This radiator emblem belonged to an Erskine brand automobile that was manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana from 1927 until 1930. Four different models, the 50, 51, 52, and 53 were produced in seven different body types, with a total production of about 95,000 cars. The circular emblem has a blue enamel background, with the text “ERSKINE” in white in the center, with a white four-leaf clover above and below.
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.