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

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

Located in London, GB

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

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Signs

Materials

Brass

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

Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign

Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign

Located in Lisse, NL

Step into a time when storefronts told their story with charm and character. This striking, hand-painted metal trout sign is a rare and wonderfully quirky example of the early 20th-c...

Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

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

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

Early 20th Century Toleware English Hat Makers Trade Sign

Located in London, GB

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

Category

1910s Victorian Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign
Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign

Old " Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Old "Tour Eiffel This Way" Metal Sign with lots of rust and patina! Very thin metal / French or American Age, Manufacturer, Origin are Unknown " love Paris and miss the "E" tower ....

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Metal

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

French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900
French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900

French Antique Fish Shop Sign, Wood with Glass Eye, Circa 1850-1900

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful and rare shopsign made out of wood and with aglass eye, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered, small losses and old repair. Measurement includes the base. H:37cm W:85cm D:12cm

Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

Vintage Blue and White 'Hairdressing' Sign

Located in Cirencester, GB

This French 'Coiffure' sign is mid 20th century. The silvery/blue Zinc letters are on a painted white ply board. There are lots of bumps and scrapes and plenty of character to thi...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Signs

Materials

Zinc

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 Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920
Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920

Antique Industrial Art Deco Brass Ladies & Gents Toilet Illuminated Sign, C.1920

Located in London, GB

A stunning pair of illuminated glass toilet signs made in England by Burnham & Co, Deptford. c.1920 These original Art Deco-era signs feature solid brass frames with their origina...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Signs

Materials

Brass

Double Sided 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

English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"
English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"

English Pub Sign, "Free House - The Lord Nelson"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a portrait painting of Lord Nelson in full regalia, titled: Free House - The Lord Nelson. A free house in Great Britain is a publ...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

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

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA
Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

Fair Play Basketball Scoreboard, 1980s USA

By Fair Play

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An authentic slice of American sports history, this massive original 1980s scoreboard was manufactured by Trans-Lux Fair-Play, a leader in athletic display technology. Bold in design...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA
Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA

Monumental Los Angeles 101 Freeway Sign, 1988 USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cool Los Angeles freeway sign retired from the 101 freeway. Made in the the 1980s. This freeway takes you north/ south along the entire west coast of the United States from San Diego...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign
Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign

Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign. Provenance: By Repute Crosby Cobblers - Liverpool Est 1841 Originally hung outside the cobblers in Crosby, Liverpool. Hand forged metal strap work and solid brass laces...

Category

Early 20th Century British Signs

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

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

By Terry Richardson

Located in St. Louis, MO

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

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Plastic

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign  For Train Rides
Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign  For Train Rides

Mid 20th Century Kodak English Advertising Enamel Sign For Train Rides

Located in Crespières, FR

This antique Kodak advertising sign is made of thick enamel in black, yellow and red colours. The colours are bright and shiny, with an good relief. The condition is fairly good co...

Category

1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

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

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided
Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare 1920's can "Drugs" Sign /Arrow, LIGHT UP milk glass letters, double sided,, Pre-dates NEON,, Truly amazing sign,, Salvaged from an old Pharmacist,, apparently hung outside (late...

Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal, Cut Steel

Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920
Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920

Antique Hand Painted Double-Sided French Cafe Wall Trade Sign. c.1920

Located in London, GB

A mid-20th century hand painted French trade sign. c.1940 Double sided French trade sign for CAFES MAURICE, a company still in existence today. Wonderful patination and depth of col...

Category

1940s English Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Striking Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Fish Trade Sign
Striking Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Fish Trade Sign

Striking Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Fish Trade Sign

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Large hand-painted metal trout sign folk art, originally used as a trade sign for a fishmonger’s shop. Crafted from metal and suspended from an elegant wrought iron bracket with dec...

Category

1970s American Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

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

Large Antique Wrought Iron Bracket with Two-Tier Wooden Sign, "Inn & Antiques"
Large Antique Wrought Iron Bracket with Two-Tier Wooden Sign, "Inn & Antiques"

Large Antique Wrought Iron Bracket with Two-Tier Wooden Sign, "Inn & Antiques"

Located in Doylestown, PA

Two-tier wooden sign on a large, hand-forged wrought iron scrolled wall bracket, early 20th century. From idyllic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, an impressive iron wall bracket with tw...

Category

Early 20th Century Signs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield
Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield

Los Angeles 5 Freeway Shield

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Los Angeles freeway shield from the 5 freeway in Los Angeles. Interstate 5 runs from the Tijuana/California border all the way up to the Canadian ...

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

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

Early 20th C School Classroom Plaques Classics, English, History & Economics
Early 20th C School Classroom Plaques Classics, English, History & Economics

Early 20th C School Classroom Plaques Classics, English, History & Economics

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A collection of four oak classroom door plaques, hand painted with gilt lettering, chamfered decorative edges and counter sunk fixing holes. More than likely from a well to do teach...

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Signs

Materials

Oak

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

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

Enamel Sign for Colman’s Starch

$1,314Sale 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

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

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

Wrong Way Go Back Metal Street Sign, 1980s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

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

Category

1980s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

'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. Just under 6 feet long. Welcoming sign and fun piece of...

