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Unknown Signs

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Creator: Unknown
amazing COCKTAILBAR neon sign
amazing COCKTAILBAR neon sign

amazing COCKTAILBAR neon sign

Located in Munich, DE

nice cocktailbar sign.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Metal

19thc Original  Blue Dated 1913 Cutting Board
19thc Original  Blue Dated 1913 Cutting Board

19thc Original Blue Dated 1913 Cutting Board

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 19thc Original blue painted round cutting board was signed and dated as it was given to someone in 1913 ! It is in very good condition and painted on the front and unpainted on ...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Frye "Boot" Advertising Sign For Harvard Square Tannery Shoe Store, ca. 1960s
Frye "Boot" Advertising Sign For Harvard Square Tannery Shoe Store, ca. 1960s

Frye "Boot" Advertising Sign For Harvard Square Tannery Shoe Store, ca. 1960s

Located in Peabody, MA

A hangable advertising icon for the Frye Boot Company in the form of an oversized leather boot, circa 1960s. This once hung in the renowned favorite Harvard Square Tannery shoe stor...

Category

1960s American Folk Art Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Leather, Wood

1940s Native American Trading Post Wooden Sign
1940s Native American Trading Post Wooden Sign

1940s Native American Trading Post Wooden Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1940s Native American wooden painted trading post sign. Colors are vibrant. This is what paint collectors appreciate. The natural fade and slight crackling of the paint showing true ...

Category

1940s American Adirondack Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Lady Blessingtons Sailors Donation Momento Plaque
Lady Blessingtons Sailors Donation Momento Plaque

Lady Blessingtons Sailors Donation Momento Plaque

Located in Los Angeles, CA

20Thc Repro trade sign from New England with a weather protector varnish for bad weather protection.Wired for hanging inside or outside.

Category

Late 20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 20th Century Piano Teacher Sign Board
Early 20th Century Piano Teacher Sign Board

Early 20th Century Piano Teacher Sign Board

Located in Peabody, MA

Hand painted sign for the services of a "modern" piano teacher. This would likely have meant ragtime or jazz, as these were often referred to as new approaches to the instrument as o...

Category

1930s North American Folk Art Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Decorative Change /Cigar Trays
19th Century Decorative Change /Cigar Trays

19th Century Decorative Change /Cigar Trays

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century decorative cigar tray given at bars as props/gift. These are in great condition with minor wear consistent of age and use. Each measure the same.

Category

19th Century American Other Antique Unknown Signs

Materials

Tin

Vintage Steel Engineering Sign from USA
Vintage Steel Engineering Sign from USA

Vintage Steel Engineering Sign from USA

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A graphic rectangular patinated steel wall sign from a venerable Detroit, Michigan engineering firm.

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Unknown Signs

Materials

Iron

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

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H 8 in W 60 in D 1.5 in

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

Located in Buffalo, NY

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1920s American Folk Art Vintage Unknown Signs

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Art Deco Box Neon "ETCHISON HATS" Wonderful Red Neon, The Neon Shop, LIMA OHIO
Art Deco Box Neon "ETCHISON HATS" Wonderful Red Neon, The Neon Shop, LIMA OHIO

Art Deco Box Neon "ETCHISON HATS" Wonderful Red Neon, The Neon Shop, LIMA OHIO

By Neon Products

Located in Buffalo, NY

Art Deco Box Neon sign advertizing Etchison Hats,c.1930's,, wonderful red neon, made by The Neon Shop.Lima Ohio.. Great graphics..retains original black metal housing.. curved deco...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Metal

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...

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1950s American Industrial Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Metal

Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"
Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"

Rare 1880s Handmade Copper/Bronze Sign, Plaque "J.W.Williams Drop Forgings"

By E. N. Little & Sons 1

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare 1880s handmade copper/bronze sign plaque "J.W.WILLIAMS DROP FORGINGS." Monumental sign/plaque salvaged from the turn of the century J W WILLIAMS factory in Brooklyn New York, ex...

Category

1880s American Industrial Antique Unknown Signs

Materials

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1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign
1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign

1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign

$4,950

H 40 in W 33 in D 3 in

1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Vintage carved and painted pine butcher's trade sign. Molded frame, insized text reading "Porkies Pen" pig in relief. 33" x 40" Period: First quarter of the 20th century or earlier ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

1930’s Enamel And Neon Braumeister Beer Sign
1930’s Enamel And Neon Braumeister Beer Sign

1930’s Enamel And Neon Braumeister Beer Sign

$12,500

H 28 in W 71.75 in D 8 in

1930’s Enamel And Neon Braumeister Beer Sign

Located in Chicago, IL

1930’s enamel and neon sign Milwaukee’s Choicest Braumeister Beer Sign. New transformer and new wiring. Please note that it will be additional fee for shipping crate.

Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Enamel

1960s English Carnival Sign
1960s English Carnival Sign

1960s English Carnival Sign

$1,650

H 23 in W 42.13 in D 0.13 in

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 Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign

$3,750

H 16.75 in Dm 10.5 in

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 Unknown Signs

Materials

Zinc

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

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

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

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

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

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 Unknown Signs

Materials

Metal

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

Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign

$1,995

H 29.5 in W 24.5 in D 5.5 in

Breitling Retail Store Display Advertising Sign

By Breitling

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce vintage Breitling watch three-dimensional retail store advertising display stand window sign. Rare large free-standing example, only given to select dealers, featuring a tall rectangular solid wood frame, raised chrome Breitling letters, over a yellow jet plane in sculptural relief form, on a most distinctive artistically distressed background; the reverse finished with a flueele fabric and adorned with the Breitling 1884 logo; rising on metal feet. Dimensions: (approx) 29.5" High, 24.5" Wide, 5.5" Deep Condition Report: Great original unrestored vintage condition. Presents well. 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 to left foot pad, all typical wear consistent with age and indicative of industrial use. At the time of writing this, we also have some other luxury watch store signage / merchandising displays, including Rolex, Panerai, Cartier, antique clock...

Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Unknown Signs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA

$7,500

H 14 in W 69 in D 4.75 in

'COME ON IN' Neon Sign , 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

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

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1990s American Unknown Signs

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Aluminum

Previously Available Items
Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture
Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture

Hand Made Wooden Dairy Farm Bull Wall Sculpture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

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

Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Original  Blue Painted Beach Sign
Early 20th Century Original  Blue Painted Beach Sign

Early 20th Century Original Blue Painted Beach Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This hand carved and original blue painted " Beach " sign with a hand directional pointed to the beach.It has the original eyelets for hanging up.It is a one sided sign.Was found in ...

Category

1930s American Adirondack Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Metal and Wood Store Prop Produce Sign
Vintage Metal and Wood Store Prop Produce Sign

Vintage Metal and Wood Store Prop Produce Sign

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H 15.75 in W 51.25 in D 1.75 in

Vintage Metal and Wood Store Prop Produce Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage metal and wooden hand painted store prop produce sign with goo wear. the sign is large and extremely visible from a distance. The colors are soft ...

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Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

Materials

Sheet Metal

Vintage Wall Mounted Store Prop Coffee Sign
Vintage Wall Mounted Store Prop Coffee Sign

Vintage Wall Mounted Store Prop Coffee Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage store front sheet metal prop sign with finger pointing the reader in the direction of coffee. This is a hand painted sign with great wear and patina.

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1940s American Adirondack Vintage Unknown Signs

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20Thc Folk Art Cow Sign W/ Original Chain
20Thc Folk Art Cow Sign W/ Original Chain

20Thc Folk Art Cow Sign W/ Original Chain

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early 20thc folky hand made cow trade sign.This full body cow hanging trade sign is double sided and has the original metal chain.The cow is hand carved & painted wood.

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1940s American Adirondack Vintage Unknown Signs

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Folky Hand Carved & Painted Fish Sign
Folky Hand Carved & Painted Fish Sign

Folky Hand Carved & Painted Fish Sign

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H 6 in W 25 in D 1 in

Folky Hand Carved & Painted Fish Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This folky hand carved & painted fish sign comes from a cabin in New England.Possibly a fishing campsite.Amazing painted surface.

Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

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Wood

Vintage Circa 1950s American Round Standard Air Lines Tin Metal Advertising Sign
Vintage Circa 1950s American Round Standard Air Lines Tin Metal Advertising Sign

Vintage Circa 1950s American Round Standard Air Lines Tin Metal Advertising Sign

Located in London, England

A vintage circa 1950s circular enamelled tin metal advertising sign for Standard Air Lines. In worn vintage condition as illustrated in the images. In 1929 it merged with Western Ai...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Unknown Signs

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Early 20thc Original Painted Irishman Sign
Early 20thc Original Painted Irishman Sign

Early 20thc Original Painted Irishman Sign

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H 11 in W 13.5 in D 1 in

Early 20thc Original Painted Irishman Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fun trade sign is comical and yet very cool.It is all in original painted surface and amazing picture frame molding in red paint.Ready to hang in your home or man cave. It reads...

Category

1930s American Adirondack Vintage Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Decpatch Oven Co. Cast Iron Sign
Decpatch Oven Co. Cast Iron Sign

Decpatch Oven Co. Cast Iron Sign

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H 1.75 in Dm 11.5 in

Decpatch Oven Co. Cast Iron Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 19th century Decpatch Oven Co. from Minneapolis ,Minn. was a gift for buying a pot belly stove.Amazing condition.

Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Signs

Materials

Iron

Camps & Cottages Trade Sign
Camps & Cottages Trade Sign

Camps & Cottages Trade Sign

Sold

H 8 in W 53 in D 1 in

Camps & Cottages Trade Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This cool 20th c Camps & Cottages trade sign or from a ranch or resort with original metal eyelets for handing. This is a hand painted & hand made sign.

Category

20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

19Thc Original Painted "Salted Nuts " Trade Sign
19Thc Original Painted "Salted Nuts " Trade Sign

19Thc Original Painted "Salted Nuts " Trade Sign

Sold

H 20.25 in W 66 in D 1.75 in

19Thc Original Painted "Salted Nuts " Trade Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This amazing 19thc trade sign has picture frame molding and original iron bracket hangers on each end for hanging on the store front. This amazing one side sign was found in New Engl...

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Sandwich Sign
Hand Carved Sandwich Sign

Hand Carved Sandwich Sign

Sold

H 16.5 in W 48 in D 1 in

Hand Carved Sandwich Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand carved and Salmon painted Sandwich sign.

Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Unknown Signs

Materials

Wood

Unknown signs for sale on 1stDibs.

Unknown signs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Unknown signs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original signs by Unknown were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. Prices for Unknown signs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $395 and can go as high as $3,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $910.
Questions About Unknown Signs
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, paintings by unknown artists may be worth something in some cases. When a painting’s maker isn't a well-known artist or is completely anonymous, factors like the visual appeal, historical significance, previous ownership and condition will determine the value of a painting. A certified appraiser or experienced art dealer can evaluate your piece using these criteria and provide you with an estimated value for your art. Shop a wide range of paintings on 1stDibs.