Elswick Cycles - Early, Double Sided Enamel Sign
Stock No
2979
2016
Questions about this item?
Like this item?
Item Description
This is a real beauty of a sign with vibrant green on white enamel layers that have retained a great gloss.
Elswick Cycles & Manufacturing Co Ltd are an interesting company; initially founded in Newcastle in 1880. By 1903 they were manufacturing motorcycles in Barton-on-Humber in Yorkshire. By 1910 F. Hopper and Co (another cycles manufacturer) took over the assets of Elswick Cycle Co and in 1913 Elswick-Hopper Cycle and Motor Co Ltd formed. I believe this sign pre-dates the 1913 formation of Elswick-Hopper as it's just 'Elswick' so it's from the early-1900s and about as early as enamel signage gets.
It has a fantastic subject matter with an intricate design, a mix of type faces and a banderole bearing the company's latin motto thrown into the mix - just about everything you could hope for from an early piece of enamel advertising. Better still, you get it twice as the sign's double sided and both faces are in great order.
The sign was produced by Griffiths and Browett Ltd of Birmingham. "Established as general iron and tinplate workers, they became highly regarded for their high-quality copper goods, nautical lanterns, and vitreous enamel signage" - one of the early producers of enamel signage - their marker's mark isn't seen much past the early 20th century.
The sign has survived the past century in very good order. There's light chipping around the outer edges and each face has just a couple of smaller patches of enamel loss to the main area. Both faces retain great colour and gloss (see angled photos where I've tried to demonstrate this). The hanging holes have minimal wear and are perfectly strong and useable.
The sign measures 55cm high x 40cm wide.
Item Info
Seller
Seller Location
London, London
Item Dimensions
H: 55cm W: 40cm D: 0.2cm
Period
1900s
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Location
London, London
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Contact No
+44 (0)7703104788
More from LJW ANTIQUES
