The Ford Motor Company is obviously a name synonymous with the early days, and certainly the mass production of, the motor car. In 1908 they introduced the Model T and in 1927 this was replaced with the Model A. Ford's assembly-line manufacturing techniques sped up production and lowered costs bringing (relatively) affordable motoring to the masses. This continued throughout the 20th century (and into the 21st) and Ford have produced countless iconic and collectable models.

 

Advertising for the company is fairly scarce - perhaps such a well known name and popular product simply didn't need much promotion... With such a popular and well loved brand, it's no surprise that suriving advertising / signage for the company is equally sought after. 

 

This double-sided enamel sign is an interesting one... It's the earlier type dark blue and the die-cut sheild shape is more truncated than the later examples. It probably dates to the 1930s-'40s and is almost definitely continental in origin; probably French, Belgian or Dutch and would have probably hung in front of a dealership or garage / service center. It's certainly lived a life - both sides have considerable losses caused by two areas of slight folding / creasing. The damage is relatively fresh and I suspect was caused when this sign was found / removed from whatever setting it had ended up in. It was purchased on the continent and apparently when found was thick with dirt so I would't be surprised to learn that it ended up buried or was attached to a building that had fallen into serious disrepair. Despite it's probable decades of neglect, the sign retains a fantastic, deep gloss (see angled photos where I've tried to reflect this). The blue remains vibrant and the white enamel layer bright. It's a nice weighty piece and it's earlier, quality manufactuer has undoubtedly aided it's survival. 

 

Obviously it's condition is a long way from 'mint' and it's probably not a collector's piece, but it does remain fantastically decorative and is an iconic subject. As mentioned, the sign does have two slight indentations / creases and enamel loss runs along each of those, there are further patches of enamel loss across both faces, the upper edge and lower corner along with slight nibbling around the outer sides. There's some crazing to the enamel, most notable on the white enamel layer, below the lettering and slight staining leaching through. BUT it does still display very nicely - it can be hung using it's orignal mounting holes - either suspended from a ceiling / doorway so it's visible from both directions or pick your favourite side and wall mount. It sits relatively flat, but due to the creasing I would recommend the use of packers if wall mounting to space it away from the wall slightly. 

 

An iconic piece of automotive signage with bundles of character and a far more viable price tag than most of it's type. The sign measures 61.5cm high x 60cm wide. 

 

S/N: #1463