This radiator emblem belonged to a Kissel brand car manufactured by the Kissel Motor Company of Hartford, Wisconsin between 1919 and 1931. While the Kissel Kar was first manufactured in 1907, during World War I the “Kar” was removed from the brand name to prevent the appearance of being German. The emblem bears a central image of the god Mercury, with his winged feet and helmet and winged rod, with the text “KISSEL” across the center of the badge.
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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