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.

26th Street Armory Antiques Show

Downtown, the 26th Street Armory Antiques Show, under new management, offered another approach to what's new in old things, featuring several dealers who don't come to NYC often. It is an opportunity to see lots of fresh merchandise, often at affordable prices. 

Scott Estepp, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a must-visit at any show, always bringing fresh, sometimes eccentric in-a-nice-way wares that add zest and color to the proceedings. A mix of folk art, modern, paintings, furniture and architectural details is chosen with the creative, original eye of an energetic, one-of-a-kind dealer.

Michele Fox, Wilton, Connecticut, is the source for flags, patriotic textiles, quilts, and bakelite jewelry, all in pristine condition. Michele is getting ready for her debut as a show manager in June 2014, with WOODARD & GREENSTEIN. The show will be a benefit for THE PECONIC LAND TRUST in Bridgehampton, New York. The brand new ANTIQUES & DESIGN SHOW opens June 21, 2014 for two days only, with a benefit preview party on Friday, June 20th. For details, email info@woodardandgreenstein.com.

Victor Weinblatt Antiques, South Hadley, Massachusetts, exhibited an exceptional collection of trade signs, a category that is becoming more and more difficult to collect. Victor, whose Grandmother was sorry to see him give up his career as a Professor at Harvard to sell "used" items, has set new standards in a niche area of collecting, bringing a wealth of humor and delight to a joyous career choice.

Bob Withington Antiques, York, Maine, has an eye for the strong, bold forms of European and American antiques, decorative arts, garden furnishings and folk art. His presence at an antiques show ensures that the attendees will get to see the unique, the unusual and the always lively exhibit of colorful and exciting objects he successfully delivers every time. 

American Garage, Los Angeles, California, reminds us why Folk Art and Americana will always be in style and provide delight to all. Their booth is like a small museum of objects that "speak to our heart", as owners Michael Ogle and Diana Douglass put it.

Cartagena Vacation

On our recent visit to our vacation home in Cartagena, Colombia, South America, the visual excitement started immediately upon arrival as we took in a myriad of colorful, graphic signs advertising local businesses and products. 

In the old city, the 500-year-old wall has protected the historic center architecture while making room for its share of traditional, Spanish influenced trade signs. 

Outside the wall is the gleaming Plaza shopping mall with more contemporary style signs, still retaining a Latin beat. Among my favorites is the wordless No Honking sign showing a vintage horn in a circle with a red line crossing it out.

 
The party bus poster comes alive with an image of a big bowl of fruit balanced on the head of a lady in classic local costume.

Postobon, a favorite soft drink, is well represented in frequent festive signs inviting you to quench your thirst while satisfying your craving for sugar. If you don't have a craving for sugar, try the agua mineral con gas (sparkling) or sin gas (non-carbonated).
  

A visit to the Antiques at the Armory Show, NYC, January 25, 2013

A big event in antiques and the arts week in New York City is opening day at the Antiques at the Armory Show near Gramercy Park. This Stella managed winter extravaganza did not disappoint. Always exciting and energetic, the event was jammed with visitors from all over the country, eagerly checking out the fantastic line-up of wares from some of the highest quality dealers in the business. This show differs from many others in that it has elegance, charm, and glamour at, if you look carefully, affordable prices. Here are some of our favorites.

I ordered a pastrami sandwich at this booth before I realized I was in the stall of old friend, dealer Victor Weinblatt.  Victor always manages to come up with wonderful Americana objects, especially his trade signs in old paint that offer sheer delight.

The textiles in Michelle Fox's extensive collection never fail to cause a stir, particularly with her patriotic items including historic flags and antique quilts, all in pristine condition.

Celebrating her birthday today, Country Living magazine columnist and appraiser Helaine Fendelmen chose a festive venue well suited to an expert in all things antique and art, the booth of Scott Bassoff-Sandy Jacobs Antiques. Left of Helaine is her husband, the famous vintage necktie collector, Burton, and to the right, a big admirer of both Fendelmans for four decades(!),  Partner Blanche Greenstein was behind the camera for this tour.

OK, so you wanted to be in shoe business? Sorry, couldn't resist, but this giant shoe in beautiful blue paint, presumably a trade sign for a shoe store, was irresistible in the booth of our old friends, Judy and Jim Milne, NYC.

Two killer hooked rugs and an architectural bird house in old white paint were just part of the knockout display presented by Jewett-Berdan Antiques, New Castle, ME.  

An outstanding collection of Grenfell hooked rugs were featured in the booth of  Robert Snyder-Judy Wilson, Wiscasset, ME. Music provided by antique figural andirons at bottom right. For more information on Grenfell mats, see Silk Stocking Mats written by our old friend, Paula Laverty, whose husband, Bill, is known for his superb taste in serious classic bow ties.

A striking Art Deco-style 4-panel screen painted by renowned painter and architect Richard Haas in 1983 becomes a chic abstract architectural element in the treasure filled booth of our pals, Joan and Harvey Weng.