Flags on the Half Shell
June 24, 2011 3:59 PM Subscribe
Can anyone identify this pin?
It was purchased with other pins dating from 1939 to 1961. It measures about 5/8", and has a screw-on backing.
It was purchased with other pins dating from 1939 to 1961. It measures about 5/8", and has a screw-on backing.
The signal flags indicate "GRP" as you go down vertically.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 4:01 PM on June 24, 2011
posted by Mister Fabulous at 4:01 PM on June 24, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far. The other pins in the lot suggest that they were owned by a young person (possibly with the initials G. R. P.?).
posted by Knappster at 4:13 PM on June 24, 2011
posted by Knappster at 4:13 PM on June 24, 2011
Best answer: That's a version of the Shell Oil Company badge. (hat tip to Blazecock)
posted by amyms at 4:24 PM on June 24, 2011
posted by amyms at 4:24 PM on June 24, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks! Any idea what the letters stand for?
posted by Knappster at 4:29 PM on June 24, 2011
posted by Knappster at 4:29 PM on June 24, 2011
Best answer: I found this from a ship modelers' messageboard, regarding the GRP flags:
Subject: Signal Flag Code GRP
According to my 1931 edition of the International Code of Signals (Visual) the flags are GRP, meaning "GIVE WAY ... (Keep out of the way)." In the context of a license plate frame, I guess it is the nautical version of the Yosemite Sam mud flap that reads "BACK OFF"
This code may have meant something else in 1917 as the system was revamped in 1930. I do not have an earlier code book.
posted by amyms at 5:06 PM on June 24, 2011
Subject: Signal Flag Code GRP
According to my 1931 edition of the International Code of Signals (Visual) the flags are GRP, meaning "GIVE WAY ... (Keep out of the way)." In the context of a license plate frame, I guess it is the nautical version of the Yosemite Sam mud flap that reads "BACK OFF"
This code may have meant something else in 1917 as the system was revamped in 1930. I do not have an earlier code book.
posted by amyms at 5:06 PM on June 24, 2011
Response by poster: That fits with the ad in the Shorpy link, aimed at "Heedless Motorists and Pedestrians" who cause stop-and-go driving. Thanks!
posted by Knappster at 5:10 PM on June 24, 2011
posted by Knappster at 5:10 PM on June 24, 2011
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posted by zsazsa at 4:01 PM on June 24, 2011