Trivia question- maybe O/T

[Michael W.]

I was recently given what was described as an 'antique Corvette wall clock' found at a garage sale. It is actually a hub cap (vintage unknown, but '60's full size GM looking) with what I first thought was a C1 front emblem mounted in the center of the hubcap, in place of whatever the original center was. A hole was drilled in the center and the shafts from a modern battery driven clock mounted on the back of the emblem protrude through and drive the hands. This is a home made effort, judging by the handiwork

Too tacky for the dining room, too classy for the garage, so playroom, here it comes.

I am now trying to identify the center emblem. I've looked at my library of Corvette emblems, but there's nothing that matches.

Here's what it looks like: about 4 1/2" in diameter,cast in clear plastic, convex face, black background, early 70's style crossed flags,the word Chevrolet written right side up around the outer edge, the word Chevrolet written upside down (same font) also around the outer edge opposite the previous script. No mention of the word Corvette.

Any ideas what the origin of this emblem is?

I always thought that the crossed flags were seen only on Corvettes. True?

TIA,

Mike


Quebec NCRS Chapter

[Wayne W.]

Re: Trivia question- maybe O/T

Sounds like a 58-60 front or rear emblem.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trivia question- maybe O/T

Mike-----

The only Corvette emblem that looks even remotely like what you describe is the 68-74 PO-2 wheel cover center emblem. However, I don't recall that it had "Chevrolet" script around the perimeter. Also, I don't recall it being 4-1/2" in diameter, either.

As far as the cross flags go, they were NOT unique to Corvettes. Full size Chevrolets had them as far back as 1958 and until at least 1965. In fact, the 62-63 Chevrolet Impala with 327 engine front fender emblems were very similar to 62-66 Corvette front fender emblems.

[Tom B.]

Re: Crossed-flags trivia (upon trivia).

Mike,

I'm sure some of the more distinguished readers (oldsters) can add crossed-flags information, but as a chronalogically-less-distinguished one (youngster), I'm certain I remember seeing them in other places on other Chevrolet models.

This isn't the greatest example, but in the movie "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World", a blue Chevrolet Impala appears later as a rented car. (Wait a minute, let me get the "Corvette" disclaimer in to keep this from being too far off topic: If the last car-chase scene / scenario is watched closely, a 1953-55 Corvette appears in traffic at least 3 times.) There. Anyway, clearly visible inside the Impala, on the radio speaker centered at the top / middle of the rear seat is....bingo, a Crossed-flags emblem / insignia. Interestingly enough, filmed later at the same front to rear angle, it has "disappeared". It was probably "air-brushed" out, or whatever they used to do, since manufacturer product names or "trademarks" used to be a no-no in the movies back then.

I'm NOT CERTAIN of this, but I believe the crossed-flags emblem / insignia was used as trim on several Chevrolet models, at the least if it had special options or hi-performance engines in the early 60's. For the Impala in the movie, I believe it designed the 409 engine. I certainly leave myself open to be corrected about any though. TBarr #24014

[Lou Lapham]

Re: Trivia question-61 Fullsize Chev cap center

Mike-This is the center of a fullsize 61 Chevrolet hubcap.As others have said the crossed flags are used on many Chevrolets in many different locations on the cars. Lou

[Michael W.]

Re: Trivia question, Thanks

for the on line and offline responses. Early 60's full size hubcap emblem seems to solve this one.

On to more pressing matters......

Mike


NCRS Quebec chapter