A fantastic example of early, English automobilia - this Pratt's Perfection Motor Spirit double-sided enamel flange sign is a real rarity.  A petrol, or as it was more pleasingly termed at the time 'motor spirit', company that was formed in the late 19th century - Pratt's were amongst the founding father's of motoring. 

 

This particular sign was produced by Bruton of Palmer's Green and is likely to date to the 1920s. Pratt's flange signs from the period typically came in two styles - one with just the word 'Pratt's' in large and this one with the additional 'Perfection Motor Spirit' - in my opinion this format is easily the more appealing with a lovely range of typography, all with an eye-catching red drop shadow. Later signs adopted a much plainer 'sans-serif' typeface and in my opinion some of the 'charm' of these early examples. 

 

The flange format of this sign would have allowed it to come out at a 90 degree angle from the shop/garage front and be viewed from both directions... 

 

The piece's condition is good for it's age, the flange remains attached and useable. The colours are bold and vibrant and it has a lovely, deep surface gloss. There are some patches of enamel loss around the outer edges of the sign (especially at the flanged edge) and a few smaller patches scattered across both faces, though nothing that impacts the legibility of the lettering. The lower corners have both suffered some enamel loss and corrosion. Generally though this sign displays beautifully and I would suggest that it's condition adds to the character of the piece. 

 

The sign measures 53.5cm wide x 45.5cm high and the flange is 4cm deep.

 

#1297