Michelin's advertising is easily amongst the most iconic of the mid-20th century. The Bibendum character (aka Michelin Man) is internationally recognised, as is the company's blue and yellow colour schemes. This lithographically printed, tin sign is a relatively rare survivor as the tin signage is more vulnerable than it's earlier enamel counterpart. The depiction of a running Bibendum is unusual and the graphics for the tyre are wonderfully detailed. 

 

The sign is dated to December 1970 and remains in reasonable condition considering the vulnerability of the material. The surface has weathered causing a mottling that is mainly visible against the blue background. This can be seen in the gloss as well as causing discolouring, but doen't affect the impact / legibility of the piece.

Originally this piece would have had an additional upper section that would have read 'Tyre Service' (blue lettering on a yellow background) and would have been attached with rivets. This has been lost to time, but the sign still displays perfectly as is and if you didn't know what else it was meant to have, the only clues are two empty rivet holes in the upper returned edge.

There are a few light surface scratches, some slight misshaping / bending around the returned outer edges, but it still sits fairly flat and displays well. 

 

The sign is 75.5cm high x 71.5cm wide and has a 2cm return. 

 

S/N: #1457