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Signs For Sale
Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign

Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign

Located in Lisse, NL

Step into a time when storefronts told their story with charm and character. This striking, hand-painted metal trout sign is a rare and wonderfully quirky example of the early 20th-c...

Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Antique Reverse Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Restaurant Trade Sign. c.1920
Antique Reverse Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Restaurant Trade Sign. c.1920

Antique Reverse Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Restaurant Trade Sign. c.1920

Located in London, GB

A vintage French Café double sided trade sign. c.1930 Constructed from reverse painted glass, with crinkle foil lettering reading Café - Casse‑Croûte - Restaurant. Framed in its ori...

Category

1930s French Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign
Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign

Vintage 1970's Frye Boot Light Up Sales Sign

By Neon Products

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A vintage light up Frye Boot advertising sign from the 1970's with aluminum frame surrounding a dark plastic face. Stating "Boots by Frye Bootmakers Since 1863" with a pull chain for...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Aluminum

American Folk Art 'PAN FRIED TROUT' Hanging Sign
American Folk Art 'PAN FRIED TROUT' Hanging Sign

American Folk Art 'PAN FRIED TROUT' Hanging Sign

Located in Chicago, IL

Three words, three fish, and not a hint of subtlety. Hand-carved from wood and painted to resemble rainbow trout, the trio reclines inside an oversized wooden frying pan as if awaiti...

Category

20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

French 18th Century Forged Iron Folk Art Baroque Tavern Sign
French 18th Century Forged Iron Folk Art Baroque Tavern Sign

French 18th Century Forged Iron Folk Art Baroque Tavern Sign

Located in Buisson, FR

Important and beautiful 18th century Tavern sign depicting a rearing white horse with a crowned coat of arms on its back. Most likely from the Alsace, France due to the German influe...

Category

18th Century French Baroque Antique Signs

Materials

Iron

Antique Danish Hand Carved Pretzel Bakery Sign
Antique Danish Hand Carved Pretzel Bakery Sign

Antique Danish Hand Carved Pretzel Bakery Sign

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Traditional antique Scandinavian or Danish bakery sign having carved wooden pretzel topped with a metal crown. Donlon

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Metal, Iron

Large Carved Pub Sign
Large Carved Pub Sign

Large Carved Pub Sign

Located in Greenwich, CT

A pub sign depicting a whimsical fox emerging from a gilt jug, of very large scale. Hand-hewn from solid wood and skilfully relief carved - the fox has distinct fur, legs, ear, snou...

Category

1930s English Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign
Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Located in Cirencester, GB

This French 'Coiffure' sign is mid 20th century. The silvery/blue Zinc letters are on a painted white ply board. There are lots of bumps and scrapes and plenty of character to thi...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Zinc

Antique Huge Hand Carved, Painted & Gilt SOCIETY Shop Trade Sign, C.1900
Antique Huge Hand Carved, Painted & Gilt SOCIETY Shop Trade Sign, C.1900

Antique Huge Hand Carved, Painted & Gilt SOCIETY Shop Trade Sign, C.1900

Located in London, GB

A large hand carved, painted and gilt 'SOCIETY' sign. c.1900 Likely once part of a larger shop sign with reverse painted glass over the top. Perfect statement piece in wonderful ori...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Framed Yellow Cabs Sign c.1940-1950
Vintage Framed Yellow Cabs Sign c.1940-1950

Vintage Framed Yellow Cabs Sign c.1940-1950

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT A vintage Yellow Cabs sign framed with a thick wooden frame. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Mat Board, Wood. C...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter Š, 1960s
Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter Š, 1960s

Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter Š, 1960s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial facade letter “Š” was made during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old inscription POŠTA. In czech language Post Office. The weight of th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Signs

Materials

Iron

Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920
Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920

Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920

Located in London, GB

A mid-20th century hand painted French trade sign. c.1940 Double sided French trade sign for CAFES MAURICE, a company still in existence today. Wonderful patination and depth of col...

Category

1940s English Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter R, 1970s
Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter R, 1970s

Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter R, 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter R was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It is equipped with a LED strip. The letter can...

