Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign A hand crafted Boucherie Chevaline, zinc gold leaf hand beaten
Early 20th Century French Victorian Signs
Zinc
Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign A hand crafted Boucherie Chevaline, zinc gold leaf hand beaten
Zinc
$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
Plywood
19th Century Cobbler Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
A carved cobbler's boot-form trade sign, in old gold paint. Carved in two pieces of pine, capped
Lead
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
Zinc
Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign. Provenance: By Repute Crosby Cobblers - Liverpool Est 1841
Metal, Brass
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
Wood
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
Wood
$5,175
Bull Head Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th Century bull head advertisement trade sign used in a hardware or butcher shop. Retains a
Metal
$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
Wood
1800s Skeleton Key Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the best locksmith trade signs we have offered. It’s early and all handmade in iron
Iron
Vintage Metal Optician Shop Trade Sign
Located in Linkebeek, BE
vintage Metal Optician Shop Trade Sign Shop Industrial decor - Optician sign Antique Large yellow
Metal
Schweppes Table Waters Oak Trade Sign Board
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Schweppes table waters oak trade sign board This charming Oak Trade Sign would have been hung
Oak
19th Century 'Doctor McCracken' Surgeon's Trade Sign
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Double-sided doctor's medical practice trade sign for 'Dr. McCracken'.
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
Wood, Paint
Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky original painted hand made Holsteins Milk metal farm trade sign has the original chain
Metal
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
Wood
Dairy Products Trade Sign Geo Fitchett 1940s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Wonderful 1940s Geo Fitchett Dairy Products Trade sign, this wooden trade sign is in wonderful
Wood
Early 20th Century Pharmacist Figural Trade Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
Antique figural copper and tin trade sign. This piece takes the form of an antique mortar and
Copper, Wrought Iron, Tin
Walk This Way: Antique Metal Shoemaker’s Trade Sign
Located in New York, NY
Metal Shoe Trade Sign Europe (likely France or England), late 19th–early 20th century This
Metal
Antique Wrought Iron Welder's Trade Sign
Located in Montreal, QC
business in the creation of your project. Antique trade signs are captivating relics that offer a
Iron
$475 / item
Hand Painted Dentist Trade Sign c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Single sided wooden dentist tooth trade sign with gold and black letters. Hand painted, hand
Wood
Antique Ingersoll Watches Adverting Trade Sign, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique double sided trade sign for Ingersoll Watches in the shape of a pocket watch. Excellent old
Metal
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
Tin
Hand-Carved Steer Head Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Hand-carved French walnut steer head trade sign. Made for a butcher shop. Simple, yet well done
Wood
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
Wood
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
Early 20th Century Folk Art Zinc Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art zinc barbers pole trade sign. An early 20th century hand crafted
Zinc
Large French Toleware Glove Maker’s Shop Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Toleware Glove Maker’s Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare piece it is in good
Tin
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
Metal
Early 20th Century Double Sided Metal Boot Makers Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century double sided metal boot makers trade sign. A highly decorative double sided
Metal
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. Used
Wood
Large Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Impressive Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign in the form of a Large full
Zinc
Mid-20th Century Hand Crafted Pine Barbers Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Hand Crafted Pine Barbers Trade Sign Dimensions in inches: H 16.5” x W 2.5” x D
Pine
Arts and Crafts Copper Milliners Trade Sign. Copper Top Hat
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Copper Milliners Trade Sign. Copper Top Hat This is an unusual piece, the Top Hat
Copper
$8,005Sale Price|63% Off
Frazer Nash Huge Illuminated Advertising Painted Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Frazer Nash huge illuminated advertising painted trade sign This is an advertisement for the
Wood
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
Zinc
Shoe Shop or Cobblers Trade Sign, Leather Hob Nail Boot
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Shoe Shop or Cobblers Trade Sign, Leather Hob Nail Boot This is a wonderful piece, made by a
Leather
Monumental Early 20th-Century European Carved Wooden Axe Trade Sign, 66"" Long
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental early 20th-century European carved wooden axe trade sign, measuring an impressive 60
Wood
Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign An original untouched example
Sheet Metal
19th Century Apothecary Mortar & Pestle Countertop Trade Sign or Sale Stimulator
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Apothecary trade sign or sale stimulator in the form of a mortar and pestle in gilt wood. The
Wood
Iron Bull Butcher Trade Sign with Hanging Bracket from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An iron butcher trade sign in the shape of a bull or a cow from the early 1900s. This iron trade
Iron
Early 20th Century Double Sided French Zinc Clock Smiths Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century double sided French zinc clock Smiths Trade sign We are proud to offer a rare
Zinc
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
Iron
Vintage Large Wooden “Bakery” Trade Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
American trade advertising. While the specific maker is unknown, such signs were commonly produced by
Wood
Oversized Carved Boot Trade Sign, Early 20th Century an Arresting Cobbler’s Sign
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Carved Boot Trade Sign, Early 20th Century An arresting cobbler’s sign hand-carved from
Metal
$961Sale Price|37% Off
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in your folk art
Iron
Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign.
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign. A wonderful example of massive
Sheet Metal
Carved Haddock Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved wood fish reminiscent of a nineteenth century trade sign. With carved gills, fins
Wood
A large wooden wrench, a trade sign of mwchanic’s shop, United States early 30’s
Located in Milan, IT
Trade sign of a mechanic's shop depicting a large wooden wrench with the mechanic's telephone
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
C1945 Cast Aluminum Trade Sign Form of a Key Keil Charlestown N.H. Keys Made
By Keil Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast aluminum trade sign circa 1945 depicting a actual key in red and silver. Perfect
Aluminum
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
Iron
Oversized Metal Key Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive metal bit-key trade sign from the UK. Marked BOLTON, 1925. Great patina to metal. Well made
Metal
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
Wood
Italian Pirelli Wrought Iron Advertising Trade Sign 1920
Located in Hastings, GB
Absolutely incredible advertising sign for an Italian garage, blacksmith made in forged and ornate
Wrought Iron
Boston Fish Market Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved flounder trade sign with lettering for "Chatham Fish Market". Details include gills, fins
Wood
Boston Fish Market Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Carved flounder trade sign with lettering for "Boston Fish Market". Details include gills, fins
Wood
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.
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.