Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
With carved gilt wood letters with mounted against a blue painted sand ground American, c. 1890.
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs
Wood
Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
With carved gilt wood letters with mounted against a blue painted sand ground American, c. 1890.
Wood
American Folk Art Fishing Lure Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Early 20th century fishing lure trade sign. Hand forged and hand painted oversized trade sign.
Metal
1940s Native American Trading Post Wooden Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1940s Native American wooden painted trading post sign. Colors are vibrant.
Wood
American Folk Art Workshop Wrench Wood Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic and substantial wood and iron wrench tool sign. Hand written fractions and original yellow paint. Very sturdy and well made. Great industrial workshop turned folk art. The ...
Iron
$4,500 / set
Pair of Cat Trade Signs
Located in Branford, CT
Incredible pair of cat trade signs. Braced plywood with red glass eyes. Original paint. They can either hang on the wall or lean. Circa 1930.
Plywood
19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural trade sign in the form of a mortar and pestle, both the mortar and pestle are hand turned and gilded, with strong ring turnings. The top is capped with zinc and still bears i...
Zinc
American Wrought Iron and Gilt Trade Sign Bracket , Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American wrought iron and gilt trade sign bracket with decorative scroll work and gilt ball motif.
Vintage Large Wooden “Bakery” Trade Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
The design speaks to an era when hand-painted and carved signage reflected both craftsmanship and local identity in American trade advertising. While the specific maker is unknown, ...
Wood
19th Century Gold Giltwood Carved Letters William Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Classic 19th century American wood trade sign with chunky hand carved and gold painted letters.
Wood
Set of Three Folk Art Straight Edge Razor Trade Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Three whimsical American folk carved wood art trade signs in the form of straight edge razors.
Wood
Samuel Robb Carved Tobacciana Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Tobacciana trade sign carved by Samuel Robb, New York, Circa 1885.
Wood
Horse Head Trade Sign, Last Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in York County, PA
An exceptional, painted American trade sign made from carved wood in the full-bodied form of a race horse’s head.
Wood
Early 20th Century Pharmacy Sign 'DRUGS' Painted on a Single Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
American folk art trade sign from an apothecary or pharmacy with the word 'DRUGS' in black paint with white shadow lines on an orange ground.
Pine, Paint
Carved Cigar Store Native American Indian, Shop Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Cigar Store Native American Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he is an almost full size American Indian Chief, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree tr...
Wood
Carved Tuna Fish Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved wood tuna fish trade sign with "Mullaney's Fish Market" in hand painted lettering of gold, outlined in black.
Wood
Boston Fish Market Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved flounder trade sign with lettering for "Chatham Fish Market".
Wood
Boston Fish Market Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved flounder trade sign with lettering for "Boston Fish Market".
Wood
Carved Tuna Fish Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved big eye tuna with painted decoration. 'Washington St. Fish and Oyster Co.' of Boston in blue paint. Distressed finish. Carved gills, fins, tail, eyes, and snout. Fitt...
Wood
Six Foot "Osterville Seafood" Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved wood tuna fish trade sign with "Osterville Seafood" in hand painted lettering of gold, outlined in black.
Wood
Anthony's Pier 4 Carved Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved Atlantc tuna trade sign with handpainted distressed finish. Lettering reads "Anthony's Pier 4".
Wood
Trident Sushi Bar Carved Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved Atlantc tuna trade sign with handpainted distressed finish. Lettering reads "Trident Sushi Bar".
Wood
Carved Flounder Trade Sign "Fresh Fish"
Located in Norwell, MA
Hand carved flounder trade sign with painted lettering for "Fresh Fish".
Wood
Edgartown Seafood Carved Flounder Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Charming trade sign of a carved flounder with painted blue lettering for "Edgartown Seafood" with a subtle pickled white finish.
Wood
Harvey's Boat Yard Carved Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved mackerel trade sign with hand painted distressed finish with deeply carved scales, fins, gills, eyes, snout, etc.
Wood
Six Foot Carved Fish Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot Atlantic tuna with painted finish. 'Fresh Fish' is painted in red block letters on its right side. Distressed finish. Fitted with two pieces of iron chain. Awesome look. We...
Wood
Six Foot Menemsha Fish Market Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved fish trade sign. The Atlantic mackerel is hand-carved with gills, fins, tail, eyes, and snout.
Wood
A Pair of Carved & Painted Cigar Store American Indians, Shop Trade Signs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Carved & Painted Cigar Store American Indians, Shop Trade Signs This is a rare find, an American Indian Chief and his Princess.
