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Signs For Sale
Shoe Shop or Cobblers Trade Sign, Leather Hob Nail Boot
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Shoe Shop or Cobblers Trade Sign, Leather Hob Nail Boot
This is a wonderful piece, made by a cobbler, it is a giant size Leather Hob Nail boot, it has been painted up as an adver...
Category
Early 1900s Folk Art Antique Signs
Materials
Leather
19th Century Folk Art Upholstery Trade Sign
Located in San Francisco, CA
Wonderful 19th century hand painted folk art upholstery trade sign. Double sided wooden trade sign for an old upholstery shop in San Francisco.
A rare piece of San Francisco history...
Category
Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs
Materials
Wood
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
Antique NOS Reed Vise Tin on Cardboard Sign
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1920s; mfd. by The H. D. Beach Co. (Coshocton, OH) for Reed Manufacturing Co. - Erie, PA
Antique new-old-stock tin-over-cardboard (TOC) advertising sign.
This piece advertises R...
Category
Early 20th Century American Signs
Materials
Tin
Fry’s Chocolate Enamel Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fry’s Chocolate Enamel Sign
This heavy enamel sign is in fair condition for its age, with some chipping around the edge, it is white on Royal Blue
The sign is 12” high and 36” long
...
Category
1960s Folk Art Vintage Signs
Materials
Enamel
James Purdy & Sons Enamel Sign Wall Plaque
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
James Purdy & Sons enamel sign wall plaque
Rare piece indeed this enamel sign was made for the Famous London Shop, it has the Royal appointment to HM t...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Signs
Materials
Enamel
$6,433 Sale Price
20% Off
1920s Steaks & Chops Hand Painted Wood Sign • Early American Folk Art Signage
Located in Lancaster, PA
A bold and striking survivor from the early days roadside eateries, this original 1920's “STEAKS AND CHOPS” sign is hand-painted on wood with thick, period-correct lettering in butte...
Category
1920s American Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Late 17th/Early 18th Century Polychrome Tobacconist Figure Sign Folk Art Carving
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large carved and polychrome painted tobacconist's figure almost certainly 17th or early 18th century
For a related example see Edward H. Pinto, Treen and other Wooden Bygones, Bell and Hyman, London 1969. Page 412, plate 436.
Originally this may well have been a tobacconist's shop window figure. For a similar, but slightly earlier unpainted example, see Sotheby's, The W. J. Shepherd collection of treen, 30th November 1983, Lot 393, illustrated in Pinto "Wooden Bygones of Smoking and Snuff Taking", plate 1.
Carved wooden figures, often painted, were placed outside tobacconist's shops as signs from the 17th century onwards. The earliest of these figures is the 'black boy' or 'blackamoor'. 'At the sign of the black boy' or 'at the sign of the blackamoor' was a popular address for tobacconists since the early 17th century. The 17th century figures...
Category
17th Century English Antique Signs
Materials
Pine
Telephone Sign
Located in Round Top, TX
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
$945
Antique Restaurant Menu Chalk Board, circa 1920's
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Restaurant Menu Chalk Board, circa 1920's. Charming hand-painted frame surrounds a lined chalk board. Reminiscent of French Bistro signs.
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage Signs
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Shop Sign
Located in Burton, TX
Found in the South of France, this vintage handmade wood sign once hung in a French village shop. Constructed of wood, this piece will add a touch of whimsy to your home.
56"W x...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Signs
Materials
Wood
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Giant Wood Early 20th Century Hand Painted Americana Barber Shop Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large and chunky Americana! Fantastic and original Barber Shop trade sign in the shape of a barber pole. Great statement piece. Layers of super graphic red and white original paint. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs
Materials
Wood
Trade Sign Depicting a Huge Skimmer Ladle, France, 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Outdoor trade sign of a kitchen tools store, for advertising. 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 Signs
Materials
Iron
Splendid Louis Midavaine Screen, 1888-1978
Located in Renens, CH
Splendid Louis Midavaine screen, circa 1925, with 3 articulated leaves in lacquered wood and lacquered wood decorated with a Bengal tiger leaping from an overturned coconut tree. The...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Signs
Materials
Wood
Antique Dutchess of Poughkeepsie NY Fire Insurance Reverse Painted Glass Sign
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Dutchess of Poughkeepsie NY Fire insurance reverse painted glass advertisement sign. Item features "Dutchess of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Fire Ins...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Signs
Materials
Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century Folk Art Zinc Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art zinc barbers pole trade sign.
