This radiator emblem belonged to a Willys-Overland Whippet model automobile manufactured in Toledo, Ohio from 1927 until 1928. The Whippet was a small and light automobile that was manufactured by Willys-Overland to replace its Overland model, and was produced from 1927 until 1931. The red emblem has a gold rim and a gold swirl in the center that reads “OVERLAND/Whippet/Trade Mark.” The rim reads “THE WILLYS-OVERLAND CMOPANY/TOLEDO, OHIO, U.S.A.” in gold script.
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.