Wood
Harvey's Boat Rental Carved Flounder Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
"Harvey's Boat Rentals, Quincy, Flounder Capital" is painted on this carved flounder. Details include carved scales, fins, tail, eyes, mouth, etc. Fitted with two iron hanging chains...
Wood
American Oval Timber Trade Sign with Two Masted Ship and Rope Boarder. C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
American oval hand carved timber trade sign with a centered two masted ship, rope border, upper painted banner "The London and New York Trading Company" and lower painted trademark "...
Rope, Wood, Paint
"The Big Tuna" Six Foot Carved Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved Atlantic tuna wood trade sign with lettering for "The Big Tuna" sushi bar.
Wood
An American Life, Signed by Ronald Reagan, First Trade Edition in DJ, 1990
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a first trade edition of Ronald Reagan’s An American Life.
Paper
Carved Fish Trade Sign for "Beach House Inn, Brant Point"
Located in Norwell, MA
Hand carved flounder trade sign with painted lettering for "Beach House Inn, Brant Point".
Wood
Antique Early Hatter Trade Sign w/ original paint
Located in Acworth, GA
Several repairs where brackets were once located Metal hat 13” high 10” wide, on stand 17” high. American trade signs fall into two general categories: 18th-early 19th century,...
Tin
Early American Surveyor's Trade Sign
Located in Hadley, MA
COLORFUL GRAPHIC TRADE SIGN
Rare, early, double sided trade sign, for "A.H. Konkle, Surveyor". Wonderful use of SEVEN color paint scheme, with excellent calligraphy. ...
Pine
American Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Solebury, PA
Folk art trade sign painted on tin for Feigelman's Moving , Storage and Trucking Co. Strikingly graphic advertising for a moving company, signed by maker. The windshield might not pa...
American Antique Horse Farm Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large sign painted on steel for "Saham Morgans" horse farm circa 1900. Hand wrought and riveted hangers at top corners. Sign is the same on the reverse side. Minor losses to the pa...
American Sheet Metal Folk Art Key Trade Sign
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American sheet metal Folk Art key trade sign, with hinges on the top and bottom sides to use as mounts.
Sheet Metal
19th Century American Double Sided Watch Maker Trade Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century American Double Sided Watch Maker Trade Sign With Cast Iron Frame And Tin Clock Face.
Iron, Tin
Large Old Trade Sign American Flag Shield Folk Art
Located in South Coast, CA
Large ( 31" x 23 1/2") and Wonderful old handmade trade sign: Carved wood shield having all original paint over plaster, quite heavy, too.
Wood, Plaster, Paint
Spectacular Late 1800s American Hand-Carved Wood Meat Trade Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Spectacular late 1800s American hand-carved wood meat trade sign.
Wood
American Pharmacist Trade Sign, circa 1950
Located in Bodicote, Oxfordshire
A nice America pharmacists trade sign, circa 1950, it is metal with different worn layers of old paint and gold painted text and borders.
Metal, Iron
Antique Carved Wooden Horse Head Trade Sign
Located in Mount Penn, PA
A wall-mounted carved wooden horse head trade sign mounted to a leather base with brass saddle hardware detailing on the bottom.
Brass
Robins Egg Blue American Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great and substantial wood and sheet metal sign. Fantastic original alligatored paint surface. Perfect Oyster white background with Robins egg blue hand lettering on a double sided s...
Sheet Metal
Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century original sand and paint surface "JOHN" sign.
Wood
Sold
H 8.5 in W 24.5 in D 1 in
Antique American Gilt Cast Iron Optometrist Trade Mercantile Store Sign NY 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique 19th century American Folk Art gilded and painted cast and hand-forged iron optometrist trade sign, New York circa 1880.
Iron
Late 19th Century Wood and Iron Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century handpainted American trade sign. Very heavy wood construction with iron strapping.
Iron
c. 1920's American Millinery And Hatter Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic American trade sign made by the hand of a skilled sign maker.
Sheet Metal
"B. Briscoe, Tailor" Sign with a Backwards S, circa 1810-1850
Located in York County, PA
Early American trade sign: “B. BRISCOE, TAILOR,” circa 1810-1850, with a backwards “S” and extraordinary surface Early, painted, American trade sign, made of pine, with a molded e...
Wood
19thC American Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in San Francisco, CA
Folk art trade sign barber pole. Wonderful untouched surface, retains most of its original first paint finish.
Wood
American Dairy Trade Sign Still Life
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic midwestern dairy trade sign. A still life of fresh Milk, Eggs and Cheese on a Breadboard. Skillfully painted and very graphic. Great paint detail on eggs and cheese.
