This enamel sign for Stout's Motors and Cycles is a wonderful, early piece of automotive history. Stout's was an early, Cumbrian garage; as per the sign they had branches in the towns of Egremont and Seascale (both near the Lake District, England). 

 

Enamel signage was introduced around the turn of the century and this example is about as early as they come (c.1910s) with thick enamel layers on a heavy base metal. Originally it would've been a striking combo of blue and white, but over the decades the blue enamel layer has mottled / discoloured, though to my eyes this gives it a bit of a celestial look / feel. The white enamel layer remains bright and retains a relatively decent gloss. Aside from the discolouring of the blue background the sign remains in fairly decent condtion; there's some chipping around the outer edges and a small patch of enamel loss near the second 's' in Stout's. The sign was produced by Richmonds Ltd or Warrington - not one of the common manufacturers. 

 

I can't find out much about Stout's, but the last photograph shows Egremont's first car parked in front Stout's garage and was taken in 1911, probably contemporary to this sign. 

 

The sign measures 61cm wide x 53.5cm high. It doesn't have any mounting holes and would probably have originally been built into the shop front (or similar framework) but sits good and flat so easily displayed on a shelf or could be sat on screws / nails.  

 

 

S/N: #1114