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Signs For Sale
Fiat Dealer Display Sign, Perfect for Car or Italian Motor Collector Enthusiast
Fiat Dealer Display Sign, Perfect for Car or Italian Motor Collector Enthusiast

Fiat Dealer Display Sign, Perfect for Car or Italian Motor Collector Enthusiast

Located in Canterbury, England

Our Vintage FIAT dealer display sign is made of mixed materials: plastic / metal. Originating from a European dealership (we understand France), a EU plug is fitted but can easily be...

Category

Early 2000s Signs

Materials

Metal

Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s
Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s

Large Vintage Grey Iron Facade Letter T, 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial facade letter “T” was made during the 1970s in Italy and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 1,5 kg.

Category

1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Iron

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 Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Blue Iron Facade Letter N, 1970s
Vintage Blue Iron Facade Letter N, 1970s

Vintage Blue Iron Facade Letter N, 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial facade letter “N” was made during the 1970s in Italy and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 1 kg.

Category

1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Iron

Art Deco White Sewing Machines Lighted Counter Display Sign
Art Deco White Sewing Machines Lighted Counter Display Sign

Art Deco White Sewing Machines Lighted Counter Display Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1930s; mfd. by Gill Glass & Fixture Co. for White Sewing Machine Co. - Cleveland, OH Illuminated countertop advertising sign produced for the White Sewing Machine Company, featur...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Signs

Materials

Metal

Large Enamel Sign Hunter Cigarettes Advertising Plate Retro
Large Enamel Sign Hunter Cigarettes Advertising Plate Retro

Large Enamel Sign Hunter Cigarettes Advertising Plate Retro

Located in Poperinge, BE

Beautiful large enamel sign, advertising sign for Hunter Virginia cigarettes, an American cigarette brand, cool retro advertising, reissue of a vintage enamel sign from around the 19...

Category

2010s European Art Deco Signs

Materials

Metal, Enamel

English Pub Sign, "Worth Brewery - The Cricketer's Arms"
English Pub Sign, "Worth Brewery - The Cricketer's Arms"

English Pub Sign, "Worth Brewery - The Cricketer's Arms"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a cricket player with bat and ball, titled: Worth Brewery - The Cricketer's Arms. A very fine example of vintage ad...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Antique French Boot Maker Sign, Painted Metal with Iron Support, 1900
Antique French Boot Maker Sign, Painted Metal with Iron Support, 1900

Antique French Boot Maker Sign, Painted Metal with Iron Support, 1900

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An antique French exterior sign of a Parisian boot maker in painted metal of beige and brown color with a spur painted in a silver color mounted on a w...

Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Signs

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

1930s Original Gilbeys Invalid Port Enamel Advertising Pub Garden Bar Sign
1930s Original Gilbeys Invalid Port Enamel Advertising Pub Garden Bar Sign

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

English Pub Sign, "Fountain Head"
English Pub Sign, "Fountain Head"

English Pub Sign, "Fountain Head"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a Classical urn or fountainhead spouting cascades of water in a park setting, titled: Worth Brewery - The Cricketer'...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Old Howard (Boston) Painted Wooden Directional Sign
Vintage Old Howard (Boston) Painted Wooden Directional Sign

Vintage Old Howard (Boston) Painted Wooden Directional Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Hand-painted wooden advertising sign for "The Old Howard Burlesque at Scollay Sq." featuring stylized black and teal lettering with additional text reading "Dancing Girls," "Comics,"...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Keystone Broom Corn Advertising Sign
Keystone Broom Corn Advertising Sign

Keystone Broom Corn Advertising Sign

Located in San Francisco, CA

Keystone broom corn supplies metal advertising sign 22.75" x 25.5"

Category

19th Century American Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

English Pub Sign, "Charrington - The Eagle Tavern"
English Pub Sign, "Charrington - The Eagle Tavern"

English Pub Sign, "Charrington - The Eagle Tavern"

