Antique Trade Signs

Antique trade signs were not only decorative but, more important, identified where one could find specific services and products.  Because they were hand painted, each is an original piece of folk art with a purpose.  Before neon signs came to dominate  commercial areas across the country, these painted wood and metal advertisements hung outside shoe repair shops, department stores, pawn shops and every other commercial space open for business.  Now, with shoppers moving steadily towards sources on the Internet, these pieces from another era have gradually become even more treasured.

Painted wood raised letters on striped background.  Circa 1950.  An artist's palette was a favorite motif of the period, and one can assume that after an appointment at this establishment one will look as beautiful as a painting. Condition: Good, with weathered surface.

Painted wood.  Early 20th-Century.  Straightforward and to the point, one knows immediately what is for sale at this emporium.  Condition:  Good, with some age appropriate wear.

 Founded in 1901, the company is still doing business based in New York, NY.  Insurance companies have always been eager to present a stable and reassuring image to customers, and often produced signs with patriotic and historic themes to give a sense of permanence.  Professional sign painters were assigned to create striking, colorful graphics, some of the most effective for insurance companies with an ample advertising budget.  Condition:  Very good.

Early 20th-Century.  Gold painted letters on textured black painted wood background.  Here is a no-nonsense announcement, with a semi-serious effect.  Condition:  Very good.

Early 20th-Century  New York State.  Painted tin with wood frame.  The owners of this business hung a very distinguished sign which has an authentic patina surface.  Condition:  Weathered, mellowed paint.

Circa 1930.  Painted wood.  A simple, graceful sign that gives the impression that the proprietor was an elegant needle worker.  Condition:  Very good, with wear.

Early 20th-Century.  Painted wood.  A festive advertisement for a poultry supplier, in red, white and blue.  Condition:  Very good, with wear.

Air Brush Pottery

The colorful art deco designs featured on table ceramics designed by professional artists in Europe seem perfect for festive entertaining. Made between 1919 and 1933 in Czechoslovakia, Austria and Germany, these mass produced "designer ware" pieces have become relatively hard to find. Cake servers, plates, and pitchers, all add a distinctive and unique touch to festive tables set for summer enjoyment. For more about these pieces, please refer to Ceramics of the Weimar Republic 1919 - 1933.

WOODARD WEAVE® Stair Runners

WOODARD WEAVE® Classic American woven rugs are inspired by authentic

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 historic patterns, hand-dyed and hand-loomed in the old-fashioned way for over 30 years. 

​Constructed of sturdy, top quality cotton

, our  flat-woven runners are extremely durable and can be installed on virtually any stairs. 

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Stair Runners by 

WOODARD WEAVE® 

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work miracles on a stairway, even those with corners, curves, angles, you name it! 

Our full digital catalog is available by request by e-mailing:  

info@woodardandgreenstein.com. Please have a look at a few of our triumphs for inspiration:

Somerset #55 brings this stairway to life. The curve at the top of the stairs was nothing to be afraid of.

Dorchester #60 flows magnificently in a cascade of color. 

New Hope #50 brings colorful architecture to these stairs.

Jefferson Stripe #22-A is installed with a mitered corner making this a very smooth landing. 

Cedar Hill #231 is installed with mitered corners making this two-level landing a work of art.

All installations and images courtesy of Colony Rug Company, Hanover, MA