British Petroleum (B.P.) is a name that is synonymous with early automotive history. They were a supplier of petrol, or as it was more endearingly termed at the time, 'Motor Spirit' and despite the implications of the name - B.P. was actually a marketing arm of the German 'Europäische Petroleum Union' in Britain. When most people think about early BP Motor Spirit enamel advertising, they'll probably picture the iconic Union Jack signs or the slightly more unusual 'Irish Flash' pieces... But this example pre-dates both of those and is a real rarity. The above sign is likely to date to the late teens - very early twenties and was produced by the Bruton enamelers of Palmers Green, North London. This earlier design of signage can be found in this blue and white colour way or in a red and white one. In my experience, this blue and white is slightly less common and I find it one of the most appealing colours for any enamel signage. 

 

For such an early piece, this sign has survived in remarkably good condition. It retains a decent gloss, though these is some light surface scratching that has dulled it in areas. The colours remain even, with minimal fading or staining and the sign retains it's original flange in good, strong and functional condition (the flange allows the sign to be mounted from a wall at a 90 degree angle - making it visible from both directions when displayed). There is some nibbling to the enamel around the edges, though the corrosion is minor. The outer face has a patch of enamel loss through the 'T and O' of 'motor' and this has caused some corrosion to the exposed metal, but is only visible on the one side. There's been no 'touching up' or restoration to the sign, though it would appear that the exposed metal has been subject to some sort of anti-corrosion treatment in it's past - this has darkened the metal slightly.

 

A very good example of a very unusual piece of early, British automobilia, this sign would make a fantastic addition to any collection. It measures 38cm high by 61cm wide and the flange is 5.5cm deep.

 

S/N: #0897