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Folk Art Sign
Folk Art Sign

Folk Art Sign

Located in London, GB

An Edwardian Folk Art sign with overscale finger, insribed ‘Left Luggage’.

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Hardwood

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 Enameled Coca Cola Sign, Steel, Early 20th Century, USA, 41"
Vintage Enameled Coca Cola Sign, Steel, Early 20th Century, USA, 41"

Vintage Enameled Coca Cola Sign, Steel, Early 20th Century, USA, 41"

Located in Alpha, NJ

This is a vintage enameled Coca Cola Sign. This is in good overall condition with minor wear along edges and faint surface soiling. Otherwise, this sign presents well.

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Signs

Materials

Steel

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

Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font
Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font

Old School 1940's / 50's NEON "MOTEL" Sign..Classic Font

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic vintage NEON "MOTEL" sign salvaged from a motel in Niagara Falls Canada,, Retains original finish & patina,, New transformer, metal replaced to bottom of can,, (see photo)

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

C1945 Cast Aluminum Trade Sign Form of a Key Keil Charlestown N.H. Keys Made
C1945 Cast Aluminum Trade Sign Form of a Key Keil Charlestown N.H. Keys Made

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 casting which retains its true color and material. Keil from Charlestown N.H. cast into...

Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Antique wall decorative panel of wrought iron, Italy 1920s

Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI

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

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Signs

Materials

Iron

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

19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign

Located in Nantucket, MA

Figural trade sign in the form of a mortar and pestle, both the mortar and pestle are hand turned and gilded, with strong ring turnings. The top is capped with zinc and still bears i...

Category

Late 19th Century North American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Zinc

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

Vintage NOS DeKalb Winged Corn Advertising Sign
Vintage NOS DeKalb Winged Corn Advertising Sign

Vintage NOS DeKalb Winged Corn Advertising Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1950s-1960s; DeKalb Agricultural Association, Inc. - DeKalb, IL Die-cut tin litho new-old-stock advertising sign featuring the iconic DeKalb winged ear of corn graphic, rendered ...

Category

1950s American Rustic Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850

French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850

Located in Buisson, FR

One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...

Category

19th Century French Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century Hand Crafted Pine Barbers Trade Sign
Mid-20th Century Hand Crafted Pine Barbers Trade Sign

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 0.75” Age: 1960 Origin: English Condition: Good Overview This oversized mid-20th ce...

Category

1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Pine

antique pharmacy sign mortar and pestle
antique pharmacy sign mortar and pestle

antique pharmacy sign mortar and pestle

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

This is a very rare Pharmacy sign from the late 1800s. Made of tin/metal with remnants of gold paint. This sculpture was hung in front of a old world pha...

Category

19th Century American Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"
English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"

English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a beautiful painting of a falcon perched on a tree stump, titled The Falcon. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Antique, New and Vintage Signs

Vintage and antique signs are popular collector’s items loved not only for the charm and pops of color they add to a space but also for the unique story each one has to tell. An interesting sign can help set the mood for a room and spark dozens of lively conversations.

Before and during the 18th century, many European peasants and colonists in the Americas couldn’t read, so shopkeepers, in an effort to promote their goods and services, hung trade signs with limited amounts of text.

Indeed, symbols and representational physical objects comprised early-day advertising efforts. In lieu of painted words on a wooden board, trade signs made use of handmade three-dimensional symbols to indicate the function of the shop. The iconic red, white and blue pole could be found outside barbershops, while a figural trade sign mounted to an apothecary’s storefront might be a mortar and pestle sculpted from bronze in order to indicate to passers-by that inside there were apothecary cabinets full of remedies for common ailments and a druggist to carefully dispense them.

As literacy rates improved, signs evolved into rectangular, round or square shapes that featured text. Short and sweet, early iterations were characterized by a mere few words, such as “tavern,” “boarding room” or “apothecary.”

During the 19th century, proprietors endeavored to render their signs more appealing. This meant the introduction of more color, font types and other pictorial representations. After the Civil War ended, logos, branding and advertising became increasingly more important, and the design of signage evolved. Trade signs were still in use during the 20th century, and you will likely find hand-painted tin eyeglasses for an optometrist’s office or an oversize bowling pin that likely had a home in the front window of a bowling alley.

Today, collectors and art aficionados alike collect and display antique and vintage signs. Old signs hearken back to a long-gone era, infusing any interior with warmth and nostalgia.

A vintage sign can help anchor a room — think of decorating with signs as you would arranging any kind of wall art. A large-scale sign in particular can prove a distinguishing feature in a living room or dining room, a focal point so prominent that it might lessen the burden of introducing any additional decorative elements to this particular space. Smaller signs work wonders too — pepper sparsely decorated corners with small colorful signs or add a humorous or graphic element to your gallery-style hang with a small text-based sign or two.

On 1stDibs, find metal, wood and glass antique and vintage signs that span a number of styles, including mid-century modern, industrial and folk art.