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Vintage Metal Letters

1950s Era Large Metal Letters
1950s Era Large Metal Letters

1950s Era Large Metal Letters

Located in Surrey, BC

The company was founded in 1910 and was one of BC's premier steel and metal suppliers. Letters sold individually.

Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Signs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Vintage Letters P and A
Pair of Vintage Letters P and A

Pair of Vintage Letters P and A

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

Vintage iron letters "P" and "A" mounted on a metal bases. Likely tin and part of a vintage sign, they offer a fun industrial vibe.

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Iron, Tin

Antique Architectural Bank Building Bronze "No" Letters
Antique Architectural Bank Building Bronze "No" Letters

Antique Architectural Bank Building Bronze "No" Letters

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Very substantial and solid letters.

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Bronze

Large Metal Letters Cars Black Painted Advertising Mancave
Large Metal Letters Cars Black Painted Advertising Mancave

Large Metal Letters Cars Black Painted Advertising Mancave

Located in Poperinge, BE

Cool set of four large letters made of black-painted galvanized metal. These were used as advertising items in a large company in the 1990s.

Category

1990s Belgian 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

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Handcrafted Folk Art Sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE, Raised Letters
Large Antique Handcrafted Folk Art Sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE, Raised Letters

Large Antique Handcrafted Folk Art Sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE, Raised Letters

Located in Buffalo, NY

Large antique handcrafted Folk Art sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE,, Beautiful sign,, turn of the century,, Retains original finish,, patina,, modeled blue background,, raised letters.

Category

Vintage 1910s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Eat or Tea Large Scale 1950s American Porcelain Enameled Steel Letters Sign
Eat or Tea Large Scale 1950s American Porcelain Enameled Steel Letters Sign

Eat or Tea Large Scale 1950s American Porcelain Enameled Steel Letters Sign

Located in Pound Ridge, NY

Superb large scale American 1950s porcelain enameled metal letters, over 24" high, originally used as exterior signage from Chicago.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Signs

Materials

Metal

Set of 7 Mid-Century Era Painted Wood Carnival Folk Art Sign Box Letters
Set of 7 Mid-Century Era Painted Wood Carnival Folk Art Sign Box Letters

Set of 7 Mid-Century Era Painted Wood Carnival Folk Art Sign Box Letters

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

The letters are well constructed box letters with well supported joints and corners and the fronts have been hand painted with vivid red, blue and yellow bands.

Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Double-Sided Boot Form "Repairing" Illuminated Trade Sign
Vintage Double-Sided Boot Form "Repairing" Illuminated Trade Sign

Vintage Double-Sided Boot Form "Repairing" Illuminated Trade Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Internal illumination glows through the individual milk glass letters, emphasizing the bold typography and reinforcing the sign's roadside commercial presence.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Metal

Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s
Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s

Large vintage exterior wall shop sign for a coffee Bar Tabac France in the 50s

Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR

Extraordinary typography, typical of the 1950s. The metal letters are fixed to two steel bars, which were hung on the front of the establishment.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Iron, Zinc

19th Century Iron Trade Sign Letter Box, Mail Box, Folk Art, Locksmith Design
19th Century Iron Trade Sign Letter Box, Mail Box, Folk Art, Locksmith Design

19th Century Iron Trade Sign Letter Box, Mail Box, Folk Art, Locksmith Design

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

The Post Box is a very unusual piece, it is blacksmith made to hang outside a Hardware shop, it is in the shape of a padlock On the front there is a slot for letters and below this a...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

“Whistle” Railway Sign, England 1870
“Whistle” Railway Sign, England 1870

“Whistle” Railway Sign, England 1870

Located in Culver City, CA

“Whistle” Railway Sign England, 1870 Painted backboard with alloy letters and glass “cats eye” reflectors. 96"L x 2.5"d x 18"h Ref.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

"Join American Red Cross" Vintage WWII Uncle Sam Recruitment Tabletop Sign
"Join American Red Cross" Vintage WWII Uncle Sam Recruitment Tabletop Sign

"Join American Red Cross" Vintage WWII Uncle Sam Recruitment Tabletop Sign

By James Montgomery Flagg

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

.," they assumed that the letters meant Uncle Sam. Wilson had labeled the barrels "U.S." for "United States," and so the two ideas merged—Uncle Sam became a symbol for the United Sta...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Signs

Materials

Other

White Neon BOUTIQUE Sign in Lucite Box, 1990s USA
White Neon BOUTIQUE Sign in Lucite Box, 1990s USA

White Neon BOUTIQUE Sign in Lucite Box, 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

All neon is white, photographs are capturing the neon gas moving through the letters and appear different colors. Neon is perfectly, continuously white in person.

