{"title":"American Folk Art \u0026 Trade Signs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"c-1920-s-american-single-sided-apply-at-office-bank-building-flush-mount-door-sign-with-black-enameled-background","title":"c. 1920's american single-sided \"apply at office\" bank building flush mount door sign with black enameled background","description":"vintage american single-sided \"apply at office\" bank building die cut yellow brass sign plaque manufactured by the heath-johnson company, chicago, il. the unique sign contains lightly incised lettering with the original baked black enameled background largely intact. the brass metal plate contains opposed pre-drilled holes for mounting purposes. salvaged from a chicago bank building. measures 10 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669601259818,"sku":"UR-13369-12","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120330-008n_2.jpg?v=1760238527"},{"product_id":"c-1924-american-art-deco-style-cross-crossings-cautiously-brightly-colored-engraved-safety-campaign-framed-poster","title":"c. 1924 american art deco style \"cross crossings cautiously\" brightly colored engraved safety campaign framed poster","description":"original c. 1924 american art deco style railroad crossing safety campaign poster distributed by the american railway association. the brightly colored poster was engraved and printed by the sales printing corporation, new york city, ny. the poster remains well preserved in a varnished oak wood frame. the american railway association (ara) was an industry trade group representing railroads in the united states. the organization had its inception in meetings of general managers and ranking railroad operating officials known as time table conventions, the first of which was held on october 1, 1872, at louisville, kentucky. in 1875, the group changed its name to general time convention and in october 1892, to american railway association. in january 1919, ten separate groups of operating officers were amalgamated with the association and carried on their activities as divisions, sections or committees of the larger group. on october 12, 1934, the ara ceased to exist, having joined with several other railroad industry trade groups to merge into the association of american railroads.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669670826282,"sku":"UR-14016-12","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120523-142m_2.jpg?v=1760152487"},{"product_id":"unique-c-1930-s-hand-painted-american-industrial-receiving-and-stock-room-single-sided-interior-wall-mount-factory-sign","title":"unique c. 1930's hand-painted american industrial \"receiving and stock room\" single-sided interior wall-mount factory sign","description":"original early 1930's american industrial single-sided \"receiving and stock room\" informational factory sign with nicely weathered hand-painted lettering. salvaged from a far west side chicago office furniture supply store recently demolished. the long and narrow sign is comprised of oak wood with white enameled lettering against a solid black background. the outer edges contain pinstriping. the wood sign contains two opposed screw holes for mounting flush against the wall. measures 50 x 14 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669690781994,"sku":"UR-14255-12","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120627-021m_2.jpg?v=1760329189"},{"product_id":"unusual-intact-and-original-depression-era-hand-crafted-american-folk-art-freestanding-sock-me-carnival-game-clown-piece","title":"unusual intact and original depression era hand-crafted american folk art freestanding \"sock me\" carnival game clown piece","description":"very unique american depression era folk art \"sock me\" carnival or amusement park game piece comprised largely of hand painted, stitched heavy duty plain woven fabric with a weighted base. the knock down clown was often used in traditional carnival games (i.e., clobber the clown, etc). fabricator and\/or artist not known. nicely worn surface consistent with age. only one available. measures 12 inches in height.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670033404202,"sku":"UR-16170-13","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130101-028m_2.jpg?v=1760335195"},{"product_id":"rare-c-1900-s-american-folk-art-city-saloon-single-sided-hand-painted-tin-ladies-toilet-lavatory-sign-with-distinctive-pointing-finger","title":"rare c. 1900's american folk art city saloon single-sided hand painted tin \"ladies toilet\" lavatory sign with distinctive pointing finger","description":"exceptional early 20th century antique american single-sided wall mount \"ladies toilet\" folk art sign purported to be from an old chicago area saloon. the tin metal sign likely was mounted in a wood frame at one point in time. the polychrome painted finish remains largely intact. features a distinctive pointing finger flanked by simple design motifs. surface wear evident. sign maker unknown. measures 17 1\/2 x 8 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670033469738,"sku":"UR-16171-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130106-001m_2.jpg?v=1760422910"},{"product_id":"rare-early-20th-century-ornamental-bronze-plated-reclining-erotic-female-woolworth-building-souvenir-or-advertising-piece","title":"rare early 20th century ornamental bronze-plated reclining erotic female woolworth building souvenir or advertising piece","description":"rare and unusual early 20th century american woolworth building souvenir or advertising piece fabricated by the jennings brothers foundry, bridgeport, conn. the skillfully cast souvenir is comprised of cast zinc or pewter with original bronze-plated