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LJW ANTIQUES

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Email: [email protected]

https://www.thehoarde.com/dealers/ljw-antiques

Item Details

Castrol were pioneers in motor oil development. At the start of the 20th century with the automobile and aeroplane were rising in popularity, Charles Wakefield saw an opportunity to develop specific lubricants for these new engine types - the addition of Castor oil was the revolutionary element - making the oil thin enough to be effective when the engine was cold at start up and thick enough continue to be effective at high temperatures. From here Castrol was born. 


Known as the 'bow-tie' design, this early Castrol logo dates from the 1920s-30s when the company still used Wakefield's name. These early designs, using red, yellow and white are unusual enough but the 'Free Crank Case Service Here' strap line along the upper edge is a real rarity. There is the charming addition of the Royal crest in the upper left too. 


For an early piece of enamel signage, it's survived the decades in decent order, though the surface has dulled and the red background layer discoloured slightly - mainly notable along the bottom edge. There are some areas of corrosion and enamel loss around the outer edges as well as a few patches on the main face of the sign though nothing that impacts the legibility of the piece. The maker's mark 'Stocal, Bruton & B'ham' is present in the lower right of the sign and it can hung using two mounting holes on the upper edge.  


The sign measures 76cm wide x 61cm (2') high

  • Period: 1920s
    • Price: £720.00
    • €856 Euro
    • $948 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 61cm (24.02in)
    • W: 76cm (29.92in)
    • D: 0.1cm (0.04in)