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Monumental Antique American Painted Turned Wood Barber Pole, circa 1875

About the Item

An uncommon and towering seven-and-a-half-foot tall circa 1875 American painted turned wood barber pole trade sign. Very impressive in both its rarely seen size and hand-crafted execution, with its turned wood form featuring a ball top and variously shaped details finished in the iconic red, white, and blue painted motif synonymous with American barber poles of the 19th century. It once stood proudly outside on a wooden sidewalk in Missouri advertising the services of a local barber, which at the time would’ve included much more than a shave and haircut for two bits. As such, it displays handsomely authentic weathering and honestly acquired natural character from top to bottom. The colors of the pole were linked to bloodletting, with red representing blood, and white representing the bandages used to stem the bleeding. The pole itself symbolized the stick that a patient squeezed to make the veins in their arm stand out for the procedure. Blue was a uniquely American addition, representing either veins or a patriotic nod to the nation’s flag. Of solid turned wood with the exception of the integrated rectangular base, which is comprised of thick wood sides with a hollow interior, a photo of which can be provided upon request. Dimensions listed are for the pole and integrated base only. The ball at top is 21 inches in circumference, and the pole at its thickest is 22.5 inches in circumference. Mounted for photographic purposes on a black painted plywood platform measuring H 1.13 in. x W 24.13 in. x D 22.88 in. that can be included with purchase.

Dimensions:

Height: 89 in (226.06 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)

Style:

Folk Art (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Paint,Wood,Turned

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1870-1879

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1875

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Handsome weathered antique condition for its age and use. Wood with splits and chips of varying size. Paint with craqueler, chips, and losses more prevalent on some sides than others. Underside with holes from mounting to photo platform, not visible.

Seller Location:

San Francisco, CA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU955034053552

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