Paint Decorated Wooden Dress Making Trade Sign

Circa 1880s-1890s: Measuring 14.75"H x 38"L, this four-color single sided 19th century Dress Making trade sign with acornesque cut out ends in original dry, untouched painted surface is fashioned from a single 3/4" thick poplar board. The sign has a white ground and is bordered in black with the lettering centered between matching cartouches, which were popular decorative motifs on late 19th century objects such as signs, gameboards, and carriages. The dress maker's sign is in excellent as found condition with expected honest weathered wear to the paint and a very slight bow to the board which is commensurate with age and use. This handsome sign, with its 38" length, would have been mounted over the dress maker's entryway to greet the shop's customers, its acorn-like cut outs projecting a subtle message of strength, longevity, and prosperity.