Michelin - Embossed litho 50 x 70 1930s "Pneumatici Velo" Stab. Brill, Milan - Enamel sign - Tin

A rare original Italian advertising sign for Michelin bicycle tyres, in embossed chromolithographed tin. It shows Bibendum, the Michelin Man, riding a bicycle with a cigar and round glasses, with a trail of smoke and white speed lines against a yellow and teal geometric ground. The raised “MICHELIN” lettering runs across the top, and “PNEUMATICI VELO” (bicycle tyres) is printed in black on the yellow panel.

Details:

Dimensions: approx. 50 x 70 cm
Material and technique: embossed, lithographed sheet tin
Origin: Italy, Milan
Period: circa 1930s

Printer’s marks and dating

The lower corners carry the printer’s credit “STAB. BRILL – AFFORI” (Stabilimento Brill, Affori, Milan) and the regulatory line “ABBONAMENTO AL BOLLO – MILANO”, a tax mark for advertising duty paid by subscription. Similar tax lines appear on other Milanese tin advertising signs of the 1920s and 1930s. The Brill works in Affori was a chemical company known for its shoe polish, and it was acquired in 1953 by Angelo Rovelli.

Condition

Good condition for its age. It shows scratches and small spots of wear on the surface, especially in the yellow areas, along with edge wear, minor oxidation and expected age-related patina. The colours are still strong, with good gloss on the figure and the embossed details.