A while ago under topic “Austin” script and logo, Hedd Jones posted a pic of his Austin Dealers sign on May 5th in response to Martin Prior’s plea for some automobilia for the TV sheds programme that he was to be featured in.

Jim Stringer posted,
With reference to the superb Austin dealership sign owned by Hedd Jones. A few years ago I had a small batch of these made by the company who made them originally in the 1920's.
These full size double-sided replica signs cost (at the time) £120 each and were purchased by members of the Vintage Austin Register very quickly.
Should there be any interest, I can place a further order, but would require at least eight firm orders to make it worth their while.

My name is on the top of the list for the new batch,we need another seven to add their name as it may be the last opportunity to have one from the original company. I have two of Jim’s other signs, the quality is superb.
Ian Moorcraft

Location: Herefordshire, with an E not a T

Is there a photo of the previous batch of productions he had made?

Location: Fife

if I'd have known about this thread I'd have measured the sod, I was stood next to it today..

I'm home now so can't

Location: Market Drayton

Hello Ian, You can add me to the list so long as the price doesn't spiral out of control.
Regards from the creative county
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire

hi ian,

if they are made to original size etc. and your price is correct.

put me down for one.

email address below

you may find if others realise what an original would cost them, or even how hard it is to find an original. you may get more interest.

thanks tony

Location: Cumbria

I'd be interested in one too.

Hello All, Thank you Hedd for posting the picture of your sign and yes it is the one.
I have no involvement in this at all other than resurrecting the thread in the hope that we can get the required amount of interest so Jim will get some made and I can have one myself.
I will tell Jim that I have put this up and he will be able to answer our questions. I did see the original batch and they were a good heavy steel plate enamelled with the picture on both sides with the letters slightly raised as in the original with deep authentic colours (they were made by the same company that made Hedd’s in the 1920s). The only reason I didn’t buy one then was that I had to choose between it and the Austin Radiator Castrol sign both for sale at the same time.
It was at a rally and I had to bring the sign home in the Chummy, the pointy shape of the ‘dealers’ sign was a bit difficult to accommodate without risk to the upholstery, so I went for the Radiator one (which I have never regretted it’s a super sign. I have just bought the other Castrol sign from Jim. You can see it on the Vintage Austin Register site under regalia it is the cream coloured one, not sure if any are left though).
Its looking good so far so hope a few more orders will come in to keep the price affordable. Cheers Ian M

I would also be interested in having one. I think that makes 5 (maybe 6) so far.

David

OK, I'm something of a sucker for big enamel signs; pse put me down for one as long as the price remains not more than approx £120.

Ian Mc.

Location: Shropshire

Put me down for number 7 (maybe 8).

Daveg

I would be interested in one, but would they be able to be delivered by post or courier?

Location: Fife

Please put me down for one as we'll. Thanks.

....and another one, subject to price, for my brother!

Location: Herefordshire, with an E not a T

Gentlemen,
Firstly I must thank you for the interest shown in the 'The Dependable Austin' sign flagged up by Ian Moorcraft.
I have now contacted the company which made these for me back in 2008 and they are more than willing to produce another small batch.
However, I have been advised that they have 'lost' the fabrication drawings required to ensure accurate size and colour reproduction, which means that somehow I will need to find either an 'Original' sign or one of those produced back in 2008.
The other drawback is that the price will see an increase from £120 to more nearer £150 (plus p&p).
I would therefore be most grateful if, in spite of these hickups, you are still interested in ordering one, to advise me accordingly so that I can go ahead with placing an order. I would say that this may be the last opportunity of obtaining one of these iconic signs.
You may contact me via e-mail (See The Vintage Austin Register's website) or just post a message on here for me to pick up. I will still require at least 8 firm orders before I can proceed.

Location: The tropical Island of Sheppey

Sorry James, £150 + p&p is beyond my limit. Please count me out.

Ian Mc.

Location: Shropshire

Hello James, I'm happy to stay on the list. Some years ago I saw one of these signs sold at the Beaulieu autojumble and the cost was well into four figures!
Regards from the creative county
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire

I'd still like one.

I've only just seen this so assuming the ~£150 includes VAT then count me in.


