Is The Blue Crown Real? Unpacking A Vintage Spark Plug Mystery

Have you ever stumbled upon an old spark plug, perhaps with a distinctive blue top, and wondered about its story? It's a question many folks ask, especially those who appreciate the history of hot rods and classic cars. You see, the world of vintage auto parts is full of interesting finds, and sometimes, a little piece of history like a "Blue Crown" spark plug pops up, making you wonder just how genuine it is. This piece will help you figure out what's what with these fascinating bits of automotive past.

Finding genuine vintage parts can be a bit of a treasure hunt, actually. There's a lot of talk in forums, like the "hokey ass message board," about what's truly authentic and what might just be a clever reproduction or even something entirely different. People often discuss things like true "Washington blue" paint shades for hot rods, and how they can look different depending on the light, or even because of slight changes in how they were made. This same kind of curiosity, you know, applies to parts, too.

So, when someone asks, "is the Blue Crown real?" they're usually asking about its origins and whether it's an authentic piece from its original time. It's a good question to ask, especially when you consider how many old parts are out there, and how some might be misrepresented. We'll look at the details of this particular spark plug and talk about how you can get a better sense of its authenticity, just like you might verify if a classic car's blue plates are truly from the correct year.

Table of Contents

• The Blue Crown Spark Plug: Origins and History
• What Makes a Vintage Part "Real"?
• Spotting the Genuine Article: Tips for Verification
• The Market for Vintage Parts: Prices and Pitfalls
• Community Wisdom and Resources
• People Also Ask

The Blue Crown Spark Plug: Origins and History

The "Blue Crown spark plug" was, in fact, a product of the Motor Master Products Company. This company was quite active in the 1930s, a very interesting time for the auto industry. During that period, Motor Master Products was selling a rather wide range of spark plugs, apparently more than 90 different types. That's a lot of plugs for one company, don't you think?

This era, you know, was a competitive time for spark plug makers. Chrysler, for example, owned the Autolite spark plug concern. General Motors, on the other hand, had its own AC spark plugs. Champion was also doing business, very much a big player then, just like today. So, for Motor Master Products to be selling so many different spark plugs, they must have had a decent foothold in the market, in a way.

The fact that the "Blue Crown" name specifically comes up suggests it was a memorable or distinct line for them. It's not uncommon for companies to have specific product lines that stand out, perhaps because of their performance or their appearance. For a spark plug to have a specific color in its name, like "Blue Crown," makes it rather unique, you see.

Understanding this history is pretty important when you're trying to figure out if a "Blue Crown" spark plug you've found is real. Knowing the company, the time frame, and the general market landscape helps put things into perspective. It helps you avoid, perhaps, getting fooled by something that just looks old but isn't actually what it claims to be, which happens sometimes.

What Makes a Vintage Part "Real"?

When we talk about whether a "Blue Crown" spark plug is "real," we're essentially asking about its authenticity. Is it a genuine product made by Motor Master Products Company in the 1930s? Or is it something else entirely? This question comes up a lot with vintage car parts, you know, whether it's about a specific paint color like "Washington blue" or even old license plates.

For instance, there's a discussion about "true Washington blue" appearing in different shades depending on the lighting. And also, slight differences in the paint's formula can result in slightly different shades. This shows that even with something as seemingly straightforward as a color, there are nuances that affect its "realness." The same principle applies to mechanical parts, too it's almost.

Consider the situation with license plates: the blue plates registered to a 1966 Olds, for example. In 1966, black and yellow would have been the correct colors for plates in that state. Yet, the owner is simply keeping the registered plates on the car, in the appropriate color, and nobody is the wiser. This highlights how appearances can be deceiving, or at least, not always tell the full story about a part's origin or proper application.

So, a "real" vintage part means it's from the period it claims to be from, made by the company it claims to be made by. It's not a modern reproduction passed off as old, nor is it a different brand entirely. Verifying this can sometimes take a bit of detective work, but it's part of the fun for collectors and restorers, honestly.

Spotting the Genuine Article: Tips for Verification

So, how do you tell if that "Blue Crown" spark plug you're holding is the real deal? It starts with a good look. Genuine vintage parts often have specific markings, logos, or even patent numbers that can be cross-referenced. You'd want to look for the "Motor Master Products Company" name, or perhaps any specific model numbers associated with their 1930s production, you know.

The condition of the part can also offer clues. While old parts show wear, they usually don't look brand new unless they're New Old Stock (NOS). However, even NOS parts will have certain characteristics that distinguish them from modern reproductions. The materials used, the quality of the stamping or casting, and even the type of porcelain on the spark plug can give hints, too.

Comparing your spark plug to known authentic examples is a very good strategy. If you can find pictures or actual examples of verified "Blue Crown" spark plugs from the 1930s, you can compare details like the font used for the name, the shape of the ceramic insulator, and the metal finish. This is similar to how hot rod enthusiasts compare shades of "Washington blue" to find the most accurate match for their period builds, actually.