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Vintage Large Wooden “Bakery” Trade Sign
Vintage Large Wooden “Bakery” Trade Sign

Vintage Large Wooden “Bakery” Trade Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Large hand-crafted wooden storefront sign featuring raised block letters reading BAKERY across a shaped gilt panel.

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Signs

Materials

Wood

Phillips 66 Cast Aluminum Gas Sign
Phillips 66 Cast Aluminum Gas Sign

Phillips 66 Cast Aluminum Gas Sign

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Letters are 17.5x 17.5 x 2. When place on back support the length is roughly 14 ft

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Aluminum

'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.

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Features a lacquer finish with pierced letters reading "Montre Ponctua" or a promise to be on time.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque Signs

Materials

Metal

Camel Boots Shop or Store Sign in hardwood, Circa 1960s
Camel Boots Shop or Store Sign in hardwood, Circa 1960s

Camel Boots Shop or Store Sign in hardwood, Circa 1960s

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The sign is colour stenciled on both the facing sides, back and front, with the letters CAMEL and with BOOTS below in yellow. The letters that form the logo are in three dimensional ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Signs

Materials

Hardwood

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

It runs through downtown Los Angeles and is one of the most recognizable roads in Southern California, and one of the busiest. Reflective white letters and border with a reflective g...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Steel

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

Most of the sign was damaged but we lucky saved only these 4-letters stating “HELL”. Hand painted with gold gilt writing and mounted flat onto a new ebonised bespoke frame with hang...

Category

Vintage 1920s British Victorian Signs

Materials

Pine

Vintage Italian PIZZA Sign. 1970s
Vintage Italian PIZZA Sign. 1970s

Vintage Italian PIZZA Sign. 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

Vintage industrial grey iron sing “PIZZA”. Set of five letters was made during the 1970s in Italy. Dimensions : Total width : 110 cm, Height : 30 cm ,Depth : 5 cm, Depth with wa...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Industrial Signs

Materials

Iron

Authentic Antique Folk Art Equestrian Horse Farm Sign
Authentic Antique Folk Art Equestrian Horse Farm Sign

Authentic Antique Folk Art Equestrian Horse Farm Sign

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Charming hand made vintage horse farm sign that is finished front and back. The horse and letters are black wrought iron, and the wood has a distressed painted patina.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign
Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign

Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign

By Breitling

Located in Forney, TX

Some condition issues/retaining vintage character marks and charm, including scattered nicks, mainly to the front top right frame, minor scuffs to the letters, scratches, slight bend...

Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Located in Cirencester, GB

The silvery/blue Zinc letters are on a painted white ply board. There are lots of bumps and scrapes and plenty of character to this french hairdressing sign, all totally original.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Zinc

Wood 'Dinner' Sign, 1980s USA
Wood 'Dinner' Sign, 1980s USA

Wood 'Dinner' Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The reverse side features colorful flowers and the word "TEA" painted in maroon letters. Eye catching and fun, this piece has the trappings of Americana wall art.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Wood 'Lunch' Sign, 1980s USA
Wood 'Lunch' Sign, 1980s USA

Wood 'Lunch' Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The reverse side features colorful flowers and the word "ROSE" painted in maroon letters. Eye catching and fun, this piece has the trappings of Americana wall art.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

"No Diving" POOL Sign, 1980s USA
"No Diving" POOL Sign, 1980s USA

"No Diving" POOL Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bold reflective white letters on a classic green background. Great colors and scale.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign

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.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

No Loitering Street Sign, 1980s USA
No Loitering Street Sign, 1980s USA

No Loitering Street Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage street sign that reads "No Loitering - Violators Subject to immediate Arrest". Red and white letters on a reflective white background. Good vintage condition and scale with w...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

"Save a Life" Pool Sign, 1980s USA
"Save a Life" Pool Sign, 1980s USA

"Save a Life" Pool Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage pool sign that reads "Save A Life". Bold blue letters on a white background. Great colors and scale.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Neighborhood Watch Street Sign, 1980s USA
Neighborhood Watch Street Sign, 1980s USA

Neighborhood Watch Street Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage street sign that reads "This is a Neighborhood Watch Community". Black letters on a reflective white background. Used to have red accents which have since faded due to weathe...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Vintage Neon "YOU" Sign
Vintage Neon "YOU" Sign

Vintage Neon "YOU" Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage neon sign, spelling Y - O - U. handcut metal channel letters with hand bent neon glass. Just over 6 feet long when lined up horizontally.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Signs

Materials

Metal

Trade Sign Depicting a Huge Skimmer Ladle, France, 1900
Trade Sign Depicting a Huge Skimmer Ladle, France, 1900

Trade Sign Depicting a Huge Skimmer Ladle, France, 1900

Located in Milan, IT

The sign depicts a huge skimmer ladle, made out of boxwood and iron, with 2 painted letters E X. France 1900 ca.

