Another 1932 Ford question:This time a license topper.

37 Coupe

Well-known member
So I liked this license plate topper or maybe it is a grill badge and bought it. Seller did not know much about it,said it looked old and he got it from his dad's collection.I liked it because I have a 1932 Ford.It is about 4" X 4 " overall but very thin aluminum,would bend easily so needs a backing. The lettering and everything black is etched or stamped into the metal.Just wondering if anyone knows what, when or anything about it.Got it from Calif.
 

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So I liked this license plate topper or maybe it is a grill badge and bought it. Seller did not know much about it,said it looked old and he got it from his dad's collection.I liked it because I have a 1932 Ford.It is about 4" X 4 " overall but very thin aluminum,would bend easily so needs a backing. The lettering and everything black is etched or stamped into the metal.Just wondering if anyone knows what, when or anything about it.Got it from Calif.
574269
 
It's not original and it is a modern creation, not of the period, if that is what you are asking? It is cool though for sure! Nothing wrong with displaying it somewhere. A period correct license plate topper would be the Shell license plate topper or the Mobil Pegasus among other gas and oil related toppers.

The only Ford Company with Ford logo on it, topper I've seen is the Policeman saying "Take at Easy" but I think that is 1940's if I had to guess. The Pegasus for sure was dated in the early 30's. They span a good 20 plus years and changed in design. There are a lot of fake toppers out there so be careful what you buy.

The wheel and wings was a popular motif for car clubs and the like. I have an early NJ Motor club badge with that same logo.
 
Here are a couple of examples. Some 1939 magazine ads that ran up to about 1941. And the Ford topper. There are a few genre's of license plate toppers that are popular including, sports, gas&oil, insurance, tourism/travel, car clubs like AAA, patriotic/political, Unions, Universities, etc. I've even seen one for Maytag washing machines and the IBM company. The Nealco antifreeze man is a very early one that is highly collectible from the 20's. Remember there are a lot of fakes out there including nice porcelain fakes from the 60's and 70's that look very real.
 

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The Take It Easy topper caught the wind and vibrated itself to the breaking point on my license plate, off it came on the freeway. I doubled back and got it, but it was totaled. (A friend CB radioed me I lost it)
 
Like Alan said.I had a Take it Easy on my 34 roadster back in the mid 1970's and what happened to Alan happened to me.
 
It's not original and it is a modern creation, not of the period, if that is what you are asking? It is cool though for sure! Nothing wrong with displaying it somewhere. A period correct license plate topper would be the Shell license plate topper or the Mobil Pegasus among other gas and oil related toppers.

The only Ford Company with Ford logo on it, topper I've seen is the Policeman saying "Take at Easy" but I think that is 1940's if I had to guess. The Pegasus for sure was dated in the early 30's. They span a good 20 plus years and changed in design. There are a lot of fake toppers out there so be careful what you buy.

The wheel and wings was a popular motif for car clubs and the like. I have an early NJ Motor club badge with that same logo.
I bought a gear shift knob a few years ago with the same motif. It was fake also.
Be careful out there
Tom
 
I bought a gear shift knob a few years ago with the same motif. It was fake also.
Be careful out there
Tom

Seller listed it pretty cheap and I just thought it would look good above 1932 license plate but very fragile. If anything the aluminum used is old........hmmm Amelia Earhart.
 
Period appearing script even though perhaps a newer version, if priced right & you like it put it to use, might look better with a partial border stipe inboard of the edge an 1/8" or so on each L/R ends, easily done with a permanent marker or paint pen & a satin or gloss clear coat to your liking for durability.
 
Period appearing script even though perhaps a newer version, if priced right & you like it put it to use, might look better with a partial border stipe inboard of the edge an 1/8" or so on each L/R ends, easily done with a permanent marker or paint pen & a satin or gloss clear coat to your liking for durability.

Great answer.Thank You. It looks weathered like my 5 window does.
 

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Nice 5w, my sport coupe equally weathered & undergoing a totaled designation from a rear end collision at interstate speeds by an inattentive so-called driver that pushed me into the median cable dividers, cables are not the perfect solution but kept me out of oncoming traffic lanes.
 
I made one for a friend very similar using my laser to etch it. This is clearly what this is. Either way I like it and it looks neat.
 
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