Category

1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Plastic

Vintage American Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign
Vintage American Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign

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 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA
Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

By Fair Play

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An authentic slice of American sports history, this massive original 1980s scoreboard was manufactured by Trans-Lux Fair-Play, a leader in athletic display technology. Bold in design...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920
Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920

Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920

Located in London, GB

A stunning pair of illuminated glass toilet signs made in England by Burnham & Co, Deptford. c.1920 These original Art Deco-era signs feature solid brass frames with their origina...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Signs

Materials

Brass

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided
Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided,, Pre-dates NEON,, Truly amazing sign,, Salvaged from an old Pharmacist,, apparently hung outside (late...

Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal, Cut Steel

Double Sided Vintage Marlboro Light Up Cigarette Pack, 1990s USA
Double Sided Vintage Marlboro Light Up Cigarette Pack, 1990s USA

Double Sided Vintage Marlboro Light Up Cigarette Pack, 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is the perfect Americana statement piece to add interest to any interior. This incredible vintage advertising light up box by Marlboro is eye-catching showpiece. These lights we...

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Steel

English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"
English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"

English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a portrait painting of Lord Nelson in full regalia, titled: Free House - The Lord Nelson. A free house in Great Britain is a publ...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

1960s English Carnival Sign
1960s English Carnival Sign

1960s English Carnival Sign

Located in High Point, NC

1960s carnival art sign from England. It is advertising a cake walk on one side of the sign, and on the back has a charming message "Have a nice Victorian day". Great sign for any co...

Category

1960s English Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign  For Train Rides
Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign  For Train Rides

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides

Located in Crespières, FR

This antique Kodak advertising sign is made of thick enamel in black, yellow and red colours. The colours are bright and shiny, with an good relief. The condition is fairly good co...

Category

1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA
'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA

'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom neon sign with aluminum channel cut letters. COME ON IN, lights up with green neon gas. Just under 6 feet long. Welcoming sign and fun piece of...

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Illuminated  Letter P , 1970s
Vintage Illuminated  Letter P , 1970s

Vintage Illuminated Letter P , 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial illuminated facade letter P was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black bakelite body and a white plexigl...

Category

1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Bakelite, Plexiglass

aRT dECO  1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG
aRT dECO  1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG

By Ilka Plast

Located in Buffalo, NY

aRT dECO 1940s / 50s Modernist Light -up "TELEPHONE" SIGN.... 40" LONG...eMbossed form plastic lettering,,Stunning graphic, pull chain on/off switch.Retains original metal can,,orig...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Antique European Locksmith’s Trade Sign in the Form of a Key, 40"H
Antique European Locksmith’s Trade Sign in the Form of a Key, 40"H

Antique European Locksmith’s Trade Sign in the Form of a Key, 40"H

Located in New York, NY

Large Cast Iron Trade Sign in the Form of a Key, 40"H Europe, antique This impressive oversized trade sign is cast in solid iron and takes the form of a monumental key, traditional...

Category

19th Century French Antique Signs

Materials

Iron

French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850

French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850

Located in Buisson, FR

One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...

Category

19th Century French Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Iron

Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield
Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield

Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Los Angeles freeway shield from the 5 freeway in Los Angeles. Interstate 5 runs from the Tijuana/California border all the way up to the Canadian ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"
English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"

English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a beautiful painting of a falcon perched on a tree stump, titled The Falcon. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Antique Vintage French Double Sided Glass Pharmacy Chemist Apothecary Sign
Antique Vintage French Double Sided Glass Pharmacy Chemist Apothecary Sign

Antique Vintage French Double Sided Glass Pharmacy Chemist Apothecary Sign

Located in Sale, GB

- A beautiful and rare double sided glass 'Pharmacie' sign mounted in its original frame, France circa 1930. - The sign is of exceptional quality and has glass to both sides, light w...

Category

Early 20th Century British Signs

Materials

Glass

WPA Folk Art Styled Survey Stick with Stand (A)
WPA Folk Art Styled Survey Stick with Stand (A)

WPA Folk Art Styled Survey Stick with Stand (A)

By Craft and Folk Art Museum

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A unique vintage survey stick or partial half of one designed in the manner of WPA, Folk Art and African tribal art. Having great aesthetic value with a wonderful patterned painted d...

Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

Large Channel Letter A Circus Lettering Advertising Sign from the the 1960s
Large Channel Letter A Circus Lettering Advertising Sign from the the 1960s

Large Channel Letter A Circus Lettering Advertising Sign from the the 1960s

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful and decorative large vintage tin channel letter “A” made of sheet metal, painted in a vibrant yellow with red sides. It is dated around the 1960s, though it may be older....

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Industrial Signs

Materials

Sheet Metal, Tin

English Pub Sign, "Nag's Head"
English Pub Sign, "Nag's Head"

English Pub Sign, "Nag's Head"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (two-sided) featuring a painting of a horse's head in a bridle, titled: Nag's Head. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ready for displ...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack
Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack

Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous hand painted and handcrafted Adirondack carved menu board. Fantastic classic example of an early 20th century piece of an woodsy menu board from an upstate New York restaura...

Category

1940s American Adirondack Vintage Signs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA
Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

By Fair Play

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An authentic slice of American sports history, this slim original 1980s scoreboard was manufactured by Trans-Lux Fair-Play, a leader in athletic display technology. Bold in design an...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Aluminum

A Set of Five Risque / Taboo Ex-Votos (Retablos) Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis
A Set of Five Risque / Taboo Ex-Votos (Retablos) Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

A Set of Five Risque / Taboo Ex-Votos (Retablos) Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

Located in San Diego, CA

A nice set of five risque / taboo Ex-Votos (Retablos) attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A daringly transgressive and humorous collection of contemporary Mexican ex-votos (re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Signs

Materials

Enamel, Tin

English Pub Sign, "The Admiral"
English Pub Sign, "The Admiral"

English Pub Sign, "The Admiral"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a portrait painting of a decorated Royal Navy admiral with the sea and warships in the backgroun...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign
19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign

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...

Category

Late 19th Century North American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Zinc

Tackle Fish Store Teade Wooden Folk Art Sign. Hunting Fishing Cabin.  USA 1930´s
Tackle Fish Store Teade Wooden Folk Art Sign. Hunting Fishing Cabin.  USA 1930´s

Tackle Fish Store Teade Wooden Folk Art Sign. Hunting Fishing Cabin. USA 1930´s

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

This fish-shaped “TACKLE” sign is such a bold and playful nod to vintage Americana. The golden finish gives it a warm, sunlit feel, like something you’d spot hanging outside a lakesi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage 'Lodging" Highway Sign
Vintage 'Lodging" Highway Sign

Vintage 'Lodging" Highway Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cool vintage highway sign in cobalt blue reflective metal. Depicts a person sleeping in bed. Sign was used to direct drivers to hotels/motels up ...

Category

1960s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

1940's - 50's Mid Century Decommissioned American "Exit Only" Steel Street Sign
1940's - 50's Mid Century Decommissioned American "Exit Only" Steel Street Sign

1940's - 50's Mid Century Decommissioned American "Exit Only" Steel Street Sign

By U.S. Government

Located in Red Lion, PA

This Authentic Mid-Century American "EXIT ONLY" Decommissioned Street Sign is a premier example of 20th-century municipal engineering and "Machine Age" utility. Dating to the 1940s–1...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Vintage Americana Mid-Century Neon Barber Shop Sign
Vintage Americana Mid-Century Neon Barber Shop Sign

Vintage Americana Mid-Century Neon Barber Shop Sign

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Fantastic 13.5 foot long Mid-Century vintage neon barber shop sign. Total statement piece. Unusual three dimensional channel letters. Many layers of r...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Hand-painted sheet metal swordfish sign England 1950s
Hand-painted sheet metal swordfish sign England 1950s

Hand-painted sheet metal swordfish sign England 1950s

Located in Milan, IT

Curious sign depicting swordfish in hand-painted sheet metal. English manufacture 1930s. Bon état. Measures 161x50x18 cm - inches 63.4x19.7x7. The swordfish is distinguished by it...

