The Tin Lithograph Tire Flange Sign

July/Aug 2019 edition
Issue #6 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Written by John Mihovetz

When it comes to Automotive Advertising, not much more is sought after than the Tin Lithographed Tire Flange Sign. In all of Automotive Advertising, the Tire Advertising signs made from the late 1910’s into the 1930’s are some of the most graphic and beautiful signs ever made. During this era, companies such as H.D. Beach, American Art Works, Shonk Art Works, Passaic Metal Works, Donaldson Art Sign Company, and many more produced hundreds of different beautiful pieces of artwork for Tire Advertising, which we still seek out today….one hundred years later. 

​Vacuum Cup Tires Flange Sign. 
Quite possibly, the Holy Grail of all Tin Lithographed Tire Flanges is this one from Pennsylvania Vacuum Cup Tires. The sign depicts a beautiful woman behind a steering wheel, showing a wind spinner cut into the middle of the sign. The woman and tire graphic are incredible, and in my opinion they could not have made this one any better. Sign was made by H.D Beach & Co. with a Patent Date of 1907. Value $35,000+

Lithography on metal for advertising purposes dates as far back as 1875. As automobiles increased in popularity by the 1910s, Tin Lithographed Signs were a very popular way to advertise, and carried on into the 1930s until Porcelain Enamel became the primary way to produce signage, due to its cheaper cost as well as durability. Tin lithographed tire flanges were always colorful, with awesome graphics and were seen in many eye-catching shapes and die cut patterns at Service Stations around the country.

​Savage Tires Flange.
An incredible piece of artwork for Savage Tires. It shows a beautiful Native American side profile, with the slogan, “Heap Big Mileage”. Die cut lithographed tin with six colors. Large size…standing over thirty inches tall. Extremely rare, with only a handful known in existence. Circa 1930. Value $25,000+

Tin Lithographed Signs are incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly fragile. Over time, these signs scratched, rusted, and fell victim to vandalism. Tin lithographed signs are extremely rare to find in 9+ condition. Most of the time, even New Old Stock (NOS) examples of Tin Lithographed signs will show paper markings or storage wear. 

​Partridge Tires Flange.
​They don’t get much more unique than this beautiful die cut lithographed tin flange from Partridge Tires. Showing a Partridge sitting inside a tire with the letter P shaped treads, and slogan, “Game As Their Name”. Sign was made by Standard Litho Co. Circa 1920. Value $20,000+

As time has passed into modern day, we have been left with some outstanding examples from the Golden Era of Tin Lithographed Tire Advertising, and pictured here are some of my favorite examples. Here’s to the hunt of tracking down some of your favorites, and to the chance of tracking down a new discovery. I hope you enjoy!

Defiance Tires & Tubes Flange Sign.
Tin lithographed tire flanges are highly sought after, and even more sought after if the sign depicts not only a tire, but an animal as well. This is a very ornate die cut sign with superb graphics and script, combining a beautiful tiger perched onto a Defiance Tire. Defiance Tires only produced two known tin flanges with tigers on them. Only a handful known to have survived. Value $15,000+

​Gillette Tires Flange Sign.
Made for Gillette Cord & Fabric Tires, featuring a Polar Bear, Tire, and the slogan, “A Bear For Wear”. An extremely rare sign in high grade, showing so much detail, and it is also a unique die cut shape. Another great example of tin lithographed advertising with an animal graphic. Circa 1920. Value $30,000+

I am also looking forward to this year’s Morphy Auctions Hershey Car Show Auction Sale. This year’s sale is going to be our biggest Gas & Oil Sale to date, and will feature over two-thousand lots, October 5th-7th in Denver, Pennsylvania, before the Hershey Swap Meet begins. 

John Mihovetz

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​Empire Tires & Tubes Flange Sign..
Made by American Art Works in Coshocton, Ohio. This piece is a little more subtle than some of the other Tin Lithographed Tire Flange Signs, but it has such a smooth and beautiful look to it. Flange depicts a tire, with tube and tube box set inside of the tire. The colors choices are spot on, and the artwork and script are second to none. Circa 1920. Value $18,000+