finish. features a reclining full figure female with bonnet and nightgown. a small plaque with fanciful border features the woolworth building with surrounding cityscape. the nightgown consists of two hinged plates used to conceal the bare-breasted woman in erotic pose. the woolworth building, at 57 stories, is one of the oldest skyscrapers in new york city. more than a century after the start of its construction, it remains one of the fifty tallest buildings in the united states as well as one of the twenty tallest buildings in new york city. since 1966 it has been a national historic landmark. the woolworth building was constructed in neo-gothic style by architect cass gilbert, who was commissioned by frank woolworth in 1910 to design the new corporate headquarters on broadway, between park place and barclay street in lower manhattan, opposite city hall. the construction cost was us$13.5 million and woolworth paid all of it in cash. on completion, the woolworth building overtook the metropolitan life insurance company tower as the world's tallest building; it opened on april 24, 1913. with a resemblance to european gothic cathedrals, the structure was labeled the cathedral of commerce by the reverend s. parkes cadman during the opening ceremony. it remained the tallest building in the world until the construction of 40 wall street and the chrysler building in 1930; an observation deck on the 57th floor attracted visitors until 1945. the building's tower, flush with the main frontage on broadway, is raised on a block base with a narrow interior court for light. the exterior decoration was cast in limestone-colored, glazed architectural terra-cotta panels. strongly articulated piers, carried—without interrupting cornices—right to the pyramidal cap, give the building its upward thrust. the gothic detailing concentrated at the highly visible top is massively scaled, able to be read from the street level several hundred feet below. the ornate, cruciform lobby has a vaulted ceiling, mosaics, and sculpted caricatures that include gilbert and woolworth. woolworth's private office, revetted in marble in french empire style, is preserved. engineers gunvald aus and kort berle designed the steel frame, supported on massive caissons that penetrate to the bedrock. the high-speed elevators were innovative, and the building's high office-to-elevator ratio made the structure profitable.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670045462826,"sku":"UR-16320-13","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20110907-023n_1_2.jpg?v=1760159375"},{"product_id":"original-historically-important-and-highly-symbolic-c-1930-s-american-depression-era-work-progress-administration-jobsite-double-sided-painted-steel-sign","title":"original historically important and highly symbolic c. 1930's american depression era work progress administration jobsite double-sided painted steel sign","description":"very rare and important american depression era exterior double-sided work progress administration jobsite sign comprised of heavy gauge steel with nicely worn and weathered hand-painted finish. exact sign fabricator unknown. the notable wpa graphic originally contained bold black and white lettering against a background containing red, white and blue stripes. surface wear consistent with age. the oversized sign contains multiple bullet holes and markings along the edges left by a wood frame removed long ago. the works progress administration (renamed in 1939 as the work projects administration; wpa) was the largest and most ambitious new deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads. the project was created by order of president franklin delano roosevelt, and funded by congress with passage of the emergency relief appropriation act of 1935 on april 8, 1935. the wpa was largely shaped by harry hopkins, close adviser to president roosevelt. the wpa was initially intended to be an extension of the federal emergency relief administration work program, which funded projects run by states and cities. many were for infrastructure, such as bridges, roads and parks, but they also included archeological excavations of significant sites, the historic american buildings survey (habs), and other historic preservation activities. both roosevelt and hopkins believed that the route to economic recovery and the lessened importance of \"the dole\" would be in employment programs such as the wpa. almost every community in the united states had a new park, bridge or school constructed by the agency. the wpa's initial appropriation in 1935 was for $4.9 billion (about 6.7 percent of the 1935 gdp), and in total it spent $13.4 billion. at its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men. headed by harry hopkins, the wpa provided jobs and income to the unemployed during the great depression in the united states. between 1935 and 1943, the wpa provided almost eight million jobs. full employment, which emerged as a national goal around 1944, was not the wpa goal. it tried to provide one paid job for all families in which the breadwinner suffered long-term unemployment. the wpa was a national program that operated its own projects in cooperation with state and local governments, which provided 10%-30% of the costs. wpa sometimes took over state and local relief programs that had originated in the reconstruction finance corporation or federal emergency relief administration programs. liquidated on june 30, 1943, as a result of low unemployment due to the worker shortage of world war ii, the wpa provided millions of americans with jobs for 8 years. most people who needed a job were eligible for at least some of its positions. hourly wages were typically set to the prevailing wages in each area. but, workers could not be paid for more than 30 hours a week. before 1940, to meet the objections of the labor unions, the programs provided very little training to teach new skills to workers.