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Signs For Sale
Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Internalite 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1920
Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Internalite 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1920

Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Internalite 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1920

Located in London, GB

Quality illuminated glass and brass directional sign made in England. c.1920. Brass frame housing the internal illuminations above polished plate glass etched with 'EXIT'. Made in E...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Signs

Materials

Brass

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

Wrong Way Go Back Metal Street Sign, 1980s USA
Wrong Way Go Back Metal Street Sign, 1980s USA

Wrong Way Go Back Metal Street Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fantastic metal street sign, 1980s USA. Made for the Massachusetts Department of Public works. Bright red sign with white lettering :WRONG WAY GO BACK. Fun piece of transportation...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

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 Early 20th Century Edwardian Brass 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1900
Antique Early 20th Century Edwardian Brass 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1900

Antique Early 20th Century Edwardian Brass 'Exit' Illuminated Sign. C.1900

Located in London, GB

Quality illuminated glass and brass directional sign made in England. c.1900. A fine turn‑of‑the‑century illuminated sign from the era when gaslight was commonly used to back‑light ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Signs

Materials

Brass

Fish Trade Sign, Rainbow Trout, Fishing Bait and Equipment
Fish Trade Sign, Rainbow Trout, Fishing Bait and Equipment

Fish Trade Sign, Rainbow Trout, Fishing Bait and Equipment

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Fish Trade Sign, Rainbow Trout, Fishing Bait and Equipment This is an lovely old trade sign, the sign has a colourful painted wooden body which hangs from a wrought iron bracket  T...

Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

Antique Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas Landscape Painting. c.1910
Antique Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas Landscape Painting. c.1910

Antique Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas Landscape Painting. c.1910

Located in London, GB

A charming early 20th Century landscape oil painting. English. c.1910 Signed to bottom left - very skillfully painted landscape scene with fisherman and cottage. Some very minor ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Edwardian Signs

Materials

Canvas

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

Early 20th Century Toleware English Hat Makers Trade Sign
Early 20th Century Toleware English Hat Makers Trade Sign

Early 20th Century Toleware English Hat Makers Trade Sign

Located in London, GB

Early 20th Century Toleware English Hat Makers Trade Sign Dimensions in inches: H 8” x W 11” x D 13” / 22” H Including stand Age: 1910 Origin: England Condition: Aged Overview Mount...

Category

1910s Victorian Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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

Antique wall decorative panel of wrought iron, Italy 1920s
Antique wall decorative panel of wrought iron, Italy 1920s

Antique wall decorative panel of wrought iron, Italy 1920s

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

Antique wrought iron panel made in Italy in the 1920s. This was found in an ancient villa in Italy near Padua. Perfect for use as a decorative piece on the wall in a country proper...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Signs

Materials

Iron

Wooden Iron Framed Hanging Pub Sign. The Raven
Wooden Iron Framed Hanging Pub Sign. The Raven

Wooden Iron Framed Hanging Pub Sign. The Raven

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Wooden Iron Framed Hanging Pub Sign. The Raven, Signed This is an original large and heavy piece dating from the beginning of the 20th Century, it is double sided and the painted fi...

Category

1930s Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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 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

French Vintage Bike stand With Advertising Sign
French Vintage Bike stand With Advertising Sign

French Vintage Bike stand With Advertising Sign

Located in Charleston, SC

Vintage bicycle rack/stand made of iron and made for the French Tailor advertising the shop with hand painted sign "Simon ArtisanTailleur” - An "artisan tailleur" (master tailor) d...

Category

Early 20th Century Signs

Materials

Metal, 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

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 Illuminated Letter E , 1980s
Vintage Illuminated Letter E , 1980s

Vintage Illuminated Letter E , 1980s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial illuminated letter E was made in Italy during the 1980s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a vhite metal body and a white plexiglass cover....

Category

1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Iron

Vintage Pepsi-Cola Enameled Metal Advertising Sign, Europe, 1970s
Vintage Pepsi-Cola Enameled Metal Advertising Sign, Europe, 1970s

Vintage Pepsi-Cola Enameled Metal Advertising Sign, Europe, 1970s

Located in Milano, IT

Iconic Pepsi-Cola advertising sign made of enameled metal, dating from the 1970s. The design incorporates the classic logo with red cursive lettering, set against a wavy background ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Early 20th century English Hand Painted “HELL” Sign
Early 20th century English Hand Painted “HELL” Sign

Early 20th century English Hand Painted “HELL” Sign

Located in London, GB

Early 20th century English Hand Painted “HELL” Sign Originally this sign was reclaimed from a shoe shop named “Shellington Shoes” in Essex. Most of the sign was damaged but we luck...

