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Vintage Retro Mid Century French Neon Illuminated Butchers Display Sign, c.1950
Vintage Retro Mid Century French Neon Illuminated Butchers Display Sign, c.1950

Vintage Retro Mid Century French Neon Illuminated Butchers Display Sign, c.1950

Located in London, GB

An incredibly rare French neon butchers trade sign. c.1950. A characterful hanging neon sign from a French butcher’s shop, its metal body finished in a flocked‑velvet coating that h...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

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

Vintage Light-Up Horseshoe Sign
Vintage Light-Up Horseshoe Sign

Vintage Light-Up Horseshoe Sign

Located in Chicago, IL

The horseshoe has always promised good luck. This one promises better stories. This vintage American gray painted horseshoe sign once announced itself with the confidence of a roads...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Old European Dachshund Sign in Cast Iron - Two Sided
Old European Dachshund Sign in Cast Iron - Two Sided

Old European Dachshund Sign in Cast Iron - Two Sided

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Old double-sided Dachshund sign in cast iron. Unknown Scandinavian or German maker circa 1930-60. It has been displayed outside and shows weathering, patina and rust. It is intact an...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Cast Iron

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

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

Art Deco / Moderne /Googie Style "TRAVEL sOMEWHERE" NEON SIGN..
Art Deco / Moderne /Googie Style "TRAVEL sOMEWHERE" NEON SIGN..

Art Deco / Moderne /Googie Style "TRAVEL sOMEWHERE" NEON SIGN..

Located in Buffalo, NY

"TRAVEL SOMEWHERE" Neon Sign..GOOGIE STYLE.. originally created and built as a prop for a movie in the 1980s,,and just recently used (again) in the upcoming film "The Bell Jar" star...

Category

1980s Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Glass, Wood

British Crown & Anchor Iron Hanging Tavern or Pub Sign
British Crown & Anchor Iron Hanging Tavern or Pub Sign

British Crown & Anchor Iron Hanging Tavern or Pub Sign

Located in Rio Vista, CA

A rare hanging British "Crown and Anchor" pub or tavern sign constructed out of iron and wood. The sign is crafted with a forged iron frame having two hanging loops. The sign feature...

Category

20th Century English Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

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

Chinese Signboard with Gold Coloured Calligraphy from Hardwood, C. 1900
Chinese Signboard with Gold Coloured Calligraphy from Hardwood, C. 1900

Chinese Signboard with Gold Coloured Calligraphy from Hardwood, C. 1900

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

With a wood coloured base this signboard (crafted entirely from wood) highlights 3 large gold coloured Chinese Characters. The signboard dates to the early 20th Century and has aged ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Authentic Vintage Partial NYC ( Upper West Side ) Bus Role, circa 1950
Authentic Vintage Partial NYC ( Upper West Side ) Bus Role, circa 1950

Authentic Vintage Partial NYC ( Upper West Side ) Bus Role, circa 1950

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Authentic Red & White Vintage Partial NYC Bus Role circa 1950 Upper West Side & Morningside Heights "in good vintage condition with expected wear from service and age" "wil...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Fabric

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

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

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

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

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

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

County of Middlesex, England Cast Iron Sign
County of Middlesex, England Cast Iron Sign

County of Middlesex, England Cast Iron Sign

Located in Savannah, GA

A painted cast iron street sign for the County of Middlesex. 24 by 30 by ⅜ inches thick. Good vintage condition with wear.

Category

1950s British Vintage Signs

Materials

Cast Iron

Antique Directional Trade Sign for Coin-Op Machine
Antique Directional Trade Sign for Coin-Op Machine

Antique Directional Trade Sign for Coin-Op Machine

Located in Dekalb, IL

A vibrant hand-painted directional sign used to draw attention toward a nearby coin-operated machine or attraction. The carved wooden pointing hand-complete with stylized knuckle and arrow detailing-extends from a bold yellow panel stenciled LOOK in deep red shadowed lettering. These signs were commonly mounted beside penny scales, gum machines...

Category

Early 20th Century Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 Chinese Wooden Sign Board with Calligraphy from the 19th Century
Antique Chinese Wooden Sign Board with Calligraphy from the 19th Century

Antique Chinese Wooden Sign Board with Calligraphy from the 19th Century

Located in Yonkers, NY

This antique Chinese horizontal sign board made during the 19th century displays Chinese characters carved in wood in a splendid calligraphic style. The frame is enhanced by red and ...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Double-Sided Bar Directional Advertising Sign
Vintage Double-Sided Bar Directional Advertising Sign

Vintage Double-Sided Bar Directional Advertising Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Double-sided hand-painted plywood advertising sign directing patrons to a downstairs bar. The stepped Art Deco-inspired profile features the phrases "DOWNSTAIRS BAR IS OPEN," "TO LAD...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Other Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Mid 20th Century Vintage Porcelain Enameled Metal Sprinkler Fire Alarm Sign
Mid 20th Century Vintage Porcelain Enameled Metal Sprinkler Fire Alarm Sign

