United States Tires Tri-fold side walk sign
Royal Cord Tires — a flagship line of “cord” tires marketed for luxury vehicles and smooth touring performance.
Its preservation — especially of the scenic paint and crisp typography — marks it as a museum-quality survivor, untouched by restoration, representing a pivotal era when America’s love affair with the automobile took off.
Description
United States “Road Story”
This piece likely toured or stood in an early automotive service station or dealership between 1918–1929, a time when gasoline brands, tire makers, and oil companies competed for roadside visibility.
Its unrestored state suggests it was stored rather than discarded, possibly by a dealer who transitioned brands after U.S. Rubber rebranded its tire line.
“PROPERTY OF UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY”
Royal Cord Tires
Specifications:
- Type: Single-Sided Genuine Vintage
- Style: Hand-illustrated oil-based enamel surface on metal
- Company: United States Rubber Company
- Product: Tires
- Date of Manufacture: 1910s–1920s
- Place of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Color: Full-color
- Dimensions: 54" wide X 33" tall 45 lbs
- Condition: Original Genuine Sign Face Unrestored (Cleaned Only)
Historical Background
During this era, the U.S. Rubber Company was one of the largest tire manufacturers in America. Their “Royal Cord” line was heavily advertised with scenic imagery — promoting the idea of freedom, open roads, and reliability, as automobiles became a symbol of independence. The slogan visible here —
“Enjoy the Freedom of the open road on Royal Cords”
was used in roadside displays during the 1920s as part of a national campaign.
These fold-out three-panel displays were often placed at automobile dealerships, service stations, or World’s Fair–type exhibitions, serving both as point-of-sale and traveling trade displays.
Physical Description & Condition
- Construction: Heavy-gauge metal frame with original fold-out hinges, painted tin panels, and a hand-illustrated oil-based enamel surface.
- Imagery: Center panel features a Royal Cord tire against a pastoral American landscape, likely inspired by Hudson Valley or Appalachian scenery, evoking freedom and adventure.
- Condition:
- Paint: Excellent for its age — some oxidation, slight loss of enamel at joint areas, and expected surface patina consistent with original unrestored advertising metalwork.
- Frame: Structurally sound with minor surface rust and edge wear.
- Back Panels: Retain original industrial green primer — indicates no restoration or repaint has ever been performed.
- Lettering: Crisp and legible; colors remain vibrant.
- Provenance Plate: "PROPERTY OF UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY" clearly visible, an important authenticity marker.
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