Royal Warrant Coat Of Arms Duke Of Edinburgh Motor Car Distributors 1950's VINTAGE
From 1956 in his new title as Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip granted a total of thirty nine Royal Warrant of Appointments. This document allows a company for five years to use the Royal Arms in connection with their products or services offered.
Since Medieval times the country's best tradespeople were appointed by the King or Queen to supply their goods and services. From the 1400's onwards individual tradesmen and companies that supplied their skills and/or products to the Monarch and the Royal Household received a Royal Warrant of Appointment. In the 18th century it become common practice for this coveted royal recognition to be advertised and displayed on business premises, writing paper and literature. Earlier Coats of Arms were often made from carved wood, later versions were usually made out of cast metal like bronze or aluminium, and more recently fibreglass is used.
This high quality iron casting was manufactured by an unknown manufacturer. The expertise of a heraldic artist was use for the painted and gilded decoration, which is applied by hand. Royal Warrants consist of a Royal crest, in this case belonging to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and a citation plate that advertises the grantee's trade, motor car distributors.
This Royal Warrant was held by Kennings (Kenning Motor Group) and dates from most likely the late 1950's. The Royal Appointment was originally given to London based Car Mart Ltd, the distributor that supplied Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth with one of their wedding presents, an Austin Sheerline car.
Over time Sir George Kenning (1880-1956) grew a small family firm from Derbyshire into a large nationwide network of car dealerships and other business interests. The company owned a Bentley and Rolls Royce car showroom in Berkeley Square, London.
When the firm closed their premises this Royal Warrant was one of the things that was unbelievably destined for the rubbish skip. The husband of the previous owner was granted permission by Kennings to keep this amazing treasure. Since the late 1970's he has owned this item and it hang in the garage until his death in 2022. We have enjoyed owning this piece for a while and it is now ready for passing on to the next custodian.
The Royal Warrant By Appointment to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Motor Car Distributors will no doubt appeal to many, including collectors of automobilia and Royal memorabilia. It has great visual appeal with its striking look, bright polychrome colours and the bespoke hardwood stand made of Georgian period mahogany hardwood. The coat of arms is not fixed to the stand so it can be handled when needed.
The condition of this vintage Royal Warrant Coat of Arms is excellent, with some marks, small areas of paint loss and small scratches, consistent with its age.
Product summary
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Manufacturer: Unknown
- Manufacturer's mark: No
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Period: 1950's
- Provenance: Yes
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Material: Cast Iron, Enamel Paints & Gilding, Mahogany
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Size: Width 18.5cm (7.25 inches), Height 20cm (8 inches), Thickness 0.5cm (0.25 inches)
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Size Table Stand: Width 19.5cm (7.75 inches), Height 19cm (7.5 inches), Thickness 14cm (5.5 inches)
Roya
