Questions & Answers
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What is the meaning of the barber pole?
1 Answer
The meaning of a barber pole relates to the original function of the profession. Barbers once performed bloodletting, a medical procedure once believed to treat a variety of conditions. The red and blue stripes are said to represent the colors of blood flowing through arteries and veins, while the white color relates to the color of the bandages applied after a treatment. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage barber poles.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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Shop for Barber Poles on 1stDibs
Folk Art American Country Barber Pole
Located in New York, NY
American Country (19th century) painted red, white, & blue barber pole.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Barber's Pole Hand Carved Hand Painted
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century barber's pole hand carved hand painted
Antique barber's pole
5.5" diameter x 42
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs
Materials
Wood
Japanese Barber Advertising Barber's Pole Light
Located in London, GB
A scarce original barber's pole.
Used as advertising outside a barber's shop.
Japan, c1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Glass
19th Century Original Painted Barber Pole on Wheels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This funky barber pole was found in the mid west and retains its original painted surface. Painted
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Country More Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Folk Art Zinc Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art zinc barbers pole trade sign.
An early 20th century hand crafted
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Signs
Materials
Zinc
Blue and Red Enamel Barbers Pole Shop Sign
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Rare porcelain enamel barbers pole shop sign.
This is a very rare old sign, it is American in
Category
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Signs
Materials
Enamel