Category

Early 20th Century Antiquities

Materials

Iron

Large Woolworth & Co Gilt Metal Number Ten Sign Wall Sculpture
Large Woolworth & Co Gilt Metal Number Ten Sign Wall Sculpture

Large Woolworth & Co Gilt Metal Number Ten Sign Wall Sculpture

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Made in the 1920s, these numbers letters have become very hard to find. They became available when F.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Signs

Materials

Metal

Manhole Cover Prototype Folk Art, 1960s USA
Manhole Cover Prototype Folk Art, 1960s USA

Manhole Cover Prototype Folk Art, 1960s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Made by by various wooden cubes and blocks as well as letters nailed to the front of the main ply of the cap giving it its design.

Category

Vintage 1960s American 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.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Signs

Materials

Plastic

Los Angeles County Line Freeway Sign, 1990s USA
Los Angeles County Line Freeway Sign, 1990s USA

Los Angeles County Line Freeway Sign, 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This sign welcomed you as you entered the county of Los Angeles. Reflective letters and border as well as a protective plastic sheet over the face.

Category

1990s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

French Anatomy Sign
French Anatomy Sign

French Anatomy Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Depicting the French word ANATOMIE. 8 free standing letters. Patina and wear to metal. Great piece of wall art that can have multiple configurations.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950's Commercial Sign "All - Stainless Inc"
1950's Commercial Sign "All - Stainless Inc"

1950's Commercial Sign "All - Stainless Inc"

Located in Hanover, MA

Vintage commercial business sign from early 1950's for All - Stainless, Inc. 78" long by 12" high panel of patinated blue colored aluminum with 1/4" thick die cut letters in natural...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885
Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885

Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885

By The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia

Located in Incline Village, NV

"Just"--"Prompt"--"Certain", in prominent gold letters on a circular aqua background displays their motto; while gold, white, and aqua lettering on a light brownish background comple...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Tin

Early 20th Century American "Chiropractor" Sign
Early 20th Century American "Chiropractor" Sign

Early 20th Century American "Chiropractor" Sign

Located in Chicago, IL

The sign, found in a barn in the heart of Wisconsin, features a classic black background adorned with bold, radiant yellow letters spelling out "CHIROPRACTOR." This panel was part of...

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Very Early X-Ray Building Sign
Very Early X-Ray Building Sign

Very Early X-Ray Building Sign

Located in Peekskill, NY

The letters are "white" and the background is black, but all very faded together, with a green border.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Tin

Hollywood Sign Artist Model
Hollywood Sign Artist Model

Hollywood Sign Artist Model

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hollywood sign made as an artist's model to make larger versions at a later time. Letters are perfect scale. Made of wood with metal rods attached to plant into the ground.

Category

Early 2000s American Signs

Materials

Metal

1981 California Highway Lodging Sign
1981 California Highway Lodging Sign

1981 California Highway Lodging Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large blue sign with white lettering and white trim. Letters and trim have reflective pieces. Great coloring and condition.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Art

Materials

Steel

Vintage Czech Shop Sign, 1960s
Vintage Czech Shop Sign, 1960s

Vintage Czech Shop Sign, 1960s

Located in Wien, AT

This set of shop sign letters is made of steel sheet and spells out the Czech words "Smisene Zbozi" in upper case which is Czech for grocery store.

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Signs

Materials

Steel

Advertising Mirror “Crawford’s Delightful Biscuits” Baker or Cafe
Advertising Mirror “Crawford’s Delightful Biscuits” Baker or Cafe

Advertising Mirror “Crawford’s Delightful Biscuits” Baker or Cafe

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

“Crawford’s Delightful Biscuits” baker/cafe advertising mirror This is a good piece the bevelled mirror is set in a 2” wide oak frame, in the centre in large letters etched into t...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Signs

Materials

Mirror

RICH Sign
RICH Sign

RICH Sign

$1,800

RICH Sign

Located in Darnestown, MD

In any case, it is wonderful decoration from the 1930's. Letters are metal with nicely patinated gold paint that may be gold leaf.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Signs

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

Unusual three dimensional channel letters. Many layers of red, white and blue paint surface and original neon tubes.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Three Dimensional Double-Sided Wooden Hovis Tea Shop Sign
Three Dimensional Double-Sided Wooden Hovis Tea Shop Sign

Three Dimensional Double-Sided Wooden Hovis Tea Shop Sign

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Three dimensional double-sided wooden hovis tea shop sign  A great piece of social history, this sign is in wood it has been made with applied large letters, sadly here is a few b...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Signs