Category

Mid-20th Century Signs

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Cast Iron Butcher's Shop Trade Sign in the Form of a Cow
19th Century French Cast Iron Butcher's Shop Trade Sign in the Form of a Cow

19th Century French Cast Iron Butcher's Shop Trade Sign in the Form of a Cow

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

French cast iron butcher shop trade sign retaining old paint and cast in low relief in the form of a steer wearing a tasseled blanket and with it's head turned. The blanked cast with...

Category

Late 19th Century French Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Iron

Pink Neon 'Hustle' Sign, 2010 USA
Pink Neon 'Hustle' Sign, 2010 USA

Pink Neon 'Hustle' Sign, 2010 USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Massive pink neon sign mounted on white acrylic board. Sign depicts a large hashtag and the word hustle in cursive lettering. Light pink hue to neon. Great condition. Difference in c...

Category

2010s North American Industrial Signs

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Zinc and Gold Horse Head Butchers Trade Sign Flemish 1860
Zinc and Gold Horse Head Butchers Trade Sign Flemish 1860

Zinc and Gold Horse Head Butchers Trade Sign Flemish 1860

Located in Hastings, GB

19th century Flemish gilt zinc horse head trade sign. This beautiful hand made sign was used by a Flemish butcher and dates to circa 1860. There are still remnants of the beautiful g...

Category

1860s Belgian Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Zinc

1960s Original Dual Sided Hanging Light Up Ace Hardware Outdoor Logo
1960s Original Dual Sided Hanging Light Up Ace Hardware Outdoor Logo

1960s Original Dual Sided Hanging Light Up Ace Hardware Outdoor Logo

Located in Monrovia, CA

1960s Original Polycarbonate Face "Ace Hardware" Advertisement Signage. The Vintage Outdoor Sign Hangs which Displays A Double Sided Logo Of The Well Known "Ace Hardware" Logo. The Vintage Signage...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack
Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack

Early 20th Century Handmade Folky Carved Menu Board Adirondack

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fantastic old school menu board from the forties and in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Jagged edges with colorful writings for an upstate New York restaurant. This is...

Category

1940s American Adirondack Vintage Signs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Coke Button Sign
Coke Button Sign

Coke Button Sign

Located in Alpha, NJ

This is a vintage enameled Coca Cola Sign. This is in good overall condition with minor wear along edges and faint surface soiling. Otherwise, this sign presents well.

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Steel

Four Contemporary Mexican "Racy" Ex-Voto Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis
Four Contemporary Mexican "Racy" Ex-Voto Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

Four Contemporary Mexican "Racy" Ex-Voto Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

Located in San Diego, CA

A set of four contemporary Mexican racy / risque / taboo ex-voto / retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A captivating and humorous collection of Mexican ex-votos (retablos), attributed to the renowned "neighborhood artist" of Mexico City, Alfredo Vilchis Roque. Each piece represents a modern, secular, and "racy" evolution of the traditional 19th-century devotional art form. Each piece is in a "deliberate distressed condition" to mimic the weathered look of 19th-century antiques, and each measure approximately 9"W x 7"H. Unlike classic retablos that thank saints for surviving illnesses or accidents, these "new" ex-votos depict the gritty, scandalous, and often hilarious realities of modern urban life. The collection includes: -The Piercing Penance: A woman thanking Saint Rita for her successful (and painful) nipple piercings...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Signs

Materials

Tin, Enamel

Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA
Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA

Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cool Los Angeles freeway sign retired from the 101 freeway. Made in the the 1980s. This freeway takes you north/ south along the entire west coast of the United States from San Diego...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Mid Century Hand Painted Wooden Luncheonette Hot Coffee Diner Sign
Vintage Mid Century Hand Painted Wooden Luncheonette Hot Coffee Diner Sign

Vintage Mid Century Hand Painted Wooden Luncheonette Hot Coffee Diner Sign

Located in Milford, NH

A vintage polychrome hand painted luncheonette or diner sign on plywood featuring hot coffee, sandwiches, and tonics, signed lower right Cooley-Alton, with an additional support boar...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Signs

Materials

Plywood

Unintentionally Whimsical Lobster Pound Sign, circa 1970
Unintentionally Whimsical Lobster Pound Sign, circa 1970

Unintentionally Whimsical Lobster Pound Sign, circa 1970

Located in Nantucket, MA

Unintentionally Whimsical Lobster Pound Sign, circa 1970, a great vintage hand-painted two board trade sign for a lobster pound. I love the idea of advertising where lobsters can par...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Pine

