A fantastic example of early, English automobilia - this Pratt's Perfection Motor Spirit double-sided enamel flange sign is a real rarity.  A petrol, or as it was more pleasingly termed at the time 'motor spirit', company that was formed in the late 19th century - Pratt's were amongst the founding father's of motoring. 

 

This particular sign was produced by Bruton of Palmer's Green and is likely to date to the 1920s. Pratt's flange signs from the period typically came in two styles - one with just the word 'Pratt's' in large and this one with the additional 'Perfection Motor Spirit' - in my opinion this format is the more appealing with a lovely range of early style typography and a fuller layout. Later signs adopted a much plainer 'sans-serif' typeface and typically lost the lovely red drop shadow.

The flange format of this sign would have allowed it to come out at a 90 degree angle from the shop/garage front and be viewed from both directions... 

 

The piece's condition is very good for it's age, the flange remains in excellent, complete condition (these are liable to suffering from corrosion and/or being removed) and the outer face of the sign is excellent with good gloss, bright colours and only minor chipping around the outer edges. The red enamel layer of the inner face has worn, particularly in the lower left corner but in my opinion this add's to the piece's character without detracting from it's impact... 

 

The sign measures 53.5cm wide x 45.5cm high and the flange is 4cm deep.