This radiator emblem belonged to a Detroiter automobile that was manufactured by the Briggs-Detroit Motor Car Company from 1912 until 1917. The Detroiter was a popular model with high initial sales, but went into receivership in 1914. The company was re-organized as the Detroiter Motor Car Company in 1914, and again in 1917 as the Detroiter Motors Company, before it assets were finally auctioned off. The Detroiter came in several models, including a touring car, roadster, speedster, sedan, and coupe. The models sold from $900 to $1550 ($10,000 to $30,000 in 2016 dollars) depending on the model or the inclusion of upgraded components. The emblem has a blue background with a white rim and a silver spread-winged eagle. It reads “DETROITER/DETROIT/USA” in silver.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
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