Art Deco Chrome & Glass Skyscraper Directory Sign
Art Deco Chrome & Glass Skyscraper Directory Sign

Art Deco Chrome & Glass Skyscraper Directory Sign

Located in Hanover, MA

Undo the brass clips to remove the black felt board. Pin your letters or announcement to the felt then clip it back onto the framed panel then reinsert into the main frame.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Picture Frames

Materials

Chrome, Steel, Aluminum

1959 California Highway 'Signal Ahead' Sign with Reflectors
1959 California Highway 'Signal Ahead' Sign with Reflectors

1959 California Highway 'Signal Ahead' Sign with Reflectors

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare 'Signal Ahead' yellow sign from a California Highway. Letters are made of reflectors. Stamped 'State of California' on the back with the date, 1959.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Decorative Art

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

Vintage French Letters "N. A. G."
Vintage French Letters "N. A. G."

Vintage French Letters "N. A. G."

Unavailable

H 20 in W 20 in D 5 in

Vintage French Letters "N. A. G."

Located in New York, NY

Vintage metal three-dimensional letters with worn green paint. Only letters available: N A G

Category

Vintage 1950s French Decorative Art

Materials

Steel

Huge French "DECOR" Letters in Black Paint
Huge French "DECOR" Letters in Black Paint

Huge French "DECOR" Letters in Black Paint

Unavailable

H 64 in W 30 in D 2 in

Huge French "DECOR" Letters in Black Paint

Located in Woodbury, CT

We sourced these amazing letters in Provence and thought they'd be the perfect find for a shop or business specializing in Design and Decoration.

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Aluminum

1900s Gold Leaf Letters Sign "Herrieff's Boys Store"
1900s Gold Leaf Letters Sign "Herrieff's Boys Store"

1900s Gold Leaf Letters Sign "Herrieff's Boys Store"

Unavailable

H 30 in W 62.5 in D 2.75 in

1900s Gold Leaf Letters Sign "Herrieff's Boys Store"

Located in Chicago, IL

1900s gold leaf letters sign "Herrieff's Boys Store" on tin background with original wood frame.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Tin

Handmade Large-Scale Information Sign with Dimensional Letters
Handmade Large-Scale Information Sign with Dimensional Letters

Handmade Large-Scale Information Sign with Dimensional Letters

Located in 3 Oaks, MI

Handmade mid-20th century painted wood "Information" sign with individually applied dimensional letters. Great distressed painted surface from likely being used outside.

Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Signs

Large Antique Gold Leaf Wood Letters "LA" for Los Angeles
Large Antique Gold Leaf Wood Letters "LA" for Los Angeles

Large Antique Gold Leaf Wood Letters "LA" for Los Angeles

Located in Chicago, IL

Large antique gold leaf wood letters "LA" for Los Angeles. Letter L: 19" wide.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

F.W. Woolworth Original Cast Metal Five and Dime Letters
F.W. Woolworth Original Cast Metal Five and Dime Letters

F.W. Woolworth Original Cast Metal Five and Dime Letters

Located in Sheffield, MA

Memorable and original very early cast metal FW Woolworth 5 and dime letters -- the numbers '1' and '0'. An ideal gift for that '10' in your life!

Category

Vintage 1930s American Signs

Mid-20th Century Gothic Font Letters, Vintage Infant's Shop Sign 'My Lord', 1940
Mid-20th Century Gothic Font Letters, Vintage Infant's Shop Sign 'My Lord', 1940

Mid-20th Century Gothic Font Letters, Vintage Infant's Shop Sign 'My Lord', 1940

Located in Milan, Italy

This beautiful and sweet sign which compose the word 'My Lord' comes from an old vintage shop for babies. The letters are in Gothic font, they are made by metal and the color is gold...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Gothic Signs

Materials

Metal

Antwerp Oil Butchery Sign, 1950
Antwerp Oil Butchery Sign, 1950

Antwerp Oil Butchery Sign, 1950

Unavailable

H 9.65 in W 14.18 in D 0.2 in

Antwerp Oil Butchery Sign, 1950

Located in Retie, BE

Tin sign with raised edge and relief letters dated 1950. Antwerp Signs - Oil butchery signs - oil butcher - food industry - red and blue - food signs -

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Industrial Signs

Materials

Tin

"RODEO" Sign
"RODEO" Sign

"RODEO" Sign

Unavailable

H 18.5 in W 79.5 in D 1.5 in

"RODEO" Sign

Located in Aurora, OR

These 1920's era sign letters, which retain remnants of their original gilding, were placed on this simple board at some point in their history to create the perfect blend of rustic ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Signs

