American Signs

We do specialize in old advertising signs, and we pretty much stick to tin. We find it so much more wonderful than paper. Here is a beautiful example of early tin lithography. The gr...

Northeastern United States cloakroom sign from rural train station, circa 1900s thick cut wood and heavy iron strapping. Lettering are individually cut out wood pieces. Double sided. One side appears to have been exposed to the elements. One side in very good condition. Fantastic original period iron hooks for hanging. Great railroad collectible.

Graphic double sided red, white and blue factory sign. Found in Rhode Island laundry factory warehouse. Hand painted sheet metal with wood frame. All original paint. Nice alligatored...

Great pair of copper relief football players. Period football union suit uniform and Morrell noseguards. Original painted surface. Original frames.

U.S.A. wood barbers pole. Paint loss consistent with the age of the item, circa 1900.

General store HARDWARE department sign. Made and signed by professional sign maker. Excellent red and black hand lettering. Simple and graphic, circa 1900.

Rare piece of Americana; an advertising item that would have been hanging in a general store in rural America at the turn of the century, singing the praises and virtues of using Frazer Axle grease, and lamenting what happens when not applied; a product used obviously for lubricating the wheels and axles of horse drawn carts and wagons. This is an original self framed tin sign, manufactured circa 1900 by the American Art Works Company, established in 1895 in Coshocton, Ohio (See image; label and logo in lower right hand corner). They would eventually go on to merge with similar type companies and become the Meeks Company. The Frazer Axle Grease company would have commissioned American Art Works to produce the sign and then they would have distributed it to their jobbers, retailers and sellers. The sign is in excellent condition; there is no rust, and the colors are nice and bright. The term "self framed" references the 3" black border which is part of the entire composition; a 1" border is then folded over and hammered down and attached to wooden stretchers which support the sign. Note the context of the images on the sign. To the right you have the successful well dressed farmer with healthy horses and a well maintained wagon, saying to his counterpart "My Friend don't cry! Get your wagon fixed up and then use the Frazer Axle Grease petroleum. Grease both black and white will ruin your axles every time". To the left you have the obviously less successful farmer in a broken down wagon with underfed horses saying "If I had used Frazer Axle Grease I would not have had this trouble". Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 37 3/4" wide x 1" deep An example of this sign was featured on "Antiques Road...

Vintage Beverly Hills street sign, circa 1900s. Beverly Dr. The main street that runs north/south through all of Beverly Hills. Double sided. Two feet wide. Great piece of Hollywood ...

Originally found at a farm near Saratoga NY. Great surface retains some original green paint.

Originally from Pennsylvania with original period paint.

Circus advertising wooden sign. These type of signs would go on the circus wagons or tents. Carnival art. Hercules, the strongest man on earth. Perfect t...

Hand Painted Parts & Brands available Stock Offering from Loocke Autohaus Supply Company, Gay Street, Baltimore Maryland. Dated/Signed on Back Alex 12-29. W: 73 x D: 1.5 x H:...