An exceptional early 20th-century salesman’s paint-color display advertising Blood’s Durable House Paint, manufactured by T. L. Blood & Co. of Minnesota. The black-painted wooden frame retains its original hand-lettered gold advertising, centered by the company’s memorable red-diamond trademark reading “Blood Makes Good Paint.”
The display contains 24 individually painted wooden sample panels arranged in two rows, each originally identified by a printed color name and number. Colors include Lavender, Fawn, Silver Gray, Pearl Gray, French Gray, and numerous period yellows, greens, ochres, and reds. The surface has outstanding untouched character, with expected paint loss, abrasions, oxidation, and deterioration to some paper labels.
Reportedly discovered in Wisconsin. T. L. Blood & Co. was later absorbed into the Glidden Company; the company’s documented slogan remained in use into the mid-20th century.
Measures approximately 32¼ × 21 × 1 inches.
Condition: Very good original condition with age-appropriate wear. Scattered paint loss, abrasions, surface grime, and craquelure throughout the sample panels, with heavier flaking to several lower-row colors. Paper color labels exhibit fading, staining, losses, and deterioration. The wooden frame retains its original painted surface with expected scratches and edge wear. Losses and deterioration to the paper backing. All 24 color samples remain present. Please refer to photographs for condition.