Vintage Sherwin-Williams Large Metal CHAMELEON Antiq (02/12/2011)...

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Vintage Sherwin-Williams Large Metal CHAMELEON Antique

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Vintage Sherwin-Williams Large Metal CHAMELEON Antique

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Sold Date: 02/12/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Advertising

Vintage Sherwin-Williams Large Silvery Metal CHAMELEON

The chameleon was the first corporate symbol of Sherwin-Williams, predating the 1905 “cover the earth” logo by two decades. It has a curious history, according to the company:

The first Sherwin-Williams logo was inspired by our first treasurer, Sereno Fenn, who was captivated by color-changing chameleons on a trip to China. The idea appealed to Henry Sherwin. In 1885, he decided to adopt the chameleon on a painter’s palette as our official logo. Some years later, the company adopted three live chameleons from India. One of them, Jack, posed for photos used to make illustrations. The Chameleon has been with us in one form or another ever since, lending its name to our first newsletter starting in 1897 and, most recently, our intranet, as of 1999. The chameleon was featured in advertising and promotions, and at least two chameleon paperweights were produced for Sherwin-Williams while the animal was used as the company’s logo. I’m selling both this week, in addition to the company history, The Story of Sherwin-Williams. This auction is for the larger, hard-to-find S-W chameleon. Details and Condition: The chameleon is about 8” long from nose to the farthest curve of its tail, close to 8” at its widest, about 1.5” high, and weighs about two pounds. This chameleon was finished in a silvery metal on top of a brass or bronze base. Glints of brassy metal are visible on the underside, and the oxidation is verdigris, which is consistent with brass. A magnet does not stick anywhere on the figure. The underside is impressed with “Sherwin-Williams Co. Paint & Varnish Makers,” which runs from its belly to the curl of its tail. There are no breaks, cracks, mends, or other injuries to this reptilian centenarian. This figure is hard to find at all, especially intact. It is highly unusual to find it in anything but a base metal, and in the 20 years that I’ve had this chameleon, I’ve never seen another with a silver metal finish. Shipping and Satisfaction: The chameleon will be very well packed, insured at my expense, and shipped with signature confirmation. I refund shipping overpayments, accept returns, and will work to achieve our mutual satisfaction should any problems arise with this transaction. Please contact me if you have any questions, and enjoy bidding!