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Rare South Indian Double-Sided Advertising Sign – “Elephant Mark” Betel Nut – FACT Ltd. Alwaye – ca. 1960–1970

Rare vintage advertising sign from South India featuring the iconic “Elephant Mark” branding with Tamil script and traditional elephant imagery. The sign advertises betel nut products (paakku) and refers to FACT Ltd. (Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore), Alwaye / Aluva, one of India’s earliest fertilizer and chemical companies founded in 1943 near Kochi. Such shop signs were typically displayed outside small paan or betel vendors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and are becoming increasingly difficult to find today.

This example is particularly attractive because it is double-sided, indicating it originally hung perpendicular to a shopfront so it could be seen from both directions of the street. The strong graphic design, vibrant yellow background and elephant logo give the sign a distinctive mid-20th century character and make it highly decorative.

Today the piece appeals to collectors of Indian advertising, ethnographic trade signs, vintage enamel signage and Asian graphic design. The sign shows patina and wear consistent with age and outdoor use, which adds to its authentic character.

This Xclusive Item will be shipped very well packed. Furthermore, fragile tape will be placed on the package and a track code to track your package is available after sending out.