Materials

Wood

1950s Double Sided Hershey's Ice Cream Sign
1950s Double Sided Hershey's Ice Cream Sign

1950s Double Sided Hershey's Ice Cream Sign

Unavailable

H 40 in W 57 in D 10 in

1950s Double Sided Hershey's Ice Cream Sign

Located in Chicago, IL

1950's double sided Hershey's ice cream metal sign. Embossed letters. Original condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Metal

Large Antique Gilded Cast Iron Sign, "Store"
Large Antique Gilded Cast Iron Sign, "Store"

Large Antique Gilded Cast Iron Sign, "Store"

Unavailable

H 25.5 in W 75.5 in D 3 in

Large Antique Gilded Cast Iron Sign, "Store"

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique department store sign made of gilded cast iron letters attached to black board.

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Iron

Sign Letter "I"
Sign Letter "I"

Sign Letter "I"

Unavailable

H 47 in W 53 in D 9 in

Sign Letter "I"

Located in Corona Del Mar, CA

Fantastic letters from RICH's flagship store in Atlanta.

Category

20th Century American More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

"Everybody Is A Star" a Huge Vintage Gold Acrylic Mirror Hollywood Sign
"Everybody Is A Star" a Huge Vintage Gold Acrylic Mirror Hollywood Sign

"Everybody Is A Star" a Huge Vintage Gold Acrylic Mirror Hollywood Sign

By Tim Prendergast

Located in Palm Springs, CA

These letters were originally manufactured, at great cost, for commercial exterior use and can now be used indoors or out.

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage French Zinc Coiffeur, Hairdresser, Barbershop Sign, 1920s
Vintage French Zinc Coiffeur, Hairdresser, Barbershop Sign, 1920s

Vintage French Zinc Coiffeur, Hairdresser, Barbershop Sign, 1920s

Located in Ulft, Gelderland

Vintage French hairdresser or barbershop sign. Letters are made of zinc and remain in Good condition.

Category

Early 20th Century French Signs

Materials

Zinc

20th C. 'The Galleries' English Sign
20th C. 'The Galleries' English Sign

20th C. 'The Galleries' English Sign

Unavailable

H 15 in W 134.5 in D 2.5 in

20th C. 'The Galleries' English Sign

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is a solid wood sign made from 2 planks. The letters are carved out and painted black. Most of the paint has rubbed off.

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Jumbo Midcentury Channel Number Sign "2"
Jumbo Midcentury Channel Number Sign "2"

Jumbo Midcentury Channel Number Sign "2"

Unavailable

H 29 in W 37.5 in D 6 in

Jumbo Midcentury Channel Number Sign "2"

Located in Alhambra, CA

Please contact us to inquire about our other jumbo letters and numbers. Dimensions: 29" W x 6" D x 37.5" H.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Steel

American Mid-Century Wooden Sign: Golf & Tennis
American Mid-Century Wooden Sign: Golf & Tennis

American Mid-Century Wooden Sign: Golf & Tennis

Unavailable

H 1.5 in W 78 in D 8.5 in

American Mid-Century Wooden Sign: Golf & Tennis

Located in Culver City, CA

The articulated raised letters are on a shaped wooden base. The painted raised wooden letters are golden yellow with background outlines painted in rich brown.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large "Darien Bootery" Wooden Signboard
Large "Darien Bootery" Wooden Signboard

Large "Darien Bootery" Wooden Signboard

Located in Woodbury, CT

A large wooden signboard 'Darien Bootery' in a black painted surface with hand carved gold gilt letters showing traces of original green beneath.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Signs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Carved Wooden Shop Signs- 'J Arnison & Sons'
Pair of 19th Century Carved Wooden Shop Signs- 'J Arnison & Sons'

Pair of 19th Century Carved Wooden Shop Signs- 'J Arnison & Sons'

Located in Tadcaster, GB

No serious damage just small loss bottom left of the wood inside the frame of one. The letters are carved directly into the wood. These have a subtle elegance to them and rather than...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Signs

Early Iron Road Sign: 'WATCH CHILDREN'
Early Iron Road Sign: 'WATCH CHILDREN'

Early Iron Road Sign: 'WATCH CHILDREN'

Unavailable

H 72 in W 32.5 in D 13.5 in

Early Iron Road Sign: 'WATCH CHILDREN'

Located in Sheffield, MA

Yellow/orange background with black painted raised letters. A stunning warning for today's world.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Signs

ABC's & 123's
ABC's & 123's

ABC's & 123's

Unavailable

ABC's & 123's

Located in Plainville, KS

Mixed lot of old wood numbers and letters from homes and storefronts; wood printing blocks.

