting holes are all present and incorporated into the blue border design so the sign will display well.  

 

The sign measures 3ft (91.5cm) high x 2ft (61cm) wide.

UK Mainland P+P would cost £15. 

 

S/N: #1763