1934 Ford front bumper

Slik

Slik

Member
Hi all,
I spent the weekend digging in an old barn attic and came away with multiple original part. Many have the original tags or stickers and I can identify them but I also found a beautiful 1934 bumper. Front side is chrome, backside is not which I believe is typical but there is also a "C" stamped on the back. Anyone know how I can determine if this is an original or a later repro ?

Many thanks.
 
With either a 'C' or 'X' (and often without either), that would indicate it is an original.



Please tell us more about the back side not being 'typical'.
 
Thanks for the replies.
Backside is silver but either isn't chrome plated or was not buffed out. In looking at it now there is a "C" stamped on the left and right on the backside. Chrome was a bit dirty but cleaned it off with some soap and water and it cleans up really well. No signs of any rust. Looks like I may have lucked out on this part.
Also scored some Pierce Arrow and Cadillac parts, even a Duesenburg name plate - although that seems to be missing the center piece. Another box had Mercer parts and yet another box had several smaller boxes and bags marked 1919 Packard.
 
Thanks for the elaboration regarding the backs of the bumpers. Originally, the backs of bumpers were never polished after the dull nickel plating (before the chrome), only the front sides. To ensure a uniform appearance, some bumper backs were painted satin argent.
 
I was curious and checked mine, I knew they had "C"s however my front also has these diamonds with a 1 inside them at four different locations. Maybe this is a supplying company identifier that was added on some?
 

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The stamped "C" makes it an original. Other letters were also used, and in some cases no letter at all. There are other ways to tell an original but are more subtle. The sharpness of the edges of the groove across the bumper, and the finish of the outer edges are a couple of them. You listed it as a "front" bumper, but it fits the rear as well unless it's a Vicky. Finally, '34 bumpers have 26" between the center holes. If the distance is shorter, then it's a '33. The bumpers are all chrome plated, but the back sides and the groove are not polished, hence the dull appearance.
 
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