66.5" x 35.5" x 9".

American. 1930s-1940s. Offered here is an extremely high quality, original, Indian Motorcycles dealership neon sign. Indian motorcycles are an iconic brand, with a universally known name. Before founding Indian Motorcycles, George Hendee, an accomplished bicycle racer and bicycle manufacturer, was an industry pioneer who founded a bicycle production company called the Hendee Manufacturing Company in 1897 in Springfield, Massachusetts. At the time, he was producing bicycles with "Silver King", "Silver Queen" and "American Indian" badges. In 1901, Hendee hired Oscar Hedstrom, an endurance racer and inventor of endurance motors, to build gasoline-powered bikes for the purpose of pacing bicycle races. The history that followed was a spectacular half-century of unparalleled growth in motorcycle production and innovation. The "riding culture" was officially formed. 1902 was a year of firsts for the company, with the first motorcycle under the Indian name being sold to a retail customer and the Indian's racing debut, where it won an endurance race from Boston to New York City. Hedstrom, co-founder of Indian motorcycles, retired in 1913, but not before laying the groundwork for one of the best known motorcycles in the world. Hendee remained as President of the company and in 1923, the company name was officially changed to the Indian Motorcycle Company (the "r" in "Motocycle" was not included in the original name). Hendee, having previously produced bicycles with the American Indian badge, decided to shorten the name to just "Indian". He chose the name because he felt it would provide a better recognition in the export markets. The use of neon in signs was introduced to the U.S. in the 1920s, when it is suggested that the first sign appeared in 1923 for two "Packard" car dealerships. By the mid 1930s, neon signs were found across the country and became a popular form of advertising through to the 1950s. In the 1950s, neon was replaced with argon and a wide range of colors were added. By the 1960s, neon usage was in decline and no longer a novelty. This sign represents the early days when neon was being used as a popular as a form of advertising. A stunning piece of motorcycle and advertising history that would complement any collection or merely as a piece of artwork. Authenticated by The Authentication Company (TAC #400697). All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for delivery to the Spring Dixie Gas & Oil Show on April 10-12 2025.

Grade: 8.25. Very good condition. Fixed to a new can and fitted with neon. Strong colour and gloss to the porcelain. Chipping around the holes where the facing connects to the can. Seven old holes in the porcelain reflective of the previous neon lines.