Mid 20th Century Vintage Porcelain Enameled Metal Sprinkler Fire Alarm Sign

Located in Stamford, CT

Great Vintage porcelain sign-enameled metal sign, Sprinkler Fire Alarm when bell rings call Police or Fire Dept. This sign came off an industrial building ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Signs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Bait Store Fish Sign
Vintage Bait Store Fish Sign

Vintage Bait Store Fish Sign

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Vintage painted bait store fish sign. Hand-carved wood fish with blue glass eyes and hanging brackets; several coats of park paint - the last one a "fresh" yellow with brown painted ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 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

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

Victorian Clyde Shipbuilders Trade Sign with Annotated Steamship Hull Model
Victorian Clyde Shipbuilders Trade Sign with Annotated Steamship Hull Model

Victorian Clyde Shipbuilders Trade Sign with Annotated Steamship Hull Model

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Victorian Clyde Shipbuilders Trade Sign with Annotated Steamship Hull Model An exceptionally rare and historically significant Victorian maritime trade sign celebrating the shipbuil...

Category

Late 19th Century Scottish High Victorian Antique 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

Early 20th Century Double-Sided "Kings Head" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign
Early 20th Century Double-Sided "Kings Head" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign

Early 20th Century Double-Sided "Kings Head" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign

Located in Brooklyn, NY

English two-sided handmade and painted metal pub sign depicting a king of clubs with the text "Flowers" above and "Kings Head" below (ca. early 1900s, England). Identical imagery and...

Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave
Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave

Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave

Located in Buffalo, NY

Large Scale Vintage New York City Bus or Subway Roll, Brooklyn-Queens , 8th ave... Over 11 feet !! Great old sign, double sided.

Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Korhogo Cloth, Canvas

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

Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch

$1,299Sale 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 Early 20th Century Edwardian Brass 'Way Out' Illuminated Sign. C.1900
Antique Early 20th Century Edwardian Brass 'Way Out' Illuminated Sign. C.1900

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

Located in London, GB

A large 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

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s
Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful and intruiging advertising statue for Christian Dior. This would have been used on a shop counter or to draw attention in a shop windo...

Category

1960s French Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Plaster

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s
Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful and intriguing advertising statue for Christian Dior. This would have been used on a shop counter or to draw attention in a shop windo...

Category

1960s French Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Plaster

Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s
Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s

Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial facade letter “T” was made during the 1970s in Italy and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 1,5 kg.

Category

1970s 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

Fabulous Antique British London Pub Two Sided Sign
Fabulous Antique British London Pub Two Sided Sign

Fabulous Antique British London Pub Two Sided Sign

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Fabulous one of a kind original pub sign from The Cornet Pub on Lavender Gardens just off Lavender Hill, Battersea London, having a gentleman on white horseback and the words “The ...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

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

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

English Pub Sign, "The Manor House"
English Pub Sign, "The Manor House"

English Pub Sign, "The Manor House"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a handsome English manor house standing on a grassy estate, titled "The Manor House" A very fine example of vintag...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Giuseppe Magagnoli 'Maga' Art Deco Porcelain Sign, Poster, for Viset
Giuseppe Magagnoli 'Maga' Art Deco Porcelain Sign, Poster, for Viset

Giuseppe Magagnoli 'Maga' Art Deco Porcelain Sign, Poster, for Viset

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Giuseppe Magagnoli 'Maga' (1878-1933) Art Deco porcelain sign (Poster) for Viset. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.

Category

20th Century Italian Signs

Early 20th Century Pharmacist Figural Trade Sign
Early 20th Century Pharmacist Figural Trade Sign

Early 20th Century Pharmacist Figural Trade Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Antique figural painted tin trade sign. This piece takes the form of an antique mortar and pestle, one of the most important tools used by practitioners of medicine for centuries. T...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Tin

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

19th Century Gold Giltwood Carved Letters William Trade Sign
19th Century Gold Giltwood Carved Letters William Trade Sign

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. Ready to display.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Bell System Telephone Double Sided Flange Porcelain Sign
Bell System Telephone Double Sided Flange Porcelain Sign

Bell System Telephone Double Sided Flange Porcelain Sign

Located in San Mateo, CA

Flange mount double sided Bell public telephone porcelain sign. The porcelain has good color. There are some losses around the edges and in the sign.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Steel

Framed 18th c. Merchant Trade Sign
Framed 18th c. Merchant Trade Sign

Framed 18th c. Merchant Trade Sign

Located in Greenwich, CT

A late 18th century/early 19th century trade sign from a Dutch West Indies shipping merchant. The carved wood and polychromed sign depicts a winged-foot Mercury figure surrounded by ...

Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Set of Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass 'Internalite' Illuminated Signs. C.1920
Set of Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass 'Internalite' Illuminated Signs. C.1920

Set of Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass 'Internalite' Illuminated Signs. C.1920

Located in London, GB

Quality pair of illuminated glass and brass directional signs made in England. c.1920. Brass frame housing the internal illuminations above polished plate glass etched with 'LADIES'...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Signs

Materials

Brass

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

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

Vintage Gunshot Stop Sign
Vintage Gunshot Stop Sign

Vintage Gunshot Stop Sign

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This authentic vintage stop sign serves as a compelling piece of Americana industrial art. Characterized by its classic octagonal form and bold refle...

Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Aluminum

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.