Category

20th Century American Decorative Art

Tin Trade Sign:  LE JOURNAL - EN VENTE ICI
Tin Trade Sign:  LE JOURNAL - EN VENTE ICI

Tin Trade Sign: LE JOURNAL - EN VENTE ICI

Unavailable

H 13.5 in W 19.5 in

Tin Trade Sign: LE JOURNAL - EN VENTE ICI

Located in New York, NY

Charming advertisment for a French newspaper, with raised letters and figure of a very short salesman displaying a very large copy of Le Journal, featuring all zee latest news.

Category

20th Century French Signs

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign
1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Located in Milan, IT

From the same sign also available in stock letters: C, I, T, N. Collector's note: Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign
1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Unavailable

H 47.64 in W 47.25 in D 2.76 in

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Located in Milan, IT

From the same sign also available in stock letters: I,T,O,N. Collector's note: Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

1950s Orange French Metal Letter Citroën Sign
1950s Orange French Metal Letter Citroën Sign

1950s Orange French Metal Letter Citroën Sign

Unavailable

H 47.64 in W 41.74 in D 2.76 in

1950s Orange French Metal Letter Citroën Sign

Located in Milan, IT

From the same sign also available in stock letters: C, I, T, O. Collector's note: Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign
1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Unavailable

H 47.64 in W 39.38 in D 2.76 in

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Located in Milan, IT

From the same sign also available in stock letters: C,I,O,N. Measures: Height 121 cm.  

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign
1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Unavailable

H 47.64 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in

1950s Orange Metal Vintage French Letter Citroën Sign

Located in Milan, IT

From the same sign also available in stock letters: C,T,O,N. Measure: 121 centimeters height.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

1920s Tin Sign Chicorée Mondiale by Rob Otten, Belgium
1920s Tin Sign Chicorée Mondiale by Rob Otten, Belgium

1920s Tin Sign Chicorée Mondiale by Rob Otten, Belgium

Unavailable

H 6.3 in W 13.59 in D 0.08 in

1920s Tin Sign Chicorée Mondiale by Rob Otten, Belgium

By Rob Otten

Located in Retie, BE

This Art Deco Sign is dated 1927. The Letters are pressed into the metal, what gives relief to the sign.

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Signs

Materials

Tin

Berkshire Brand Canvas Sign, great advertising!
Berkshire Brand Canvas Sign, great advertising!

Berkshire Brand Canvas Sign, great advertising!

By Meyerchord Co.

Located in Clear Spring, MD

Warm tobacco-brown background with silver letters and black shadowing. Rare chromolithograph sign on canvas...not paper.

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Lake Boat Rental Large Carved Wood Sign
Lake Boat Rental Large Carved Wood Sign

Lake Boat Rental Large Carved Wood Sign

Unavailable

H 83 in W 47.75 in D 1.25 in

Lake Boat Rental Large Carved Wood Sign

Located in Dallas, TX

This large T-shaped boat rental sign with its rustic character and carved letters, is made up of two wood panel pieces and stands 83 tall.

Category

20th Century American Adirondack Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Shop Sign (Glass & Metal)
Vintage French Shop Sign (Glass & Metal)

Vintage French Shop Sign (Glass & Metal)

Unavailable

H 28 in W 27.5 in D 1 in

Vintage French Shop Sign (Glass & Metal)

Located in New Orleans, LA

This sign is made in a very interesting way -- the negative space of the letters is painted on glass and placed in front of corrugated metal.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Signs

Huge Vintage Zinc Letter 'A'
Huge Vintage Zinc Letter 'A'

Huge Vintage Zinc Letter 'A'

Unavailable

H 47.25 in W 65.36 in D 3.94 in

Huge Vintage Zinc Letter 'A'

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

These huge metal letters were sourced in the Czech Republic, circa 1960s These would have had the neon tube attached to the face and then lit up.

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Signs

Materials

Steel, Zinc

Excellent Rare Early Key West Trade Sign, Double Sided
Excellent Rare Early Key West Trade Sign, Double Sided

Excellent Rare Early Key West Trade Sign, Double Sided

Unavailable

H 9.5 in W 32.25 in D 1 in

Excellent Rare Early Key West Trade Sign, Double Sided

Located in Hadley, MA

Talented workmanship, in wonderful, untouched, original condition, with fabulous weathered coppery-green letters. Original hanger hooks intact. Key West's nickname is "the rock".