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of an eagle in flight with mountains in the background, titled: Charrington - The Eagle Tavern. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ready for display. Charrington & Co. Ltd, Anchor Brewery, Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets, London E1 The partnership of Charrington and Moss was first recorded at Mile End in 1770. Registered as Charrington & Co. Ltd in July 1897 In 1962 they merged with United Breweries Ltd (formerly Northern Breweries of Great Britain Ltd...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

Anonymous Abstract Geometric Painted Board
Anonymous Abstract Geometric Painted Board

Anonymous Abstract Geometric Painted Board

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Bold geometric abstract board found in Texas. We have a collection of these boards from an anonymous artist. Painted on recycled cupboard doors, table tops, stool tops and bread boar...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s
Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Vintage French Christian Dior Advertising Statue, 1960s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Beautiful and intruiging advertising statue for Christian Dior. This would have been used on a shop counter or to draw attention in a shop window. It has some minor user traces...

Category

1960s French Art Deco Vintage Signs

Materials

Plaster

Hand-Carved Steer Head Trade Sign
Hand-Carved Steer Head Trade Sign

Hand-Carved Steer Head Trade Sign

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Hand-carved French walnut steer head trade sign. Made for a butcher shop. Simple, yet well done design with dark stain and plaque backing. Size: 14 3/8"H x 20 3/4"W x 21 1/2"D Famil...

Category

Early 20th Century French Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage “Bicycles Repaired” Double-Sided Hand-Painted Shop Sign
Vintage “Bicycles Repaired” Double-Sided Hand-Painted Shop Sign

Vintage “Bicycles Repaired” Double-Sided Hand-Painted Shop Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Double-sided painted wood advertising sign reading "Bicycles Repaired" in bold black lettering against a cream ground. The word "Bicycles" is executed in a sweeping script, paired wi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Other Signs

Materials

Metal

19th Century Cast Iron Shoemaker’s Trade Sign
19th Century Cast Iron Shoemaker’s Trade Sign

19th Century Cast Iron Shoemaker’s Trade Sign

Located in London, GB

19th century cast iron shoemaker’s trade sign A highly decorative example of a late 19th century cast iron French shoemakers shop trade sign. Hand crafted from a hand cut iron metal...

Category

1880s French Early Victorian Antique Signs

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Collection of Pre Decimal Grocers Price Labels A wonderful collection
A Collection of Pre Decimal Grocers Price Labels A wonderful collection

A Collection of Pre Decimal Grocers Price Labels A wonderful collection

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Collection of Pre Decimal Grocers Price Labels A wonderful collection, metal labels on spikes and one in plastic, 14 all together The tickets are all in well used condition and s...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Cigars Store / Trade Folk Art Wooden Carved Sign. c 1900
Cigars Store / Trade Folk Art Wooden Carved Sign. c 1900

Cigars Store / Trade Folk Art Wooden Carved Sign. c 1900

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

American Folk art wooden "CIGARS" sign from the 1920's. Great old Store Trade sign. Wood cut to cigar shape. Lettered in Gold Paint. In good conditions, it was a in doors sign. Perfect for any cigar smoker. Cigars History: A cigar is basically dried tobacco leaves that are rolled and wrapped by other tobacco leaves in order to give you a full tobacco smoking experience. Cigars are becoming more popular all around the world recently because they are exposed to a pop culture where a lot of famous people like Michael Jordan and Arnold Schwarzenegger smoke them. In order to understand why cigars have become very well-known, we need to take a good look at their history and where they came from. That way, we can truly understand this pop phenomenon. Here is a brief history of cigars. Origin of Cigars The exact origin of cigars is not entirely known but historians believe that cigars were first invented by the ancient Mayans. The ancient Mayans would collect tobacco leaves and wrap them up in a plantain leave in order to smoke it. An ancient Mayan pot...

