Medallions

[ericjan2]

Someone told me that the medallion was only placed on Airstreams that had zero findings during their final inspection at the factory when built. Is there any truth to this statement?

[mousouchop]

No. This is from the era when Beatrice owned Airstream. Those model years had this badge. Mine is in that boat!

[ericjan2]

Is Beatrice the name of a company?

[SeeMore]

The Beatrice Foods ownership period was from 1967 until 1980. Beatrice was known for cutting costs dramatically in short order which substantially altered the quality reputation of products produced under their ownership [just like AMC ownership did to Harley Davidson from 1969 through 1981]. Thor Industries entered into a purchase agreement with Beatrice in August of 1980 and promptly restored quality which quickly became heralded sales achievements within a year.

https://www.airstream.com/blog/the-h...and-airstream/

[66Overlander]

I have talked to several long time Aistream employees that speak positively of Beatrice, which funded new Airstream production plants in California and Ohio as well as the Airstream Service building in Ohio, all between about 1968 and 1973. Airstream could not have afforded those upgrades so quickly on their own. These employees say Beatrice was not responsible for the product changes that lead to quality issues, like lightening the frame during to the 1970s fuel crisis. They blamed Airstream engineering for those decisions, because Beatrice had a "hands off" management style. They say that the Beatrice Foods Corporation just picked up Airstream along with many other non-food companies during an ill advised diversification attempt. I believe Beatrice folded in the 1980s, just a few years after selling Airstream to Thor in 1980.

I also know restorers that say 1970s Airstreams are better built than 1980s and newer Airstreams, so the long held "Beatrice Years", poor quality reputation is not deserved. Each era of Airstreams have their pluses and minuses relative to other eras. We could debate those a long time, but I do appreciate how light and easy to pull 1970s Airstreams are in comparison to the much heavier current models.

Oh yeah, and the "A" medallions were used on both Airstream and Argosy trailers and motorhomes from about 1974+/- thru 1979+/-, I have not studied the exact years in detail.

[ericjan2]

Guys, I really do appreciate the answers and the history of our adventures. I really look forward to finishing my restoration of our 1977 Sovereign. Although it's a 'Beatrice' I have found the quality exceptional in many areas of the coach. Again thanks