Plywood
Vintage American Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming vintage wooden trade sign for Showroom. The sign was original painted in with green and white colors and have been through a later restoration when a thick lacquer that has ...
Wood, Paint
C.1880 American Folk Art Top Hat Hatmaker’s Trade Sign
Located in Briarcliff Manor, NY
A hard-to-find and charming sheet iron hatmaker’s,trade sign from the mid to late 19th century. The sculptural curves of the brim and the hat itself are engaging and amusing.
Iron
Top Hat Trade Sign
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century American red painted tin trade sign in the form of a top hat.
Top Hat Trade Sign
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century American painted tin trade sign in the form of a top hat.
Hat Makers Trade Sign
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century American painted tin trade sign in the form of a top hat.
Trade Sign, Rooms or Tourists, Meals
Located in Nantucket, MA
Multicolored trade sign with shadowed fonts over a white field. Mounted in a black molded wooden frame. Found in upstate New York, circa 1940 Measures: 25 ½” x 32” x 1 ¾”.
Pine
Antique Razor Trade Sign, Folk Art, Americana
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Antique razor trade sign, Folk Art, Americana. Razor shaving hair barber knife Folk Art.
19th Century American Two Sided Sand Paint and Gilding Trade Sign
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1880, this wonderful shingle "sign" was created for Dr. Coolidge from black sand and gold gilded lettering. Retains the original hand wrought iron hanger.
Gold Leaf, Iron
Late 19th Century "House & Sign Painter" Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Perfect subject matter for a 19th century American Folk Art trade sign.
Wood
Vintage Enamel and Porcelain ‘STORE’ Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Graphic red, white and blue "STORE" sign, early 20th century American porcelain and enamel trade sign.
Iron
DIMINUTIVE OPTOMETRIST TRADE SIGN, HAND-BLOWN, COLORED GLASS
Located in York County, PA
This optometrist trade sign, made from gold painted zinc and colored, hand-blown glass, dates to the fourth quarter of the 19th century.
Metal
Sold
H 12 in W 79.5 in D 1.5 in
Grand Antique Gunsmith Trade Sign: A Captivating 80-Inch Shotgun Masterpiece
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Large Antique Gunsmith Trade Sign, meticulously crafted in the iconic form of a shotgun, measuring an impressive 80 inches in length. This striking piece of vintage craft...
Wood
"Canarys For Sale" Trade Sign In Chrome Yellow Paint
Located in York County, PA
"Canarys for Sale", chrome yellow and black polychome-painted trade sign dating to the first part of the 20th century.
Top Hat Trade sign with original iron bracket, late 1800's
Located in Buffalo, NY
19th century American Painted Tin Trade sign,, Consistant wear,rust.
Metal, Tin, Iron
Sold
H 29.53 in W 30.71 in D 0.79 in
Antique Folk Art Carved Native American Chief Head Advertising Sign
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Antique Folk Art Carved Native American Chief Head Advertising Sign. Folk Art Indian Tobacco / Trade Sign.
Wood
HORSE HEAD TRADE SIGN, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY:
Located in York County, PA
HORSE HEAD TRADE SIGN, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY: An exceptional, painted American trade sign made from carved wood in the full-bodied form of a race horses head.
Antique American Horse Form Hand Painted Trade Sign
Located in Astoria, NY
An american hand painted pinto horse trade sign. The piece would likely have been used either for a farrier or livery stable.
Iron
Painted Sailmakers Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
J. Ratsey & Son painted trade sign with painted clipper ship on a wood panel bound in rope with a wood spar about fifty years old. Weight: 6 lbs. Overall Dimensions: 25"H x 35...
Wood
Antique American Large Scale Tin Pocket Watch Trade Sign
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique American large scale double-sided tin pocket watch trade sign.
Tin
Sold
H 34 in W 11 in D 15 in
American Carved and Painted Nautical Sculpture Trade Sign for Whaling Store.
Located in Charleston, SC
The wheel man is standing on a raised plinth holding a whaling iron, rope, and was used as a trade sign for a supply shop. Signed W. Northey, 19th Century
Iron
Sold
H 9.63 in W 6.5 in D 2.13 in
An American Life, Signed by Ronald Reagan, First Trade Edition, 1990
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a first trade edition of Ronald Reagan’s An American Life.
Paper
Early 19th Century Oil On Canvas Painted Trade Sign With American Eagle
Located in York County, PA
ca. 1830 easel-painted oil on canvas trade sign, featuring an American eagle, perched on a rock, with a rippling red, white and blue streamer.
