"A Perfect Tea - Ceylindo Tea - Fresh Grown - Artistically Blended - Delicious Drinking of all Grocers". This turn-of-the-century enamel sign is a real rarity.

 

There's very little I can tell you about Ceylindo Tea - they're not a brand / company that I've encountered before and there's very little reference to them in books or online - a few print advertisements dating to the 1890s-1910s and a couple of enamel signs using a banner format and the "Perfect Tea" strapline. I can't find any examples that use this format. I would assume that Cylindo Tea was grown in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) but the brand obviously didn't survive for long, at least not under this name. 

 

The sign itself has that wonderful weight you only find with early enamel signage - a thick base metal layer and generous enamel layers. There are losses around the outer edges, particularly the upper edge and corrosion around the upper mounting holes, though it can still be hung. The black enamel layer has faded to a reddy-brown and the surface gloss has dulled (see angled photographs) but this is an early piece of enamel advertising and so allowances have to be made and it's character enjoyed for what it is. A lovely subject matter that's suited well to a kitchen, cafe or collection. 

 

The sign measures 2ft (61cm) wide x 1 1/2ft (46cm) high. 

UK Mainland P+P would cost £10. 

 

S/N: #1629