[Roadsters] Datsun/Prince Griffin

[E Scanlon]

Sigh....

A GRIFFIN by definition, commonly has WINGS.
Although a Male Griffin doesn't have wings, it often DOES have Horns and a 
Spiked Tail.but by definition it must have the HEAD, AND TALONS of an EAGLE 
like the female.
"The griffin is a mythical creature, with the head, wings and talons of an 
eagle and the body and hind legs of a lion. ...snip... A male griffin has no 
wings but often has horns and a spiky tail. "
Source: www.heraldryandcrests.com/heraldic_symbols.htm
also: http://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm
But the reference to the male's lack of wings is not noted on the second 
one.


A LION by nature, does NOT have wings, nor does it have a BEAK.

The DATSUN, and PRINCE motor companies merged in the 50's, and to 
commemorate that event, a joined Datsun and Prince logo heraldic style badge 
was made with two LIONS as supporters of the two emblems of the company, the 
Datsun "hamburger" and the Prince Shield.  I couldn't readily find a 
location on the internet (the mail forward program would strip an 
attachment), but you can see it at the bottom of the page here:
http://www.earlydatsun.com/prince.html

That emblem clearly shows two LIONS and not Griffins. In Heraldic 
terminology, they are two "Lion Rampant", which you can compare to the 
symbols pictured here:
http://www.fleurdelis.com/lions.htm

I tried to join the Yahoo group, but still waiting for "admission". I won't 
comment on the pictures you may have posted.

The mis-representation has been going on for years, but probably gained fame 
with a vendor issuing some floor mats with the incorrect symbol embroidered 
on them, it has a very noticeable beak. Typically a Lion has a larger girth 
neck and mane which a Griffin doesn't. The mats show a svelte neck and a 
beak.  This is also the case with the aftermarket shifter knobs that are 
sold with a "griffin".  I have one, and it's very difficult to discern it as 
a griffin... meaning it looks more like a LION.

I'll let you decide whether it's a Griffin or a Lion, but the original 
emblem had LIONS.

E

Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Roadsters] Datsun/Prince Griffin


> Actually it IS a Griffin (they often look like lions).  I have several 
> pics posted at the early Datsun Club site at 
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/EarlyDatsunClub/.
> You may need to be a member (free to join) to access the photo albums. 
> Check under "Griffin"
>
> JH Bahn
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> > Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 10:09 PM
> Subject: [Roadsters] Datsun/Prince Griffin
>
>
>> Does anyone out there in Roadster land have a jpg, gif, photo etc. of the
>> Datsun Griffin?
>>
>> THANKS!