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Double Sided French Zinc Clock Smiths Trade Sign
Early 20th Century Double Sided French Zinc Clock Smiths Trade Sign

Early 20th Century Double Sided French Zinc Clock Smiths Trade Sign

Located in London, GB

Early 20th century double sided French zinc clock Smiths Trade sign We are proud to offer a rare example of an early 20th century French double sided clock smiths trade sign. With i...

Category

1910s French Victorian Vintage Signs

Materials

Zinc

Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign

Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign

Located in Nantucket, MA

With carved gilt wood letters with mounted against a blue painted sand ground American, c. 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Signs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign.
Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign.

Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign.

Located in London, GB

Early 20th Century oversized English Trebor sweet shop trade sign. A wonderful example of massive scale, Trebor Barley Sugar & Fruit Centres sweet jars. Bea...

Category

1920s British Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Sheet Metal

Early 20th Century "Honest Scrap" Chewing Tobacco Framed Print Ad
Early 20th Century "Honest Scrap" Chewing Tobacco Framed Print Ad

Early 20th Century "Honest Scrap" Chewing Tobacco Framed Print Ad

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1910s; P. Lorillard Company - Greensboro, NC Framed lithographed advertising print for Honest Scrap plug tobacco, depicting a tense, narrative-driven scene of a dog and black cat...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Wood, Paper

A large wooden wrench, a trade sign of mwchanic’s shop, United States early 30’s
A large wooden wrench, a trade sign of mwchanic’s shop, United States early 30’s

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

Rare Engraved Glass on Metal Sign from a London Cigarette's Seller, circa 1900
Rare Engraved Glass on Metal Sign from a London Cigarette's Seller, circa 1900

Rare Engraved Glass on Metal Sign from a London Cigarette's Seller, circa 1900

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This rare engraved sign is made of glass on metal. This is a a very unusual piece from a London cigarette's seller. English. Circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Original Bullet Road Narrows Sign
Vintage Original Bullet Road Narrows Sign

Vintage Original Bullet Road Narrows Sign

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This authentic vintage "Road Narrows" sign serves as a compelling work of industrial folk art, masterfully bridging the gap between utilitarian signage and found-object sculpture. The classic cautionary yellow and black palette is strikingly subverted by a series of authentic gunshot impacts, creating a raw, jagged texture that tells a gritty narrative of the rural American landscape. Adding a layer of pensive intrigue is a unique black stencil of a pig or boar, suggesting a narrative of local street art intervention. This piece captures the raw energy of modern Americana and urban industrial design, making it an authoritative addition to any collection of 20th-century signage or avant-garde wall art. Perfectly scaled to anchor a contemporary gallery wall, high-concept workshop, or an industrial loft, this metal sign measures 30 inches wide by 30 inches tall. It remains in a state of beautifully rugged vintage condition, displaying a heavy authentic patina that includes surface oxidation and jagged impact holes consistent with its outdoor history. The reverse features unique artist graffiti, including "Lil Miss Piggy...

Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Painted Wood "No Dumping Here" Sign
Antique Painted Wood "No Dumping Here" Sign

Antique Painted Wood "No Dumping Here" Sign

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Antique, hand-painted, folk art, wood "No Dumping Here" sign.

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Early-20th Century Boul Club Sign
Early-20th Century Boul Club Sign

Early-20th Century Boul Club Sign

Located in London, GB

Early-20th Century Boul Club Sign A complete one off, in the form of a hand carved / painted oversized Boul club advertising sign dated 1922. Completely u...

Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Pine

Large Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign
Large Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign

Large Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Impressive Late 19th or Early 20th Century Zinc Locksmith Trade Sign in the form of a Large full bodied key. Found in its original finish. Remarkable Condition. France Circa 1900

Category

Early 20th Century French Signs

Materials

Zinc

Giant Bayer Pill Pop Art
Giant Bayer Pill Pop Art

Giant Bayer Pill Pop Art

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Monumental vintage Bayer pill in cream plaster/ceramic. 7" diameter. Likely used as a store display. Whimsical desktop object or paperweight. Black felted bottom. Great piece of art ...

