Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic mid-century die-cast metal chauffeur's badge featuring the iconic winged shield design and a relief of a period sedan. This specific badge was manufactured for the Yellow Cab Company, once the largest taxicab enterprise in the world.
Story
John Hertz founded the Yellow Cab Company in 1915, choosing the color because a university study claimed yellow was the most visible from a distance. This badge was a driver's authority, worn proudly on a cap to signal trust.
Maker / Origin
The Fifth Avenue Uniform Company of Chicago was a premier supplier of professional attire for the transportation industry. Located at 19 South Wells Street, they outfitted the men who kept the 'Windy City' moving during its industrial peak.
Condition & Value
The badge shows honest wear consistent with use; there is some pitting on the reverse and minor paint loss on the sedan's roof. The screw-back mechanism appears intact, which is excellent for preservation. Wear reduces value by about 20% compared to mint examples.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.