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My father George Liesmann Sr., still living, was a Plymouth/DeSoto dealer in Clayton, MO. His friend, Glen F. "Jack" Ellis was a Plymouth/Desoto dealer in Homer, IL. They used to "swap" cars for customers. These signs were likely all trashed when Desoto went under. (My dad trashed his) Jack kept his and put it in his den. When he died, my dad got it. Then I got it with the 1953 Powermaster that my dad found and restored. I have another picture of the sign lighted, but the colors aren't true in the photos. The thing weighs a ton. It is painted plaster underneath with neon lights around the cast of DeSoto.
Hi George,
Thanks for your post. That sign is a beauty in fine shape. Having been immersed in the DeSoto world for ~37 years I've seen quite a few of these signs over the years in various conditions. Many have cracked plaster and / or broken neon. Since they were not year-specific, many of these stayed on the dealer walls for years and when DeSoto finally was dropped, many of those removed from the walls were stored in dealer attics or parts departments as they were likely considered an item worth saving.
Not as rare as some other dealer items, but definitely a unique and desirable DeSoto advertising item. You are very lucky to have such a nice example.
Mark
you do see these ever so often but they are in bad shape and the plastic bubble is missing or either rack and the neon is not working or even missing.
Overall a very nice wall hanging and alot of the members would love to own one. The history of the piece is so important because it was been passed down to you and is now a very good keepsake.
Rich Hartung