Phil

Location: On top of the Chilterns

Location: Cumbria

Hi James,

I am still in if they will be the same as the originals. You can put me down for two if it helps make the numbers up.

Dave

That’s great news James, keep me on the list for one, can’t wait!. All the best Ian Moorcraft.

Ps.If the Vintage Austin Register sends a rep to the Association meetings, might be a good place to pick up or give to other clubs reps for their member to pick up from a club meeting, just a thought as it would save on postage and save you packing them.

Location: Bristol

I would still like one please. Thanks.

I will still take one at that price

Location: Fife

Gentlemen,

You will be pleased to know that I have placed an order today for a small batch of these signs with the company which, as far as I know, made them originally back in the 1920's for the Austin Motor Company.
The method employed in their manufacture is largely done by hand, and the finished product will be a perfect reproduction of the original signs, as they will be manufactured from 1.60mm gauge Vitreous Enamel grade steel.
The price, as previously estimated works out at £150.00 each, with postage and packaging added on top. To maintain this price I have agreed to travel up to the Midlands to collect them, thus getting over the £95 delivery charge to me.
Whilst I do not require the full amount up front I would certainly appreciate a 20% deposit for each sign please.
Finally, please be kind enough to e-mail me to provide your address or that to which you would like the signs to be delivered, which will be 6-8 weeks from today.
Thank you.
Jim Stringer (Vice President - The Vintage Austin Register)

Location: The tropical Island of Sheppey

Good evening Jim. I´m currently away at the moment but I will post you a cheque on my return.
Regards from the very warm island of Gran Canaria.
Stuart

Good evening Jim. I´m currently away at the moment but I will post you a cheque on my return.
Regards from the very warm island of Gran Canaria.
Stuart

Gentlemen,

There are still a few who, having expressed an interest in purchasing one of these signs, have not, as yet made contact with me confirming their interest.
Please be kind enough to let me know whether, or not you would still like one, as they have now been ordered and will be available within seven weeks from now.
I will of course still require a £30 deposit, and the address to where they are to be delivered.
Many thanks.
Jim.

Gent's,

Further to my previous message, I must advise you that out of the 20 signs
ordered from the manufacturer, I now only have 4 available.
If you intended to purchase one of these iconic signs I do require you to e-mail me as soon as possible. Once I have received your £30 deposit, your purchase will be assured.
Thank you.
Jim

Gentlemen.

Tomorrow, I collect the signs from the manufacturer, and the fun then starts packing and posting them off to you!

If you live within easy reach of the Isle of Sheppey - which is in Kent in case you wondered, then by all means please let me know if you would prefer to collect in person (and save on p&p).

As you know, the original order for 20 plaques had to be increased to 25 to satisfy demand, and have to advise that they are all now accounted for. i.e No spares!

I will not know the cost of postage until I have one packed ready for sending which can then be weighed at my local Post Office.

Finally, please ensure that I have your e-mail and delivery address so they can be safely and correctly delivered.

Many thanks. Jim Stringer.

Great news Jim, will be in touch via land line mid week. Ian M

Location: In a rubber lined room near Bristol

Hi there. Just perusing the net and came across this link. Have you any of more of these enamels for sale please?

Kind regards.

Terry Chapman.

Hello James. I was unable to access the VAR for your details, I'm assuming you received my deposit cheque and contact details?
Regards
Stuart

Ian Moorcraft writes:

Hello all, Just to put a finish to this thread, I thought I would post a picture of the fantastic sign received today from James Stringer.
Having bought signs from James in the past I had high expectations, and again I have not been disappointed, the sign is a really authentic copy of the original and a great addition to my collection.
I am sure the other 24 recipients of the signs will be very pleased also and will join me in thanking James for his considerable efforts to have these manufactured for us, if you haven't received yours yet, rest assured as James has packed it really well between two pieces of hardboard and bubble wrap.
Many thanks again James and all the best for Christmas and New Year Ian Moorcraft

Hello James. My sign arrived a few minutes ago and it is superb.
Many thanks for the effort which has gone into having them made and the care with which they are packaged.
Many thanks from the creative county
Stuart

