From the early days of the motorcar, St.Christopher badges appeared on the dashboard of the vehicles. Patron of travelers, St.Christopher images were used as lucky charms to protect motorist while using the newly invented way of transportation… the automobile.
From alloy pieces to enameled silver ones, and even glass or gold examples, these pieces are now considered jewelry items due to its amazing craftmanship. Many were unsigned but some of them shows the engraver’s signature where names like Brandt, Dupré; Rasumny and Tschudin reflects the importance of these pieces.
Also jewelry firms like Cartier, Hermès, Mellerio dits Mellier or Puiforcat offered fantastic examples.
For reference about these items, the first and only book so far available is Saint Christophe – dashboard badges of the golden era of motoring by Garay.