German Signs

Vintage Vendor tray - Usherette tray. A wooden vendor tray for Konsum with a strap to place around the neck to carry. Made of red painted wood with cream lettering. An original old tray with original metal label under with number. Vendor trays were used in cinema or theatre to sell drinks, candy, popcorn, ice cream etc ... A vintage German vendor tray - DDR tray- advertising tray...

History of the spa In the early part of the nineteenth century there were spas all over Europe as they were highly fashionable. A problem for Brighton was that it lacked the natural water necessary for a spa. There was a natural spring and spa at St.Ann’s Well Crescent Gardens in Hove but this was too far away for the ‘fashionable folk’ in Brighton. Frederick Struve, a research chemist from Saxony, had invented a machine that reproduced the characteristics of natural mineral water using chemicals. He believed there was enough trade in Brighton to set up an establishment and in 1825 Struve opened the pump room of his ‘German Spa’. Dr Richard Russell had the brilliant idea in the 18th century of persuading people that sea water could be good for them. But there were other enterprising souls who felt that Brighton suffered through its lack of a traditional spa. There was a small spa at St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove with commendably pure water from a spring but this was felt to be too far away from the resort’s fashionable centre. Frederick Struve had the notion of starting a more impressive spa in the open space later to be called Queen’s Park. A choice of waters The ‘Fashionable Chronicle’ in the Brighton Gazette provides a description of the building: ‘The building consists of a large handsome room fifty or sixty feet in length, and of proportionate breadth and height. A fine flight of steps lead to the noble saloon, on which are placed Ionic columns, supporting a portico in the purest Grecian taste. On the side of the Saloon opposite the entrance runs a counter, behind which are ranged cocks that supply different kinds of waters.’ Customers could obtain the waters of Karlsbad, Kesselbrunnen in Bad Ems, Marienbad, Bad Pyrmont and other continental spas. Queueing for a cure The curative waters received considerable patronage from the upper classes. In the first season there were 333 subscribers to the spa and in 1835, ten years after opening, Struve obtained the patronage of King William IV. Struve consequently renamed it the ‘Royal German...

Masonic armorial coat of arms, circa 18th century. We are proud to offer a rare example of a late 18th century hand carved oak masonic armoria...

Pair of 19th century gingerbread moulds A lovely, aged set of oversized 19th century gingerbread moulds. Hand carved from single piece of oak these ...

Early 20th century German Toleware advertising panel We are proud to offer an unusual early 20th century toleware smoking advertising panel, made fr...

19th century German opticians trade sign - Wrought iron frame - Original hand blown cobalt blue glass - German, 1890 - Measures: 78cm long x 3cm deep x 32cm tall Condition r...

19th century German opticians trade sign - Wrought iron frame - Original hand blown cobalt blue glass - German, 1890 - Measures: 78cm long x 3cm deep x 32cm tall Condition r...

19th century German opticians trade sign - Wrought iron frame - Original hand blown cobalt blue glass - German, 1890 - 78cm long x 3cm deep x 32cm tall Condition report S...

A rare mint condition for its age Wurzelsepp papier mâché advertising figure, circa 1930. Hand crafted figure with detachable had and walking stick which is made from a real branch. ...

An unusually oversized shop display early 20th century witches’ ball (this example is huge). Recently uncovered from a German toy store where it huge for many years 20 years. The ite...

A beautiful asymmetrical midcentury advertising wall light for Faber-Castell fountain pens. A charming piece from the 1950s, made of brass and green lacquered metal and a front made ...

A beautiful asymmetrical midcentury advertising wall light for Faber-Castell pencils. A charming piece from the 1950s, made of brass and green lacquered metal and a front made of rea...