Large chrome W emblem with wings?

[Obscurist]

A friend got this in a box of auction items, other stuff in the box dated pre-1953. A very large (15 inch) curved chrome logo featuring the letter W in a circle with wings.

We've been snooping every automobile and aviation manufacturer we can come up with, even a few appliance companies, with no luck.

Its size is a real stumper... what the heck would this beast have fit comfortably on and who was the manufacturer responsible?

We can't find a match for anything Overland-Willys (our first thought). I'm thinking firetruck tank or locomotive boiler?

 

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[Bruce R]

Willys Overland ?

 

[Bruce R]

 

[Hawks88]

Nice going Bruce. Thumbs up on that one. Congrats.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I don't think it is the same thing. Where are the wings on the Willys symbol posted by Bruce? Also, could your emblem be upside down ?

 

[CaptEsteban]

I believe it is Willys/Overland related . It being 15 " in diameter makes me think it is from a dealership or showroom. Before Willys/Overland ,, there was Whippet/Overland, too, that could have been using the logo. The " wings " throw me off, too.

 

[Possum]

This pic is similar to the old 1947 Willy's Overland Jeep CJ-2A that we owned when i was a kid, man does that bring back some good memories!!!

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[Rookster]

I did some research on The older Western Star truck logo. If you look at their trucks they have the wing like decal on the hood now with the W on the hood. I Don't know. Just a thought.

 

[DCMatt]

 

[CivilWarSaver]

 

[nhbenz]

Given the size I’d as easily think it could be from the Ontario & Western railway:

 

[DCMatt]

Given the size I’d as easily think it could be from the Ontario & Western railway:

Good one Ben!

 

[DCMatt]

If it is an O & W item, these guys will know:

Home

 

[Obscurist]

Given the size I’d as easily think it could be from the Ontario & Western railway:

I like it. Best guess yet... and certainly lends possibilities for further research. Thanks!

 

[Bruce R]

If you flip it upside down it actually looks more “ right “

 

[Joe G from Md]

Why has no one even commented on the possibility that it is an M?

 

[fyrffytr1]

Here it is turned over. Whatever it is the manufacturer didn't want it to fall off. Ten screw/bolt holes should hold it to anything.

 

[Bruce R]

The style appears to be Art Deco

 

[Bruce R]

What’s it made of ?

 

[Obscurist]

I'm certainly open to the suggestion that it's an "M" and have tried to match it that way as well with no better luck.