Location: Staffordshire

I am delighted that this project has gone so well, and from the comments received from those who purchased one, it would certainly appear that they exceeded expectations.
My next 'project' (for the new year) will be a limited run of the late 1920's 'Austin Sales & Service' signs, which again will be manufactured to the same degree of quality as the Dealership signs. I do not require any money 'up front', but would, at this stage appreciate any interest please. Whilst as yet I do not have a firm price for these signs, I can say that they will not be as expensive as the Dealersip ones.
Finally if you own, or know of any other Austin signs which would be suitable for re-manufacturing, please be kind enough to let me know.
Many thanks. Jim Stringer (Vice President - The Vintage Austin Register)

Location: Tropical Isle of Sheppy

Gentlemen,
Please note that that I am NOT currently in the philippines. Regretably some low life has hacked into my e-mail account and contacted everyone in my address book asking for money. DO NOT ON ANY ACCOUNT FALL FOR THIS SCAM.
Cheers. Jim.

Location: Tropical Isle of Sheppy

As a footnote to this thread, the packed signs each weighed 7kilos. The lady in my local Post Office advised me that to send it to Australia ( I sent two), it would cost in excess of £90 and take between four to six weeks.
On line I came across Trans Global Express who quoted £45 + £16. If they came and picked it up from my house. They guaranteed a 4-5 DAY delivery! Both signs were collected on the 19th and delivered to the recipients in time for Christmas !
Worth remembering perhaps.

Location: Tropical Isle of Sheppy

Hi Stuart,
Just to let you know, there is yet another iconic Austin sign in the process of being produced.
This one dates from 1914 and features the Austin 'demonstrator' car with the big white diamond painted on the radiator.
The size will be 17" X 24" and the cost (regrettably) will be £145 plus P&P.
Please let me know if you might be interested.
My e-mail address is: jamescharlesstringer02@gmail.com. Telephone: 01795 488177
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Best regards.
Jim.

Location: The Tropical Isle of Sheppey

Hi Jim,

This looks like an interesting topic of discussion, but one that I've only just seen, being a comparatively new member of the group.

I would be interested in the sign featuring Austin 'demonstrator' car and also the dealer sign discussed previously, in the unlikely event that any of those should happen to still be available.

All the best,

Ian

Location: Hertfordshire

Hi Ian,
Many thanks for responding to my note on the 'new' sign. Regrettably I do not have any of the other signs available as they all sold out very quickly, and unless there is an overwhelming demand, unlikely to be produced again.
As I only know of you as "Ian M" would you be kind enough to drop me a short note via my e-mail address, then I can send you the image (all be it a rough one) from which this new sign will be manufactured.
In the meantime I shall add your name to the list.
Best regards.
Jim.

Location: The Tropical Isle of Sheppey

Jim writes:

The photograph below shows the manager of the Norwich Austin Dealership sitting at the wheel of the 'latest' 1914 Austin motor car (the registration is Irish, so I have been lead to believe)
Demonstrator cars were identified by the large white diamond painted on the radiator.
The new sign, which will be in colour, is based on the next illustration.
Interestingly, the picture bears an uncanny resemblance to the actual photograph, even to the hat the driver is wearing!

Hi Ruairidh, Thank you for posting these fascinating pictures. I've emailed Jim in order to add my name to the list.

Location: Hertfordshire

Jim Stringer writes:

Good morning Ruairidh,
Please find below, the completed artwork for the 'new' vitreous enamel Austin Sign.
I have now placed an order for 30 of these and currently have only seven still available.
The price works out at £145 each plus the cost of postage, packing or where applicable shipping.
My email address is: jamescharlesstringer02@gmail.com should anyone wish to contact me.
Delivery expected in about eight weeks time.
With very best regards.
Jim.

Thanks Jim, Absolutely brilliant, can't wait. Best regards Ian

Hello Jim

Just to confirm that i would like to order one of the latest signs, just in case you didnt receive my previous message.

regards
Paul Wood

Hey Jim

I got my sign today - thank you very much - the quality is outstanding.

I am told by the management that I have to wait until my birthday before it can go on the wall !!!!!

Nick Turley

Location: The Centre of the Universe