Hand Painted Wooden Circus Ticket Office Sign
Hand Painted Wooden Circus Ticket Office Sign

Hand Painted Wooden Circus Ticket Office Sign

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT A hand painted circus ticket office sign. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.2000-2005. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Painted Wood. CONDITION Good. Wear con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Industrial Signs

Materials

Wood

Antique Vintage Rustic Folk Art Metal Farm Sign
Antique Vintage Rustic Folk Art Metal Farm Sign

Antique Vintage Rustic Folk Art Metal Farm Sign

Located in Stockbridge, GB

Antique Metal Farm Sign An original metal hanging sign which would have hung at the entrance to Crosscombe Farm in Somerset, the sign is double sided with identical signage on both ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Rustic Signs

Materials

Cut Steel

in Use, Vintage Hospital X-Ray Sign, circa 1980
in Use, Vintage Hospital X-Ray Sign, circa 1980

in Use, Vintage Hospital X-Ray Sign, circa 1980

Located in Faversham, GB

Vintage London hospital x-ray sign that hung above the x-ray room door of the inpatient ward. The words ‘In Use’ illuminate when switched on. London,...

Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font
Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font

Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic vintage NEON "MOTEL" sign salvaged from a motel in Niagara Falls Canada,, Retains original finish & patina,, New transformer, metal replaced to bottom of can,, (see photo)

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

French La Belle Époque Lighted Bistro Cafe Sign
French La Belle Époque Lighted Bistro Cafe Sign

French La Belle Époque Lighted Bistro Cafe Sign

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Fantastic double sided bistro cafe metal sign from France's La Belle Époque period. Features a lacquer finish with pierced letters reading "Montre Ponctua"...

Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture
Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture

Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large hand made bull sculpture came out of a dairy farm from the Midwest. Made from planks and carved and painted on one side. This item is very strong and sturdy. Large and has grea...

Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Signs

Materials

Wood

Antique, New and Vintage Signs

Vintage and antique signs are popular collector’s items loved not only for the charm and pops of color they add to a space but also for the unique story each one has to tell. An interesting sign can help set the mood for a room and spark dozens of lively conversations.

Before and during the 18th century, many European peasants and colonists in the Americas couldn’t read, so shopkeepers, in an effort to promote their goods and services, hung trade signs with limited amounts of text.

Indeed, symbols and representational physical objects comprised early-day advertising efforts. In lieu of painted words on a wooden board, trade signs made use of handmade three-dimensional symbols to indicate the function of the shop. The iconic red, white and blue pole could be found outside barbershops, while a figural trade sign mounted to an apothecary’s storefront might be a mortar and pestle sculpted from bronze in order to indicate to passers-by that inside there were apothecary cabinets full of remedies for common ailments and a druggist to carefully dispense them.

As literacy rates improved, signs evolved into rectangular, round or square shapes that featured text. Short and sweet, early iterations were characterized by a mere few words, such as “tavern,” “boarding room” or “apothecary.”

During the 19th century, proprietors endeavored to render their signs more appealing. This meant the introduction of more color, font types and other pictorial representations. After the Civil War ended, logos, branding and advertising became increasingly more important, and the design of signage evolved. Trade signs were still in use during the 20th century, and you will likely find hand-painted tin eyeglasses for an optometrist’s office or an oversize bowling pin that likely had a home in the front window of a bowling alley.

Today, collectors and art aficionados alike collect and display antique and vintage signs. Old signs hearken back to a long-gone era, infusing any interior with warmth and nostalgia.

A vintage sign can help anchor a room — think of decorating with signs as you would arranging any kind of wall art. A large-scale sign in particular can prove a distinguishing feature in a living room or dining room, a focal point so prominent that it might lessen the burden of introducing any additional decorative elements to this particular space. Smaller signs work wonders too — pepper sparsely decorated corners with small colorful signs or add a humorous or graphic element to your gallery-style hang with a small text-based sign or two.

On 1stDibs, find metal, wood and glass antique and vintage signs that span a number of styles, including mid-century modern, industrial and folk art.