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Plaster, Paint

Antique 19th Century Farrier's Trade Horseshoe Sign
Antique 19th Century Farrier's Trade Horseshoe Sign

Antique 19th Century Farrier's Trade Horseshoe Sign

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

A large 19th Century wrought iron farriers trade sign in the shape of a horseshoe. With cleats and traces of old dark green paint suspended with an iron loop hanger that shows signif...

Category

19th Century American Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

Large Pacific Coast Scenic Highway Sign
Large Pacific Coast Scenic Highway Sign

Large Pacific Coast Scenic Highway Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large vintage Pacific Coast Highway sign reading "Pacific Coast Scenic Byway." Green sign that features birds, water, snow-capped mountains, Ever...

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

Antique Arts & Crafts Apothecary Wood Carving Wall Mounted Brass Mortar & Pestle
Antique Arts & Crafts Apothecary Wood Carving Wall Mounted Brass Mortar & Pestle

Antique Arts & Crafts Apothecary Wood Carving Wall Mounted Brass Mortar & Pestle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Arts & Crafts Apothecary Wood Carving Wall Mounted Brass Mortar & Pestle. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 10" W x 4.5" D.

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Antique Signs

Materials

Brass

Vintage West Nebraska Express (WNX) Railroad Painted Tin Sign
Vintage West Nebraska Express (WNX) Railroad Painted Tin Sign

Vintage West Nebraska Express (WNX) Railroad Painted Tin Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Painted tin advertising sign for WNX (West Nebraska Express), featuring bold block lettering in orange set against a deep green field, flanked by a stylized arrow motif stretching ho...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Signs

Materials

Tin

Antique Ethan Allen Clothier Figural Tin Ithaca-Type Advertising Display Sign
Antique Ethan Allen Clothier Figural Tin Ithaca-Type Advertising Display Sign

Antique Ethan Allen Clothier Figural Tin Ithaca-Type Advertising Display Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

Die-cut tin advertising display in the form of a smiling, stylized gentleman dressed in a green suit with bowtie, hands tucked casually into his pockets. The figure's torso reads "De...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Signs

Materials

Tin

Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush
Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush

Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush

Located in London, GB

Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush We share what we love, and we love this rare example of an oversized point of sale barbers hair...

Category

1930s British Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Antique French Hand Hammered Copper Sign
Antique French Hand Hammered Copper Sign

Antique French Hand Hammered Copper Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a 1900s copper pair of theater sign with big leather A. Bought sign handmade and constructed.

Category

20th Century French Arts and Crafts Signs

Vintage Pair of Hand Carved Wood Silhouette Figures
Vintage Pair of Hand Carved Wood Silhouette Figures

Vintage Pair of Hand Carved Wood Silhouette Figures

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Whimsical pair of wood silhouettes in the shape of a man and woman. Both life-sized. Both wearing cowboy hats. Great for a bar or placed outside against a wa...

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Original Signed Bullet Stay Puft Man Wall Sculpture
Vintage Original Signed Bullet Stay Puft Man Wall Sculpture

Vintage Original Signed Bullet Stay Puft Man Wall Sculpture

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This singular piece of contemporary Pop Art masterfully blends cinematic nostalgia with a gritty, industrial aesthetic. Featuring the iconic "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man," the sculptur...

Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Sobriety Check Traffic Sign, 1990s USA
Sobriety Check Traffic Sign, 1990s USA

Sobriety Check Traffic Sign, 1990s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An authentic vintage highway sign in bold safety orange with black block lettering, reading: "Sobriety and Drivers License Check Point Ahead." Made of durable reflective metal, it sh...

Category

1990s American Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Six Separate Hand Painted Hot Rod Car Theme Carry Bags or Purse
Six Separate Hand Painted Hot Rod Car Theme Carry Bags or Purse

Six Separate Hand Painted Hot Rod Car Theme Carry Bags or Purse

Located in Ferndale, MI

Six different hot rod auto related canvas tote carry bags. Hand painted here in Detroit. Image on one side only.

