Circa 1895-1925: The Arts and Crafts movement was extremely popular in America from the mid 1890s through the first quarter of the 20th century, and the nation was ablaze with a myriad of businesses selling craftsman furniture, lamps, pottery, metalwork, and other products.
For Sale: $2,895
Circa 1870: This lovely 29.75" x 7.75" C.W. Clarke Boots and Shoes wooden trade sign in original black smalt paint and gold lettering on a single thin poplar board has a simple 1/2 inch deep frame and is constructed with square nails and has a penciled 1868 dated on the reverse.
For Sale: $1,950
Circa 1880: This 37" x 8" 19th century double sided Steamship Agent & Foreign Money Orders trade sign in original red, black, and gray weathered paint decoration has breadboard ends attached with hand cut nails.
For Sale: $1,250
Circa 1920s: This wonderful oval double sided Shafer Insurance Agency trade sign in blue and white paint measures approximately 43"L x 21"H including its original hangers.
For Sale: $1,250
Circa Late 1940s: Porcelain liquor signs are scarce, and this 30" x 17" Castillion Cognac sign in red, white, and blue is exceptionally hard to find.
For Sale: $1150
Circa 1900-1925: Smoking was much more prevalent and socially acceptable 100 years ago than it is today, and this NO SMOKING / ALLOWED IN HERE sign (in different fonts no less) , which most probably was nailed over a shop's doorway and certainly cast its stern proclamation to all who entered, seems dryly humorous when viewing it from a 21st century perspective.
For Sale: $995
Circa 1890-1920: Because of their graphic and whimsical nature, pointing hand signs are always popular, and this petite example with original gold gilding on black smalt painted ground will look great anywhere.
For Sale: $975
Circa 1920: Measuring approximately 34"L x 21"H, this stencil decorated tin trade sign advertises a hat and shoe repair business run by two young Greek immigrants, brothers Paul and George Johnson, who found their way to St. Louis in 1909.
For Sale: $950
Circa 1890-1910: Measuring approximately 24"L x 18"H, this handsome black and gold single sided tin sign was manufactured by New York's Sentenne & Green.
For Sale: $795
Circa 1920s-1930s: Measuring 11.5"H x 20"W, this eye catching real estate sign in original black and white paint advertises an entire fruit orchard for sale for "only $9750.00." Such a deal!
For Sale: $650
Circa 1920s-1930s: Antique signs that advertise services for tools are always popular to trade sign collectors and this small black, white, and gray Saws Filed sign freatures outlined letters and a pinstriped border with a cut corner design.
For Sale: $585
Circa 1920s: This 24"L x 9"H porcelain No Smoking sign is signed by Chicago, Illinois' Enameled Sign Company and would have hung by the pumps in an old gas station.
For Sale: $575
Circa 1930s: People in the equestrian community have a long traditional of giving their horses colorful and endearing names, and this charming and petite wooden sign would have been used at the track where Easter Bonnet was racing or at her barn stall.
Sale Pending
Bob Zordani and Heidi Kellner: (217) 714-5016, Lexington, Virginia: zandk@zandkantiques.com
