Item of the Week

Car Badges Through The Ages

1957 Car Grille Badge

1957 Car Grille Badge (Watford Museum)

Between the 1950s and the 1970s, the number of UK households owning a car exploded from around 25% to nearer 75%. The increased ubiquity of the motor car meant a new merchandise product became marketable… the football car badge!

c.1957 Premier Badges Ltd. Car Badge (Front)

c.1957 Premier Badges Ltd. Car Badge (Front) (Tom Brodrick)

1958 St Christopher Car Badge (Blue Kit)

1958 St Christopher Car Badge (Blue Kit) (Tom Brodrick)

1959 St Christopher Car Badge (Gold Kit)

1959 St Christopher Car Badge (Gold Kit) (Tom Brodrick)

c.1975 Renamel Car Badge with Player in Gold and Black

c.1975 Renamel Car Badge with Player in Gold and Black (Tom Brodrick)

1970s Square Car Badge

1970s Square Car Badge (Private collection)

These badges are now sadly quite rare, presumably as originals got as worn and torn as the vehicles they were attached to. Those that have survived are beautiful relics and offer a social commentary on a different era.

St Christopher Car Badge Advert (Text Version)