Marathon Radiator Emblem

Marathon Radiator Emblem

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Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Marathon automobile that was originally produced by the Southern Motor Works of Jackson, Tennessee in 1908—but was reorganized as the Marathon Motor Works in 1910 when the company moved to Nashville. The Marathon was a small vehicle that came in a six different body types with a four-cylinder engine. This emblem has a blue background, with the image of a Marathon runner in the center. It reads “MARATHON” in silver 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.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
emblem, radiator
Other Terms
emblem, radiator; Road; Automobile
ID Number
TR.325528.152
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.152
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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