Harley-Davidson Winged "Bar & Shield"

[talbot-2]

What is the history behind the wings and the Harley-Davidson "Bar & Shield" logo? Are the wings part of the current official Harley-Davidson logo? Was the "Bar & Shield" introduced in 1911? Just curious....

[Chris Haynes]

1911 is most likely right. The 11768-30 Bar and Shield pin has wings on it. It appeared on the horn in 1936.

[Tommo]

I put this page up somewhere on a previous post.

[Sargehere]

Allen Girdler, in The Harley and Indian Wars credits a Davidson sister, ("Lucy?" I think?) with drawing up the original Bar & Shield trademark in the earliest years of the company.

[Ross]

I was under the impression that the bar and shield originated in 1910.

[c.o.]

O.K. there was a winged hour glass in 1909 and I'm sure I've seen a bar and shield for 1910. I'll do some digging to see if I can find early evidence of the wings with the bar and shield. Now I'm wondering.... Herb where are ya?

[Chris Haynes]

It actually is shown in the 1910 sales brochure. It is not shown in the 1909 or 1908 brochure. However the 1908 Sales brochure proclaims, "FIFTH YEAR 1908" I guess ole Lacy was doing his thing.

[Rub]

I was under the impression that the bar and shield originated in 1910.

Regardless of when the "Bar and Shield" originated the question was about the addition of wings which appears to have occurred in the '30s. I suspect it had to do with various factors, the popularity of wings as an expression of speed, Nationalism, air superiority, etc. The National recovery Act of 1933 adopted the Eagle, along with many other businesses at the time. The actual eagle with the bar and shield appeared as a fender emblem at the same time as the NRA connection. (H-D used the NRA logo on letterheads of the time). After that it disappeared for many years to be re-born with the AMF influence. Now most modern Harley riders think it was always there. (Of course they believe all the other spin the MOCO puts out!). The winged pins which mimicked flying wings continued all along with many variations.
Robbie

[silentgreyfello]

Was the "Bar & Shield" introduced in 1911? Just curious....

Yes, the Bar & Shield first appeared on the RH side of the toolbox in 1911. The Oak Leaf was on the left side. I can't find one orig photo of a 1910 and earlier with the Bar/shield, nor have I seen that on the orig paint bikes that I have photos of.

[c.o.]

Hmmm.... It looks like Tommo's post explains it! The only question I have.... is it just a new wing style or is it completely new for 1930? I'm going to guess just completely new....

Not to hijack this thread to badly but Robbie that's a great collection you have there. I circled on in red.... can you tell me what vintage it is? I've got one like it.