This is a scarce British tire sign for the Rapson Tyre and Jack Company Ltd., started by Frederick Lionel Rapson. He was an inventor and held over 200 motoring related patents.
The sign reads North British Rapson “The World’s Longest Mileage Tyres”. Just above this area, are two Royal Crest, one that reads “By Appointment To H.M. The King” for King George V and the other “By Appointment To H.R.H The Prince Of Wales”. The detail of the Crest are amazing, which is rare when it comes to porcelain signs.
The focal point of this sign is the large Scottish man in kilts standing on top of a stack of Rapson rubber tires. He is also holding a Rapson Double Tread tire in one hand and waving his hand in the other. Love the detail here. Notice his matching kilt and hose and elaborate horsehair Sporran.
The RAPSON British tire sign is porcelain on steel or as the Europeans would state “enamel on steel”. The sign is quite large and has been mounted with two wood vertical supports, allowing it to stand upright and for ease of hanging. The sign appears to be all original with no signs of restoration or repair. As shown in the photos, there are chips, rust and natural patina, which are typical on antique signs.
COMPANY: North British Rapson Tyre
PERIOD: 1920’s
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Britain / Scotland / England
MATERIALS: Porcelain enamel over steel.
HEIGHT: 72 in. (183 cm)
WIDTH: 30 in. (76 cm)
WEIGHT: 50 lbs. (23 kg)
CONDITION: Good, with numerous chips, rust and wear consistent with age and use. See photos for more detail.
