Finishes
Finishes that were available in the 1930's, 40's and 50's are still relatively unknown. The 30's would appear to have only 2 finishes available in either Ebony or Ivory lacquer. The 40's - '???'. In the early 1950's, rationing was still in force after the war, so probably White Duroplastic was the only colour available. However mentions of White Marine Pearl crop up now and then.
By the early 60's, Silk Pearls were starting to make an appearance although these were a slightly more expensive option to White Duroplastic.
Finishes chart for 1966-1967. Red Silk Pearl and Red Sparkle look brown but I think the colours in the catalogue have may have faded over the years.
Late 1960's colour chart shows additions - GSP, BP & Sparkling Blue.
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By 1973, when this chart was printed, BS & SBS were deleted and Lavender Sparkle and Silver Sparkle appeared. Also making it's first appearance was Mahogany |
In 1974, the chart remained the same with only Lavender Sparkle being discontinued. Tam Rankin has informed me that Aqua Marine Sparkle was also a limited option on this colour chart.
The 1976-1977 colour chart shows a nice wide selection of finishes. A new addition of Royal Purple appears which had previously been used on Premier drums.
The last Olympic chart from 1978-1979 shows a rather depleted choice with mainly solid colours. Probably Sparkles and Pearls were now thought to be old fashioned. How things have changed...
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure dates are correct some are however approximate. The following list does not cover finishes that were available in the United States.
Finish |
Code | Year |
| Ivory Lacquer | W | 1937-39 1948-58 |
| Ebony Lacquer | B | 1937-39 1951-53 |
| White Duroplastic | W | 1958-1979 |
| Black Duroplastic | B | 1969-1979 |
| Yellow Duroplastic | YO | 1978-1979 |
| White Marine Pearl | P | 1958-1961 |
| Black Diamond Pearl | K or KO | 1969-1979 |
| Blue Silk Pearl | L or LO | 1962-1979 |
| Green Silk Pearl | N or NO | 1966-1977 |
| Grey Silk Pearl | T or TO | 1969-1977 |
| Red Silk Pearl | S or SO | 1961-1977 |
| White Silk Pearl | P or PO | 1961-1977 |
| Sparkling Blue | A | 1969-1972 |
| Sparkling Gold | G or GO | 1967-1977 |
| Sparkling Lavender | CO | 1973 |
| Sparkling Red | R or RO | 1961-1977 |
| Sparkling Silver-Blue | C | 1961-1972 |
| Sparkling Silver | C or CE | 1958-61 1973-77 |
| Mahogany | M | 1973-1979 |
| Military Blue | Q | 1976-1979 |
| Military Red | J | 1976-1979 |
| Polychromatic Royal Purple | PL | 1976-1977 |