DRAGON (2)

Dragon Motors Corp. (1920-1921)

Chicago, Illinois

This is a Dragon radiator emblem (1920-1921)     mjs
Size: 73mm high 60mm wide     MM: Unknown

In late July 1920, Dragon Motors Corporation announced plans to produce a taxicab and "America's Most Elegant Car". A big advertising campaign began in order to sell stock claiming that production had commenced at a rate of one car per day. Brochure photographs indicated the model line to include a touring car, a victoria and a roadster.

In January 1921 the sale of Dragon stock was banned in the State of Illinois and shortly after the officers of Dragon Motors Corporation were charged with fraud. These officers subsequently went to jail. About 300 people had been swindled.

A total of only 13 Dragon automobiles were built before the company ceased to exist.

Emblems

The original blue, pale blue and red enamel Dragon radiator emblem shown above is extremely rare.

The Dragon radiator emblem is also found in other colors, see examples shown below. These Dragon radiator emblems are also extremely rare. 

This is a Dragon radiator emblem (1920-1921)    sam
Size: 73mm high 60mm wide     MM: Unknown

This is a Dragon radiator emblem (1920-1921)   khc
Size: 76mm high 64mm wide    MM: Unknown

It is surprising to find so many different but apparently original Dragon radiator emblems when only a very few Dragon cars were actually built. Possibly these emblems were produced to assist in the fraud of selling stock. 

Emblem collectors should beware, however, as there are poorer quality Pulfer reproduction Dragon emblems with flat shiny backs and which lack the detail of the original emblem. In particular, the scales on the dragon's body are not included on the reproduction emblem, see example shown below:

This is a reproduction Dragon emblem

Reproduction Dragon emblem close up showing lack of detail

Original Dragon emblem close up showing detail & scales

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