Simplex Crane Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Simplex-Crane automobile that was manufactured by the Simplex Automobile Company of New Brunswick, New Jersey from 1914 until 1917. Simplex was originally founded in New York City in 1907, but purchased the Crane Motor Car Company in 1914 and designed Simplex Cranes until 1917 when production ceased due to World War I. The Simplex Crane Model 5 was a luxury car with a six cylinder engine that that sold for around $6,500. This triangular emblem has a stamped “SIMPLEX” at the top, below is a spread-winged eagle with a circular emblem that reads “CRANE,” perched on a United States shield.

Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.

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