An early 20th century hand crafted zinc barbers pole trade sign. Hand painted and of naïve construction. Lots of characte...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Signs
Materials
Zinc
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 Signs
Materials
Wood, Paint
Decorative Bacchanalian Wine Bar Menu, Black Board
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Decorative bacchanalian wine bar menu, black board
A very decorative piece with the theme of grape bearing nymphs in both corners at the top
The attractiv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Baroque Revival Signs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Solo Margarine Enamel Mid-Century Sign
Located in Norwich, GB
A wonderful bright vintage enamel sign advertising Solo margarine. Belgian - Circa 1940's.
The sign is in very good condition for its age, ther...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Signs
Materials
Enamel
$978 Sale Price
20% Off
Charming Advertising Sign, Re Lion Oxo for Winter Health
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A charming advertising sign, Re Lion Oxo for Winter Health
This is delightful piece showing a very fierce lion (Re-Lion) the sign is an original grocer shop print, the frame is no...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Signs
Materials
Paper
Large Early 20th Century American Usg Sheetrock Advertising Porcelain Sign
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique, circa 1920s /1930s, USG (United States Gypsum) porcelain enameled advertising sign, early 20th century, industrial American Art Deco Modern taste.
The large blu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Signs
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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 Signs
Materials
Wood
Antique Vintage Rustic Folk Art Metal Farm Sign
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Metal Farm Sign
An original metal hanging sign which would have hung at the entrance to Crosscombe Farm in Somerset, the sign is double sided with identical signage on both ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Rustic Signs
Materials
Cut Steel
Vintage Make Sure Door Locks Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique vintage street sign that reads "Make Sure Door Locks Securely behind You" Red lettering on a reflective silver background. Great vintage co...
Category
1980s American Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Illuminated Advertising Letter Ř , 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter Ř was made in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a metal body and a plexiglass co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Signs
Materials
Iron
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 weight...
Category
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter V , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ V “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter R , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ R “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter U , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter C was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It is equipped with a LED strip.The weight of t...
Category
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter H , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ H “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Red Illuminated Letter I , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial red illuminated letter I was made in Italy during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner from an old carpet shop in Torino. It features a black i...
Category
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter Z , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter A 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 Plastic Illuminated Letter A , 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter A 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 Grey Illuminated Letter M, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ m “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter E, 1970s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial illuminated letter “ e “ was made in Germany during the 1970s and comes from an old advertising banner. It features a black metal body and a grey plastic cove...
Category
1970s German Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
$141 / item
Vintage Metal "B Avenue" Street Sign - City of Coronado, California
Located in San Diego, CA
Super cool vintage metal "B Avenue" street sign from the city of Coronado, California, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a distressed patina and measures: 24"W...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Signs
Materials
Metal
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 Signs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Heraldic Crest Framed & Painted on Slate from Borough of Finchley, Coat of Arms
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heraldic crest framed & painted on slate from Borough of Finchley, coat of arms.
The coat of arms is 3 dimensional, it has been carved, painted and gilded, and set in golden b...
Category
Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Signs
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 Signs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Large Vintage Yellow Iron Facade Letter P, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This vintage industrial facade letter “P” was made during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia and comes from an old facade inscription POŠTA. In czech language Post Office. The weight...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Signs
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Barber Shop Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Barber Shop Sign, circa late 1950s to early 1960s, a hand-painted sheet metal sign with old prices for old hair cuts. The sign remains in very good condition with only ...
Category
1950s American Folk Art Vintage Signs
Materials
Sheet Metal
1930s Original Gilbeys Invalid Port Enamel Advertising Pub Garden Bar Sign
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
For sale we have a very striking, original 1930s/40s advertising sign in red and white enamel on black-ground for ‘Gilbey’s Invalid Port’. The enamel sign has the most amazing patina...
Category
1930s British Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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.
Category
1940s American Adirondack Vintage Signs
Materials
Wood
French Hand-forged Blacksmith Sign
Located in London, England
Beautifully crafted blacksmith trade sign.
Hand-forged and riveted, not welded.
A seriously striking decorative piece of 20th century folk art.
In exceptional original co...
Category
1950s French Folk Art Vintage Signs
Materials
Iron
$1,034 Sale Price
20% Off
1920s “TOURISTS” Cast Metal Sign Glass Cat Eye Reflectors Boarding House Sign
Located in Lancaster, PA
A vibrant early highway-era relic, this original 1920s "TOURISTS" sign is cast in heavy metal with bold silver lettering inset with original glass cat-eye reflectors, all mounted to the original red painted backer. Made by J.F. Bingham of Nashua, New Hampshire, these directional signs guided travelers to lodging and camps in the early days of motor tourism. Each reflector still shines brightly under direct light, while the paint has aged beautifully with surface patina and wear. A rare survivor with undeniable character—perfect for cabin, garage, or collection display.
