We have a new section on our website that will be devoted to One-of-a Kind signs and objects. We love unusual vintage signs and unique pieces that were once used to advertise retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, or something mysterious or special. This type of signage is an art form and each work has a history (or mystery), chipped paint (or lack thereof), and loads of character.
The sign above, Swan Inn, c. 1940, 36" x 24", wood, $695., was found in the mountainous area of Blowing Rock, NC. It is a hand made, hand painted folk art trade sign made in America. It still has it's brightly colored paint, some chipping away at the bottom. We think it is possibly from Swan Quarter, North Carolina. If you are familiar with this Inn or area of North Carolina, please send me a message!
This old roulette wheel was found in a bar that was closing in Manns Choice, PA. It is a hand made gaming piece, very special and actually works. It's still retains some of the original paint and blue pencil markings, and each little prong is actually a nail that's had the head clipped off. It makes a clicky sound when it spins. This is definitely a collector's piece.
This cute piece was found near Woodstock, VT. It could have been a sign made for a weekly dance, or dinner. The wood is very thick and heavy, and it seems to have been a permanent sign that was attached to a fence or other structure. There was a wire attached to the back so that it can be now hung on a wall.
I'm a big fan of the television show, American Pickers,so this really tickled me. This was found in Strasburg, Virginia. A hand made sign that is made from tree branches, large nails, heavy pieces of wood and local materials. The sign must have been used to hire pickers for tomatoes. I really like the tomato which has a little metal patch that's been hammered on like a bandage.
.50 Cent Chicken Dinner, c.1920, 25" x 19 1/2", wood, $195.
This is an amazing piece of Americana. When was the last time you paid 50 cents for a chicken dinner? This was also found in Strasburg, Virginia. The sign has been painted over several times. You can just make out the words "MEALS AND LODGING" underneath the words "50 cents Chicken Dinner." Part of the wood has been disengaged from the other half so you only see a few words. The wood is thick and very old.
If you have questions or wish to purchase any of these one of a kind signs/objects, you can go to our website, give us a call at 1 888 503-3349, or shoot me an email, joan@rhballard.com. More unique pieces will be added to the website as they arrive so please check back often.
I would love to hear your feedback about these pieces so please feel free to post a comment!