Category

1920s British Victorian Vintage Signs

Materials

Pine

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

Vintage Smaller Folk Art 19th Century Barber Pole
Vintage Smaller Folk Art 19th Century Barber Pole

Vintage Smaller Folk Art 19th Century Barber Pole

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A great Folk Art barber pole in a smaller size that would hang on a post or in the front of the shop with holes to the reverse. Having fantastic patina with wear, age and being repai...

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Double-Sided "Ring O' Bells" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign
Double-Sided "Ring O' Bells" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign

Double-Sided "Ring O' Bells" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

A 1920's vintage Double-Sided "Ring O' Bells" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign. The sign is in a wood pine frame with iron mounts for easy hanging. Sign shows signs of wear that ...

Category

1920s British Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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

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

Rare 1970s Adult Peep Show, Books & Magazines, Large Plastic Embossed Sign XXX
Rare 1970s Adult Peep Show, Books & Magazines, Large Plastic Embossed Sign XXX

Rare 1970s Adult Peep Show, Books & Magazines, Large Plastic Embossed Sign XXX

By Terry Richardson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Large 1970s sign with embossed letters, Adult Peep Show - Books & Magazines. Sold without its original aluminum frame, can be back lit with LED. Small star crack to top of Red "S", minor loss of paint and scuffs. Subject matter is in the style of photographer Terry Richardson...

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Plastic

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

19th Century Large Pyramidal "Kern and McNaughton" Cigar Signage
19th Century Large Pyramidal "Kern and McNaughton" Cigar Signage

19th Century Large Pyramidal "Kern and McNaughton" Cigar Signage

Located in Dekalb, IL

Large freestanding wooden trade sign advertising "CIGARS," constructed in a tapered, pyramidal form with four painted panels rising to a shaped top crest reading "KERN AND McNAUGHTON...

Category

19th Century American Other Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

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

Late 19th Century "Pocket Watch" Carved Wood Trade Sign
Late 19th Century "Pocket Watch" Carved Wood Trade Sign

Late 19th Century "Pocket Watch" Carved Wood Trade Sign

Located in Buffalo, NY

Late 19th Century "Pocket Watch" Carved Wood Trade Sign. Watch-makers / repairs sign.. Wonderful graphics..Amazing patina. color , surface. Remnants of old gold paint.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch
Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch

Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch

$1,292Sale Price|38% Off

Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch

Located in Cheshire, GB

Enamel sign for Colman’s Starch, of rectangular form decorated in blue and white enamel. Dimensions Height 16 Inches Width 62.5 Inches Depth 0.5 Inches.

Category

Early 20th Century British Signs

Materials

Enamel

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

Large Weathered Trade Sign "Carriage Shop"
Large Weathered Trade Sign "Carriage Shop"

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 ...

Category

1870s American Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

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

1920's -30's Hand Painted "DRUGS" wood sign
1920's -30's Hand Painted "DRUGS" wood sign

1920's -30's Hand Painted "DRUGS" wood sign

Located in Buffalo, NY

1920's -30's Hand Painted "DRUGS" wood sign ... Great old sign,, Tons of character,, Retains original finish / patina..

Category

1920s American Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

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

Vintage “East Building” Painted Wood Directional Sign
Vintage “East Building” Painted Wood Directional Sign

Vintage “East Building” Painted Wood Directional Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Long, hand-painted wooden directional sign reading "EAST BUILDING," rendered in bold block lettering over a heavily weathered white ground. The surface shows extensive age with flaki...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Iron

Original Carved Wood 19th Century Boulangerie Trade Sign
Original Carved Wood 19th Century Boulangerie Trade Sign

Original Carved Wood 19th Century Boulangerie Trade Sign

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Extraordinary Boulangerie Trade Sign Wonderful original, untouched Boulangerie trade sign. Carved oak Panel, in deep, detailed relief. Featuring wheat sheaves, an urn overflowing wit...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Signs

Materials

Oak

Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Important Folk Art Trade Sign

Important Folk Art Trade Sign

$10,320Sale Price|20% Off

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 decorated tunic, supported by “s” scrolls, possibly a cover for a paddle boat wheel...

Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Risque "Underworld" Ex-Votos Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis
Set of Four Risque "Underworld" Ex-Votos Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

Set of Four Risque "Underworld" Ex-Votos Retablos Attributed to Alfredo Vilchis

Located in San Diego, CA

A cool set of four risque / taboo / humorous "Underworld" ex-votos / retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A provocative and vibrantly transgressive collectio of contemporary Mexican ex-votos (retablos), attributed to the legendary "neighborhood artist" of Mexico City, Alfredo Vilchis Roque. This quartet serves as a masterclass in the "New Retablo" movement, where the centuries-old tradition of Catholic gratitude is subverted to document the gritty, scandalous, and darkly comedic "miracles" of the urban fringe. Each piece is in a "deliberate distressed condition" to mimic the weathered look of 19th-century antiques, and each measure approximately 9.5"W x 6"H. Moving far beyond traditional prayers for health, these works depict the raw and often taboo intersections of desire, mishaps, and divine intervention. The collection features: -The Courtesan’s Epiphany: A dramatic scene of a sex worker who, after surviving a life-threatening allergic reaction to a client's semen, offers infinite thanks to Saint Martha and vows to leave her trade forever. -The Forbidden Cousin: A man named S.F. who celebrates his persistent (and successful) pursuit of his cousin into the bedroom, thanking Saint Jude Thaddeus for their ultimate "happiness." -The Strawberry Jam Incident: A near-fatal mishap involving José Ramos...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Signs

Materials

Enamel, Tin

Antique Vintage French Post Office Enamel Double Sided Hanging Wall Sign
Antique Vintage French Post Office Enamel Double Sided Hanging Wall Sign

Antique Vintage French Post Office Enamel Double Sided Hanging Wall Sign

By French House & Garden

Located in Stockbridge, GB

Antique French Enamel Post Office Metal Sign An original double sided original French local Post Office sign. The bold white lettering on a blue background reads “POSTES” (Post) an...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Signs

Materials

Cut Steel, Enamel

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

C1940 Advertising Sign "Nassau" Stainless Frame
C1940 Advertising Sign "Nassau" Stainless Frame

C1940 Advertising Sign "Nassau" Stainless Frame

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fantastic advertising sign from possibly a travel agency or transit system c1940. Excellent vintage condition with just the right amount of wear. Stainless border and mounting hardwa...

Category

1940s American Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Circa 1890 Hardware Store Wood Trade Sign Carved Smaltz Black and Gold Paint
Circa 1890 Hardware Store Wood Trade Sign Carved Smaltz Black and Gold Paint

Circa 1890 Hardware Store Wood Trade Sign Carved Smaltz Black and Gold Paint

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Exceptional late 19th century hand carved letters with black and Gold paint and black smaltz background. Excellent typography. Great wall art. Simple and bold.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Mounted Asafo Flag of Ghana c.1820-1920
Mounted Asafo Flag of Ghana c.1820-1920

Mounted Asafo Flag of Ghana c.1820-1920

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Contact us for more shipping quotes: S16 Home San Francisco. An original Asafo flag depicting the Fante people of Ghana, Africa and the Union Jack of the United Kingdom. Mou...

Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Signs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Woods Hole Golf Club Antique Sign from Cape Cod
Woods Hole Golf Club Antique Sign from Cape Cod

Woods Hole Golf Club Antique Sign from Cape Cod

Located in Sandwich, MA

Antique sign from the Woods Hole Golf Club in Falmouth, MA circa 1900. Includes original wrought iron bracket meant for mounting on a square post. Great original surface. Also reads ...

Category

1890s American Antique Signs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Classic Motion Action Ad Neon Advertizing Clock
Classic Motion Action Ad Neon Advertizing Clock

Classic Motion Action Ad Neon Advertizing Clock

By Neon Products

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Motion Action Ad Neon Advertizing Clock.. Wonderful light blue neon,aLL Original., Clock working and keeping perfect time,, Outer wood case in original condition,, Top finish...

Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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.