Sold
H 8 in W 29.625 in D 1.375 in
Antique "Skates Sharpened" Double Sided Hand Painted Trade Sign Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
American, circa 1900. An antique American double-sided trade sign or store display "Skates Sharpened".
Iron
Monumental American Country Style Hanging Fish Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Turn of the century American country style trade sign carved in the form of a monumental flounder.
Wood, Paint
19th Century American Trade Sign 'Crook', Medina, NY
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century American trade sign 'Crook', Medina, NY Craftsman made, with sand-painted back ground with 10" x 12" giltwood letters spelling 'Crook' Inscribed on back " (obliterated...
Giltwood, Wood
Wood Carved Gun American Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing hand carved gun shop trade sign. Great collector piece. Original painted surface.
Wood
Iconic Life Size American Tin Man Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic tin man trade sign made from metal heating ducts. Most likely used outside of a mechanics shop. Has some early yellow page ads for arm bands. Cut out and applied facial ...
DRUGS American 3D 1930's 12' Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Candy apple red DRUGS sign. C. 1930's from the southern United States. Quite a statement and wonderfully three-dimensional. Great scale. Surrounded by old iron strapping and eye ...
Sheet Metal
Sold
H 22 in W 95.25 in D 1 in
Late 19th Century Pianos Trade American Folk Art Trade Sign 8 Feet Long
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American Folk Art Pianos trade sign. 8 feet long. Very graphic time worn art piece.
Wood
Vintage All American Cheerleading and Baton Twirling Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage wood and hand painted all American cheerleading and baton twirling sign. Double sided.
Wood
Early 20th Century American Wooden Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
U.S.A. wood barbers pole. Paint loss consistent with the age of the item, circa 1900.
Wood
Sold
H 50 in W 7 in D 11 in
Wood Carved Red and White American Folk Art Barber Pole Trade Sign Sconce, C1920
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great Americana! c. 1920s American Folk Art wood and iron carved barber pole. Layers of thick original red and white hand painted surface. Substantial iron mounts and iron strapping ...
Iron
1970's Disco Dance Club Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Disco is back! c. 1970s wood hand painted club sign. Fantastic lettering with a serious 1970's disco flair. Afternoon delights and a strict dress code put it all into perspective. Mi...
Wood
Lifesize Cigar or Tobacco Shop Indian Princes Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A lifesize cigar or tobacco shop Indian Princes trade sign This charming and very rare piece, is believed to have come from prewar North of England, she is fine example of an Amer...
Bang-Up Business: Carved Wood Revolver Trade Sign
Located in New York, NY
This unique carved wood revolver trade sign features a stylized depiction of a classic six-shooter pistol, meticulously handcrafted with a charmingly rustic appeal. Likely used as an...
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Men at Work Sign Wood Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Thick wood and hand painted. Great American Folk Art trade sign in the form of a pointing hand.
Wood
Folk Art Trade Sign Smarty Pants For Her
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Smarty Pants For Her! Midcentury American Folk Art trade sign from a dress shop. Measures 5 feet 6 inches long by 1 foot 8 inches wide.
Wood
Vintage Painted Wood Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
American Folk Art trade sign with hand-carved "Showroom" letters and an arrow.
Pine
Set of 3 pieces - Vintage Enamel and Porcelain ‘STORE’ Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Graphic red, white and blue "STORE" sign, early 20th century American porcelain and enamel trade sign. 2.
Iron
Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Wood
Large Weathered Trade Sign "Carriage Shop"
Located in Greenwich, CT
A 12 foot long trade sign displaying the words Carriage Shop on one side and Horse Shoeing on the other. In weathered early hand painted lettering on wood, with molded edging on all ...
Wood
Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
A mid 19th Century folk art trade sign of demilune form, depicting a Native American chief holding a peace pipe and tomahawk wearing a headdress of white and red feathers, wearing a ...
Wood
Vintage Hand Painted British Motorcycle Shop Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage graphic Motorcycles sales and service sign. Great hand-painted lettering. Wood with original paint surface. Found in the northeastern United States. Fun Americana with a Brit...
Wood
$1,900
H 24 in W 62 in D 1 in
Large Hand Painted Double Sided Arrow "Radio Trade In" Folk Art Trade/Store Sign
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Hand Painted, Double Sided Arrow "Special" Radio Trade In sale,,,,Folk Art Trade/Store Sign,,Wonderful size,,amazing crackle paint, patina..Great subject.
Masonite, Paint
19th Century Folk Art Upholstery Trade Sign
Located in San Francisco, CA
Wonderful 19th century hand painted folk art upholstery trade sign. Double sided wooden trade sign for an old upholstery shop in San Francisco. A rare piece of San Francisco history...
Wood
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.