Portrait Colman's Mustard Enamel Sign

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 large, vibrant enamel sign is likely to date to the 1910s / early '20s. It would have had the production date in the lower left following on from the 'Owners Colmans ..." but unfortantely this part has faded away, however this design and style is typical of the company's early enamel advertising. The sign was produced by the Patent Enamel Co. of Birmingham.

It's a decent example that remains in bright condition with a lovely surface gloss (see the second photo where I've tried to demonstrate this). There are some patches of enamel loss around the outer edges / mounting holes as well as a few scattered across the surface and one with a hole below the 'C' - however none of these affect the leigibility of the piece and, in my opinion, add to it's character. Additional mounting holes have been added around the outer edges, probably fairly on in the piece's existence. Some of these have started to wear through and some are long gone however sufficient in a good / functional condition to be able to secure the sign and it displays nicely.

The sign measures 91.5cm high x 61cm wide.