Category

2010s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Canvas

Orange 'BRIDGE OUT' Metal Highway Sign
Orange 'BRIDGE OUT' Metal Highway Sign

Orange 'BRIDGE OUT' Metal Highway Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Super cool vintage metal 'BRIDGE OUT' sign from the East Coast. Measures: 4 feet wide. Orange sign with black lettering. Bullet holes and road rash to sign.

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Metal

Giant Wood Early 20th Century Hand Painted Americana Barber Shop Sign
Giant Wood Early 20th Century Hand Painted Americana Barber Shop Sign

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

Vintage Gas Station Ahead Highway Sign
Vintage Gas Station Ahead Highway Sign

Vintage Gas Station Ahead Highway Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage highway gas station sign from Texas. Blue sign with white graphics. Great coloring. Good condition.

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

Anonymous Abstract X Geometric Painted Board
Anonymous Abstract X Geometric Painted Board

Anonymous Abstract X Geometric Painted Board

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Bold geometric abstract board found in Texas. We have a collection of these boards from an anonymous artist. Painted on recycled cupboard doors, table tops, stool tops and bread boards. Very dynamic when hung in collections. This door appears to have been painted on an old cupboard...

Category

1950s American Folk Art Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter O , 1970s
Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter O , 1970s

Vintage Red Iron Facade Letter O , 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial facade letter “ O “ was made during the 1970s in Spain and comes from an old advertising banner. The weight of the letter is 1,5 kg.

Category

1970s Spanish Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Iron

Vintage Neighborhood Watch Sign
Vintage Neighborhood Watch Sign

Vintage Neighborhood Watch Sign

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage neighborhood watch sign. Great coloring and graphics with ominous burglar going through the window. Great vintage condition.

Category

1970s American Vintage Signs

Materials

Steel

“The Classic Cars of the 50s” Shop Trade Display Shelf  Good Collectors Piece
“The Classic Cars of the 50s” Shop Trade Display Shelf  Good Collectors Piece

“The Classic Cars of the 50s” Shop Trade Display Shelf Good Collectors Piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

“The Classic Cars of the 50s” Shop Trade Display Shelf Good Collectors Piece, 50s Model Car Display shelf, in good condition The Shelf is 21” high, 19” wide and 5” deep CS188

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Plywood

English Pub Sign, "The Black Bull" - READY (Gray)
English Pub Sign, "The Black Bull" - READY (Gray)

English Pub Sign, "The Black Bull" - READY (Gray)

Located in Austin, TX

An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a large English black bull standing on a grassy hill, titled "Black Bull" - from an original Thwaites' pub. Marked:...

Category

20th Century English Signs

Materials

Metal

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

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

Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign
Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign

Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this original Vintage Heavy Cast Iron Dog Lawn Sign. Made in iron with great patina

Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Signs

Materials

Iron

Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter V , 1970s
Vintage Grey Illuminated Letter V , 1970s

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 Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter U , 1970s
Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter U , 1970s

Vintage Blue Plastic Illuminated Letter U , 1970s

Located in Kojetice, CZ

This vintage industrial blue plastic illuminated letter U 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

Early 20th Century Chicago Pharmacist Milk Glass Sign
Early 20th Century Chicago Pharmacist Milk Glass Sign

Early 20th Century Chicago Pharmacist Milk Glass Sign

Located in Dekalb, IL

This sign was manufactured by Rawson & Evans sometime during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Rawson & Evans was best known for glue chipped glass signs and gold leaf signs. This sign...

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Signs

Materials

Metal

Original Ansells Advertising Pub Entrance Sign
Original Ansells Advertising Pub Entrance Sign

Original Ansells Advertising Pub Entrance Sign

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Original Ansells Advertising Pub Entrance Sign This is an original Ansells Entrance Sign with the Squirrel and the Acorns Symbol,“Ansells The Better Beer,”a once well-known brand, h...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Signs

Materials

Wood

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.