🧾 Item Details:
• Material: Cast metal, paint, glass reflectors
• Dimensions: 36" × 10"
• Era: 1920's
• Manufacturer: J.F. Bingham, Nashua, NH
📌 Condition:
Excellent display condition with all reflectors intact. Original paint with scattered surface wear and minimal scuffs. Sign shows minimal areas of light edge wear. Structurally sound with no cracks or breaks.
📍 Collector’s Note:
Bingham-made reflector signs...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal
Antique Reverse Painted Glass Drink Coca Cola Sign Ice Cream Parlour circa 1920
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 10 x 21 reverse painted glass Coca Cola sign from the twenties. In excellent vintage condition with a bit of fixing on the upper right corner. Made by the Price Bros. from C...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century City of Westminster London Antique Milk Glass Street Sign
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous early milk glass street sign from the City of Westminster London. Original wood frame in excellent vintage condition. A couple of cracks in the glass on right lower corner. ...
Category
1910s English Industrial Vintage Signs
Materials
Milk Glass, Hardwood
Traditional Large Hanging Pub Sign, Wethered’s Winterbourne Arms
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Traditional large hanging pub sign. Wethered’s winterbourne arms
This is a large and heavy piece dating from the first half of the 20th Century, it is double sided though the pain...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Signs
Materials
Metal
Advertising Mirror by Raymond Peynet for Atikah Cigaretten
Located in CADALSO, ES
Extremely rare to find.
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Signs
Materials
Mirror
Antique American Art Deco Early Frigidaire Metal Advertising Sign
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce, likely one-of-a-kind, antique American Frigidaire enameled metal advertising sign, early 20th century, period Art Deco styling, the sign reads: "See Arkadelphia Hardware Co...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Signs
Materials
Metal, Enamel
American Folk Art Tool Museum Sign 1950 Tool Assemblage
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wentworth Tool Museum sign assembled with scrap tools and hardware. Assemblage include many wrenches, drill bits, saws and scissors. Heavy iron constructio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs
Materials
Iron
1960s Original Dual Sided Hanging Light Up Ace Hardware Outdoor Logo
Located in Monrovia, CA
1960s Original Polycarbonate Face "Ace Hardware" Advertisement Signage. The Vintage Outdoor Sign Hangs which Displays A Double Sided Logo Of The Well Known "Ace Hardware" Logo. The Vintage Signage...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs
Materials
Aluminum
Rare Glass Pedestrian Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic glass pedestrian street crossing sign. Great coloring. Excellent condition. Illuminates beautifully in sunlight.
Category
1950s American Vintage Signs
Folk Art Giant Metal Scissors Industrial Store Display Sign, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a metal store display sign that showcases French Folk Art. The piece was crafted in France circa 1950. The rare sign boasts gigantic sciss...
Category
1950s French Folk Art Vintage Signs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
A large wooden wrench, a trade sign of mwchanic’s shop, United States early 30’s
Located in Milan, IT
Trade sign of a mechanic's shop depicting a large wooden wrench with the mechanic's telephone numbers and address written on both sides. United States of America circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Signs
Materials
Wood
20th Century, Original Painted Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original painted black and white trade sign reads Reserved for district. This cool one sided sign was probably from a old vintage court house.
Category
20th Century American Country Signs
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign
An original untouched example of an early 20th Century toleware double sided Frenc...
Category
1910s French Late Victorian Vintage Signs
Materials
Sheet Metal
Matched Pair of Edwardian Milk Glass Shop Signs
Located in London, GB
Matched pair of Edwardian milk glass shop signs.
We share what we love, and we love this rare, matched pair of Edwardian milk glass shop signs. One stating “All kinds of repairs” ...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Signs
Materials
Milk Glass
"Brookfield Rye" Tin Advertising Sign, American, circa 1901
By The Meek Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Beautiful semi-nude woman with translucent negligee, holding a bottle of "Brookfield Rye" whiskey is the focal point of this chromolithographic tin advertising sign, used to promote ...
Category
Early 1900s American Folk Art Antique Signs
Materials
Tin
Antique Brass Inlaid Dentist Entranceway Wall Sign Plaque. c.1920
Located in London, GB
A beautiful brass wall plaque used for a dentist surgery. c.1920
Wonderful patination and depth of colour built up to the surface from oxidation from years of exposure to the elem...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Signs
Materials
Brass
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.