Sometimes, the context in which you find the part also matters. Was it pulled from an old engine that's clearly been sitting for decades? Or was it bought from a vendor at a swap meet who has a reputation for selling genuine vintage items? These details can provide supporting evidence, though they aren't definitive proof on their own, of course.

It's also helpful to remember that even within genuine parts, there can be variations. Just like "true Washington blue will appear different shades" depending on the lighting or slight formulation differences, a "Blue Crown" spark plug might have minor variations across its production run. This doesn't make it less real, but it does mean you need to consider a range of possibilities when comparing, you see.

The Market for Vintage Parts: Prices and Pitfalls

The market for vintage automotive parts, including spark plugs like the "Blue Crown," can be a bit tricky. There are often "ridiculous prices" out there, as mentioned in "My text" about a blue print ad on Facebook. That ad, apparently, showed up again recently, using lots of BP pictures for what they called a "warehouse clearance." It suggested that "only the uninformed would fall for their prices," which is a pretty strong statement.

This warning about inflated prices and misleading ads is very relevant when you're looking for genuine "Blue Crown" spark plugs or any other vintage part. Some sellers might try to pass off common or non-authentic items at premium prices, hoping that buyers don't know the true value or origin. It's a common pitfall, honestly.

To avoid falling for these kinds of traps, it's really important to do your homework. Research the going rate for similar genuine items. Understand what makes a particular vintage spark plug desirable or rare. Is it the brand, the specific model, or its pristine condition? Knowing these factors helps you gauge if a price is fair or, perhaps, completely over the top, you know.

The value of a "Blue Crown" spark plug, if it's real and in good shape, largely comes from its historical significance and its rarity. These aren't just old parts; they're pieces of automotive history. For someone restoring a vehicle from the 1930s, or just collecting vintage auto memorabilia, a genuine "Blue Crown" could be a valuable addition. But you need to be smart about what you're paying, obviously.

Always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, or conversely, prices that are inexplicably high for a common item. The advice from "My text" about "only the uninformed" applies here perfectly. Being informed is your best defense against overpaying or buying something that isn't what it claims to be, in a way.

Community Wisdom and Resources

One of the best resources for figuring out if a "Blue Crown" spark plug is real, or for any vintage auto part question, is the community itself. Online forums, like the "hokey ass message board" mentioned in "My text," are full of people who have been collecting and restoring for years. These folks often have a wealth of knowledge, and they're usually happy to share it, too it's almost.

Forums have discussions on everything from "hot rods in appreciation of Washington blue" to "history traditional hot rod paint colors." There are even threads about "blue bandit pics wanted." This shows the depth of collective knowledge available. You can post pictures of your "Blue Crown" spark plug and ask for opinions. Someone might have seen one before, or even own one, and can offer insights or tell you what to look for, you know.

These communities are also where people share their experiences with different parts, like the guy who "tested all the manifolds he could get ahold of on the same engine," or who "did the same with headers and manifolds on the same mule." This kind of practical, shared experience is invaluable. It helps everyone learn what works, what doesn't, and what's truly authentic.

Beyond forums, there are also specialized groups and clubs dedicated to specific car makes or eras. These groups often have experts who can identify obscure parts or verify their authenticity. Sometimes, just talking to someone who has been around vintage cars for decades can give you more insight than hours of searching online, honestly.

So, if you're ever wondering about the authenticity of a "Blue Crown" spark plug, or any other vintage part, don't hesitate to reach out to these communities. Their collective experience is a powerful tool for distinguishing the real from the not-so-real. Learn more about vintage automotive history on our site, and you can also find more discussions on classic car restoration here.

People Also Ask

When people are curious about the "Blue Crown" spark plug, a few common questions tend to pop up, you know.

Is the Blue Crown spark plug still made today?
No, the Blue Crown spark plug was a product of the Motor Master Products Company back in the 1930s. That company is no longer producing these spark plugs, so any "Blue Crown" spark plug you find would be a vintage item, not something newly manufactured. So, it's pretty much a piece of history.

How can I tell if my vintage spark plug is really a Blue Crown?
To verify if your spark plug is a genuine "Blue Crown," you should look for specific markings from the Motor Master Products Company. Compare it to known authentic examples from the 1930s, paying attention to the design, the color of the ceramic, and any stamped numbers. Community forums and expert collectors can often help with identification, too, you know.

Are Blue Crown spark plugs valuable?
The value of a "Blue Crown" spark plug depends on its authenticity, condition, and rarity. If it's a genuine, well-preserved item from the 1930s, it can be valuable to collectors or restorers looking for period-correct parts. However, as "My text" points out about other vintage items, "only the uninformed would fall for their prices" if they are ridiculously high for something that isn't truly rare or authentic. It's really about knowing what you have.

For more details on automotive history and vintage parts, you might find some interesting discussions on classic car forums. A good place to start for general automotive history discussions could be a site like The H.A.M.B., which is a great resource for hot rod and custom car enthusiasts, and they often discuss vintage parts and their origins, you know.