19th Century Solid Hand-Carved Three Root Dentist Trade Sign

View Similar Items

19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign

19th Century Cobbler Trade Sign

19th Century Tobacconist’s Trade Sign

19th Century Chinese Restaurant Hand Carved Trade Sign of Fish

19th Century Gold Giltwood Carved Letters William Trade Sign

Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign

19th Century American Trade Sign 'Crook', Medina, NY

19th Century Tole Locksmith's Trade Sign

Late 19th Century Jewellers Trade Sign

18th or 19th Century French Ship Chandler's Trade Sign

19th Century Cast Iron Shoemaker’s Trade Sign

19th Century Hat Makers Metal Trade Sign

1 of 1

19th Century Solid Hand-Carved Three Root Dentist Trade Sign

About the Item

Hard to find and highly desirable late 19th century all original american antique Victorian era Folk Art dentist trade sign possibly from new York city or Boston. The artist or wood carver has not been identified. Likely fabricated between 1885-1890. The finely carved three-root tooth is comprised of solid wood (likely pine) with an all-over crazed white paint finish. The maxillary molar contains three nicely shaped roots, that are break from repair, cracks and/or breakage. The crown contains a single bronze ring for hanging purposes. The white paint finish is either original or a very early repaint. Typical surface wear consistent with age. The indoor and/or exterior trade or occupational sign took many forms in early America. When education was a privilege and literacy rare, the ideal trade sign immediately caught the attention of a passerby and, because of its design, was totally self-explanatory. Folk artists, sometimes including itinerant portrait painters, created signs that bore pictures that visually explained the name of the establishment or the services to be found within. These signs usually carried pictures or lettering on both sides and were hung from a tall post at right angles to the road, so as to be visible to travelers approaching from either direction. Three-dimensional carved trade signs were often produced in the same workshops as figureheads and other ship decorations and usually displayed the same broad-planed carving style that typified American figureheads. The introduction of electric signs, which could advertise a business in the dark, led to the steady decline of the carved trade signs used throughout the 19th century.

Dimensions:
Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Pine,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1885-1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: 249941stDibs: LU248936526443