This double-sided enamel sign for an AA (Automobile Association) Garage is a vibrant and iconic piece of automobilia, complete with it's original metal framework and hanging hooks (placed in opposing directions so that the sign wouldn't come unhooked in strong winds). These signs are actually made up of two single-sided enamel signs held together in the framework and are often broken up and sold separately to maximise on profits, so finding an example that displays as it was intended is an increasingly rare, but pleasant surprise. 

 

As most of these examples were, the sign was produced by the London enamelers 'Franco' and is one example of three variants that can be found; 'Garage' 'Hotel' and 'Motorcycle Specialist'. The sign dates from the 1940s/'50s and features the iconic AA logo and colour way in all it's splendour. The 'Garage' variant found here is less common and generally more desired and is a fantastic addition to any vintage themed garage. This particular example is found in a very curious condition; one side and the metal frame work are nigh-on mint (excepting for a tiny patch of damage to the enamel on the lower, right corner - visible just beneath where the sign goes beneath the framework). The other side is definitely a little 'worse for wear' with surface scratching that has dulled the normal gloss of the enamel as well as patches of enamel loss and corrosion, most notably along the top edge, the right hand edge and to the bottom point. The corrosion has also resulted in some very slight discolouration to the yellow enamel layer that has taken on a slightly orange / rust coloured tint. Apparently the reason for this curious state is that when the sign was dispatched by the AA to this particular garage, they didn't have anywhere suitable to hang it and decided instead to take it apart, remove one of the signs from the framework and wall mount this. The other side remained in the framework and was stashed safely away in their basement. This garage closed down recently and the sign that had been wall mounted was taken down - it's year's on display, exposed to the elements had left it worse for wear. The rest of the sign was then discovered in the basement and so the two faces were reunited! This piece comes with a fantastic piece of history and, depending upon how it's displayed, is one of the best examples that would be encountered with the colours and surface gloss as close to original as you could hope to find...

 

The sign measures 79cm high (excluding hooks) x 58.5cm wide x 4cm deep.