Double-Sided Hastings Estate Agent Enamel Flange Sign

This double-sided, enamel flange sign for Hastings (UK) based estate agents Walter Parks, Tharle & Co Ltd is a wonderfully vibrant, striking example.

I can't find much information about this particular "auctioneers, valuers & estate agents" though their name is referenced in various 1920s editions of the Hastings & St. Leonards Observer and the three digit phone number pre-dates the 1950s so I'd guess at this sign being from the 1930s/'40s. It was produced by the less common Birmingham enamelers Wildman & Meguyer Ltd who were particularly active in the '30s so this would support the dating.

These flange signs were designed to stick out from a building's frontage at a 90 degree angle - visible to people approaching from each direction ... These estate agent examples would have been transferred between the agencies properties (much nicer than the corrugated plastic we have today!) and subsequently often look a little 'worse for wear' but this example has survived it's usage and the subsequent decades in very good order. The original flange remains present and functional (one pulled screw hole) and both sides retain a decent gloss (see angled photos where I have tried to show this) and bright enamel layers. Unusually there is a firing fault around the 'Ha' of 'Hastings' on one side. There are a few light surface scratches and some small enamel loss (mainly around the outer edges) but this would have to be considered a good example of it's type.

The sign measures 51cm wide x 41cm high and the flange is 5.5cm deep.