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Pine

Antique Paint and Wallpaper Neon Can Sign
Antique Paint and Wallpaper Neon Can Sign

Antique Paint and Wallpaper Neon Can Sign

Unavailable

H 23 in W 58.25 in D 6.25 in

Antique Paint and Wallpaper Neon Can Sign

Located in Dallas, TX

The sign is a blue-black color with ivory letters and a silver border outline. If you are an interior designer, architect or a showroom that supplies the trade, you need this piece.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Signs

Materials

Metal

Scotch Stores Antique Pub Sign with Gold Leaf Lettering
Scotch Stores Antique Pub Sign with Gold Leaf Lettering

Scotch Stores Antique Pub Sign with Gold Leaf Lettering

Unavailable

H 24.25 in W 124.13 in D 2.25 in

Scotch Stores Antique Pub Sign with Gold Leaf Lettering

Located in Dallas, TX

The sign was beautifully hand-carved with 1/2" deep letters, which were then gold leafed. The glass face of the sign appears to be the original glass, which protected the sign makers...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Signs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Original A.C.M.A. Paris Vespa Service Sign, 1950s Enamel
Original A.C.M.A. Paris Vespa Service Sign, 1950s Enamel

Original A.C.M.A. Paris Vespa Service Sign, 1950s Enamel

By Piaggio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

ACMA was founded in Fourchambault, near Dijon, France on 25 November 1950. The letters ACMA stand for Ateliers de construction de Motocycles et Accessoires where scooter production ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Metal, Enamel

1960s Blue Hard Cardboard Vintage Italian Bitter Campari Sign
1960s Blue Hard Cardboard Vintage Italian Bitter Campari Sign

1960s Blue Hard Cardboard Vintage Italian Bitter Campari Sign

Located in Milan, IT

This vintage hard cardboard sign of Bitter Campari L' Aperitivo with yellow and white letters on blue background was produced in the 1960s in Italy.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Wood

Antique French Patisserie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art
Antique French Patisserie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art

Antique French Patisserie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art

Located in Houston, TX

Please contact us for favorable pricing on the pair. Antique letters, newly crafted frame Measures 69"H x 47"W x 5.5"D.

Category

Antique 19th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique French Boulangerie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art
Antique French Boulangerie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art

Antique French Boulangerie Letters Parisian Shop Sign Art

Located in Houston, TX

Please contact us for favorable pricing on the pair. Antique letters with newly crafted frame Measures 69"H x 47"W x 5.5"D.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Signs

Materials

Metal

Sauce Large Zinc Letters
Sauce Large Zinc Letters

Sauce Large Zinc Letters

Sold

H 23 in W 88 in D 3 in

Sauce Large Zinc Letters

Located in Culver City, CA

large zinc letters with wonderful patina

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Zinc

Tin sign, letters 'NUE'
Tin sign, letters 'NUE'

Tin sign, letters 'NUE'

Sold

H 31 in W 19 in D 4 in

Tin sign, letters 'NUE'

Located in Palm Springs, CA

'NUE' metal letters. Hand built tin with original blue paint.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Signs

Materials

Tin

MODERN Deco Era Sign Letters
MODERN Deco Era Sign Letters

MODERN Deco Era Sign Letters

Sold

H 14 in W 64 in D 4 in

MODERN Deco Era Sign Letters

Located in Seattle, WA

Copper Letter Set spelling 'MODERN' in the classic Deco font; from an old sign found in the Pacific Northwest, these letters are made from .125 ga. copper sheet, cut and soldered as...

Category

Early 20th Century American Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

R U S H Zinc Letters
R U S H Zinc Letters

R U S H Zinc Letters

Sold

H 22.75 in W 1,415.75 in

R U S H Zinc Letters

Located in Culver City, CA

R U S H letters, original zinc clean graphic form

Category

Early 20th Century English Decorative Art

Materials

Zinc

Large Industrial Metal Marquee Letters YOU Set
Large Industrial Metal Marquee Letters YOU Set

Large Industrial Metal Marquee Letters YOU Set

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of 3, Large, industrial, painted metal, building signage, marquee letters YOU. The width of the letters Y and O is 24 inches and the letter U is 18 inches.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters
Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters

Sold

H 11.42 in W 7.88 in D 0.4 in

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Wonderful bronze trade sign letters to form the word "Biker." Painted early in their life, leaving wonderful bursts of Verdigris, English, circa 1900.

Category

Early 20th Century English Signs

Materials

Bronze

Large Vintage Channel Letters "NYZ", circa 1950s
Large Vintage Channel Letters "NYZ", circa 1950s

Large Vintage Channel Letters "NYZ", circa 1950s

Located in San Francisco, CA

About These are original large metal channel sign letters "N and Z". These pieces have retained their original finish.

Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Signs

Materials

Sheet Metal

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "TIME"
Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "TIME"

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "TIME"

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Wonderful bronze trade sign letters to form the word "TIME", painted early in their life leaving wonderful bursts of Verdigris.

