Bownames & Fonts

Up to 1932 the yachts were known by their production number, from 1933 starting with the larger racing yachts bownames were introduced. The early names were of a scroll design, black edging, gold background and black lettering starting and finishing with a star emblem.

Later around 1940, the font changed to the more recognisable block lettering with black outlines and gold centres. The transfers were drawn up and printed using metallic gold paint / ink, with printing processes of their day, one colour at a time, it was quite common to get transfers that had a noticeable overlap on the colours. Several times over the years the lettering changed very slightly in shape and increased in size, early letters were quite square looking but by the 1980s had acquired a more softer outline as in the photos below for comparison.

Replacement transfer sets were made available through toy shops or direct from the factory and it is possible to find a misnamed Star yacht because of factory low stock availability or owner's choice.

Star also made speedboats and launches some of which also carried bownames.