This small, early-20th century, double-sided enamel flange sign for a G.P. (George Payne) Government Tea Agent is a rare and wonderful thing. It has a striking combination of white writing on a deep red background, with a lovely flowing curve to the typography and the sort of thick surface gloss that you'd expect of early, enamel signage. 

 

George Payne & Co Ltd were producers of tea, coffee, confectionery and cocoa and were established in London 1896. Initially, tea and coffee were the principal focus of the company; blending and packing products for all types of retail customers in London. In 1899, George Payne & Co Ltd entered into an agreement with James Finaly & Co Ltd (who were textile manufacturers,    tea planters and merchants in Glasgow, Scotland) whereby  James Finlay & Co Ltd acted as agents for George Payne & Co Ltd. 'Government Tea' was one of George Paynes & Co Ltd's more popular blends of tea and most advertising for it, including this example, dates to the 1910s-'20s. These double-sided signs have a flange that sits at a 90 degree angle, allowing the sign to stick out from the wall it's mounted to and be seen from both directions. Any advertising for G.P. Government Tea is scarce and this is the only example of this type that I've encountered. 

 

It has survived in excellent condition for it's age; the flange is fully functional, there's minimal enamel loss to the main area of either face and the both sides remain bright, vibrant and glossy (see the 4th photo along where I've tried my best to reflect this). There is some nibbling around the outer edges and some light surface scratching but this is relatively minor and doesn't affect the impact or legibility of the sign. Most charmingly, on the inner face (second photo) there's are two small marks above the 'G' of 'Government' which are actually finger-prints in the red enamel layer from the production of the sign.  

 

The sign measures 36cm wide x 21cm high and the flange is 3cm deep.