Category

Early 20th Century English Signs

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "SIN"
Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "SIN"

Early 20th Century Bronze Trade Sign Letters "SIN"

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Wonderful bronze trade sign letters to form the word "SIN", Painted early in their life leaving wonderful burst of Verdigris, English, circa 1900.

Category

Early 20th Century English Signs

Materials

Bronze

Large Metal Letters Love Black Painted Advertising Objects
Large Metal Letters Love Black Painted Advertising Objects

Large Metal Letters Love Black Painted Advertising Objects

Located in Poperinge, BE

The letters are in excellent used condition, with minor signs of age and wear consistent with their age.

Category

1990s Belgian Signs

Materials

Metal

19thc Original Painted "dressmaking " Sign In Gilded Letters
19thc Original Painted "dressmaking " Sign In Gilded Letters

19thc Original Painted "dressmaking " Sign In Gilded Letters

Located in Los Angeles, CA

FANTASTIC ORIGINAL PAINTED TRADE SIGN.THE BLACK BODY OF THE SIGN IS IN SAND PAINT WITH ORIGINAL GOLD LETTERING AND FANCY LITTLE DECORATION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SIGN.THE TRIM IS IN A ...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Signs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Iron Works Building Sign / Letters
Early 20th Century Iron Works Building Sign / Letters

Early 20th Century Iron Works Building Sign / Letters

Located in Culver City, CA

IRON WORKS sign from an industrial factory, Maine

Category

Early 20th Century Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

19THC ORIGINAL SAND PAINTED TRADE SIGN W/GILDED LETTERS
19THC ORIGINAL SAND PAINTED TRADE SIGN W/GILDED LETTERS

19THC ORIGINAL SAND PAINTED TRADE SIGN W/GILDED LETTERS

Located in Los Angeles, CA

FANTASTIC 19THC NEW ENGLAND ORIGINAL BLACK PAINTED AND GILD LETTERS TRADE SIGN.GREAT CONDITION AND VERY SIMPLE FORM.THIS SIGN HAS THE ORIGINAL HOOKS AND BREAD BOARD ENDS CONSTRUCTION.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Signs

Early 20th C Pressed Tin & Gilt Letters, The Radiant Company New York
Early 20th C Pressed Tin & Gilt Letters, The Radiant Company New York

Early 20th C Pressed Tin & Gilt Letters, The Radiant Company New York

Located in Lowestoft, GB

Early 20th Century large collection of pressed tin and gilt letters by the Radiant Letter Company New York available 11 large letters, 23 smaller letters Large letters "R" 10cm/6...

Category

Early 20th Century American Signs

Materials

Tin

Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign
Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign

Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Fantastic metal storefront Patisserie letters from France. Blue painted letters with a great patina and chipping to the paint.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign
Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign

Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign

Sold

H 9 in W 96 in D 2 in

Vintage French "Patisserie" Sign

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Incredible metal storefront Patisserie letters from France. Red painted letters with a great patina and chipping to the finish.

Category

20th Century French Signs

Materials

Metal

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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

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

$1,680

H 8 in W 60 in D 1.5 in

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

Vintage 1920s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Carved Pine Fish Shop Sign
Carved Pine Fish Shop Sign

Carved Pine Fish Shop Sign

$5,451Sale Price|33% Off

H 20 in W 56 in D 5.5 in

Carved Pine Fish Shop Sign

Located in Cheshire, GB

Carved model of a Marlin. Dimensions: Height 20 inches Width 56 inches Depth 5.5 inches.

Category

Early 20th Century British Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pine

Large Hand Painted Double Sided Arrow "Radio Trade In" Folk Art Trade/Store Sign
Large Hand Painted Double Sided Arrow "Radio Trade In" Folk Art Trade/Store Sign

Large Hand Painted Double Sided Arrow "Radio Trade In" Folk Art Trade/Store Sign

Located in Buffalo, NY

Large Hand Painted, Double Sided Arrow "Special" Radio Trade In sale,,,,Folk Art Trade/Store Sign,,Wonderful size,,amazing crackle paint, patina..Great subject.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Masonite, Paint

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Vintage Metal Letters For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of vintage metal letters available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and steel, all vintage metal letters available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of vintage metal letters available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Vintage metal letters bearing folk art or industrial hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Vintage metal letters have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Ross Johnson Drug Co, Breitling and Claude Neon Federal Sign Company are consistently popular.

How Much are Vintage Metal Letters?

Prices for vintage metal letters can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, vintage metal letters begin at $85 and can go as high as $15,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,250.

Finding the Right Signs for You

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.