Antique American Art Deco Early Frigidaire Metal Advertising Sign

Details

Description

A scarce, likely one-of-a-kind, antique American Frigidaire enameled metal advertising sign, early 20th century, period Art Deco styling, the sign … Read more A scarce, likely one-of-a-kind, antique American Frigidaire enameled metal advertising sign, early 20th century, period Art Deco styling, the sign reads: "See Arkadelphia Hardware Co. For Frigidaire" featuring the early original embedded F crown logo. Beautifully aged warm rustic weathered patina over the whole. Arkansas, United States; circa 1920s/1930s

Dimensions: (approx)
46" High, 67.25" Wide

History:
The very first electric refrigerator was introduced in 1913, but in 1915, designer Alfred Mellowes created a new version and in 1916 he founded the Guardian Frigerator Company to manufacture his invention. Each refrigerator was handmade, and took over a week to assemble. Consequently, in less than two years his company had lost over $30,000 and was nearly bankrupt. Entrepreneur William C. Durant, the founder of General Motors, saw the potential of Mellowes' creation and bought the company in 1918. He immediately renamed the firm Frigidaire. It was at that time that the original crown logo with the embedded 'F' was created, but shortly after the acquisition, Durant commissioned a typographic variation which was more in line with the style being used for the General Motors logo.

The brand was so well known in the refrigeration field in the early to mid-1900s, that many Americans called any refrigerator a Frigidaire regardless of brand. In France, Canada, and some other French-speaking countries or areas, the word Frigidaire is often in use as a synonym even today.

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Bright Star Antiques Co.,Sulfur Springs, Texas. Specializing in early American antiques, architectural elements, general store and Americana advertising for over thirty years.

Condition:
Good original unrestored antique / vintage condition. Heavily patinated. Typical antique character and rustic charm throughout, all wear consistent with age and indicative of industrial outdoor use, including minor dings, dents, scuffs, scratches, creases, scattered oxidation. Presents splendidly, structurally sound. See less