In the early 1800s, Jeremiah Colman began making mustard at a water mill near Norwich (England)... Jeremiah founded Colman's of Norwich in 1814. From 1855 the firm introduced its distinctive yellow packaging and bull's head logo, and in 1866 was granted the Royal Warrant as manufacturers of mustard to Queen Victoria. (Her Majesty's household still uses Colman's!).

 

This small enamel sign was produced in February 1907 (date marker in the lower left, pictured) by the Imperial Enamel Co. Birmingham. For such an early piece of enamel advertising it has survived the decades well with vibrant colours and a decent surface gloss (see the angled photo where I've tried to show this). This particular sign has had some paint touch ups to areas of enamel loss; I generally avoid signs with 'restoration' but in this instance the touch ups are fairly minimal and well done. They could be cleaned off to leave bear metal if preferred and the sign would remain legibile. I have photographed each area individually for full clarity.

 

It meaures 61cm (2') wide x 45cm (18") high. It can be hung using it's original mounting holes and displays well. 

 

S/N: #2109