Dragon Motor Company Radiator Emblem

Dragon Motor Company Radiator Emblem

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Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Dragon automobile that was manufactured by the Dragon Automobile Company from 1906 until 1908. The company was founded in Detroit, but the company soon moved to Philadelphia to take over the J. G. Brill manufacturing plant. The Dragon Automobile Company was not able to sell enough cars to satisfy its creditors or component suppliers, and soon went bankrupt in 1907. The company was re-capitalized into the Dragon Motor Company, but was in receivership by 1908. The Dragon automobile had a four-cylinder engine, and appeared in touring, runabout, roadster, and town car models that were sold for about $2,000. This emblem has a white center with a blue rim and a red “D” in the center. The “D” reads “Dragon” in silver, with a silver dragon wrapped around the letter.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
emblem, radiator
Other Terms
emblem, radiator; Road; Automobile
ID Number
TR.325528.083
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.083
Credit Line
Hubert G. Larson
See more items in
Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
Radiator Emblems
Transportation
Road Transportation
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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