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670083211562,"sku":"UR-16642-13","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130221-003m_2.jpg?v=1760336499"},{"product_id":"unique-oversized-c-1940-s-vintage-american-weathered-and-worn-single-sided-die-cut-steel-exterior-soda-shop-ice-cream-cone-sign","title":"unique oversized c. 1940's vintage american weathered and worn single-sided die cut steel exterior soda shop ice cream cone sign","description":"impressive c. 1940's american vintage oversized single-sided exterior ice cream cone sign salvaged from an old chicago soda shop demolished long ago. the die cut steel sign was originally double-sided and illuminated with neon tubing. the \"can\" portion containing the transformers was scrapped during demolition. the exact fabricator is not known. nicely worn paint finish with surface rust evident. the exact sign fabricator is not known. measures 87 x 36 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670105461034,"sku":"UR-16903-13","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130320-007z_2.jpg?v=1760337191"},{"product_id":"late-1920-s-american-art-deco-style-scalloped-edge-plate-glass-storefront-walk-in-hanging-door-sign-with-silver-metallic-lettering","title":"late 1920's american art deco style scalloped edge plate glass storefront \"walk in\" hanging door sign with silver metallic lettering","description":"all original late 1920's antique american art deco style single-sided interior \"walk in\" shop or storefront sign fabricated by the modern sign works, chicago, il. the highly stylized wall mount and\/or hanging sign is comprised of a thick scalloped edge clear glass with reflective foil back lettering, black enameled background and decorative red accent. the thin wrought brass sign enclosure is original with a nicely aged surface patina. measures 8 3\/4 x 3 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670120239402,"sku":"UR-17044-13","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130405-015z_2.jpg?v=1760249969"},{"product_id":"single-sided-late-1920-s-vintage-american-mission-style-wall-mount-cast-bronze-noel-bank-building-service-sign-or-plaque-with-black-inlay","title":"single-sided late 1920's vintage american mission style wall-mount cast bronze noel bank building \"service\" sign or plaque with black inlay","description":"original late 1920's american antique wall-mount cast bronze \"service\" plaque or sign likely designed and fabricated by the garden city plating \u0026amp; mfg. co., chicago, il. the single-sided mission style informational sign retains the original baked black enameled inlay used to accentuate the raised lettering. the nicely aged surface patina has been left untouched. the sign was salvaged from the extant noel state bank building, located in the wicker park neighborhood of chicago. the american neoclassical style bank building was designed and built by the architectural firm of weary \u0026amp; alford co., chicago, il., for joseph noel, who founded the north west savings bank in 1905. contains two opposed screw holes for mounting against a door or wall. two matching signs available. measures 10 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670121320746,"sku":"UR-17062-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130407-016z_2.jpg?v=1760425307"},{"product_id":"very-rare-original-american-depression-era-c-1930-s-wpa-era-ornamental-cast-iron-west-side-elevated-highway-surface-mount-emblematic-rondel-or-plaque","title":"very rare original american depression era c. 1930′s wpa-era ornamental cast iron west side elevated highway surface mount emblematic rondel or plaque","description":"historically important and highly sought after early 1930′s oversized ornamental cast iron works progress administration emblematic rondel or plaque salvaged from the old new york city west side elevated highway torn down during the 1970′s. the impressive well-documented wpa-era plaque features the official seal of the city of new york in very deep relief. the exact foundry or fabricator is not known. the single-sided plaque contains a brushed metal finish treated with a clear coat sealant to prevent surface corrosion. the west side elevated highway (west side highway or miller highway, named for julius miller, manhattan borough president from 1922 to 1930) was an elevated section of route ny-9a running along the hudson river in the new york city borough of manhattan to the tip of the island. it was an elevated highway, one of the first urban freeways in the world, and served as a prototype for urban freeways elsewhere, including boston’s central artery. built between 1929 and 1951, the highway’s narrow confines which could not accommodate trucks and sharp s exit ramps made the highway obsolete almost immediately. when chunks of the highway’s facade began to fall off due to lack of maintenance, and a truck and car fell through it at 14th street in 1973, the highway was shut down, and a debate began whether to renovate it or dismantle it. attitudes about urban planning had changed in the intervening decades, and the decision was made not to repair the decaying structure. a plan for the elevated highway to be replaced by an underground interstate-quality highway, which came to be called westway, had originally been proposed in 1971. in the interim between the closure of the elevated highway and the completion of its dismantling, while debate about westway was proceeding, remaining sections of the old highway structure began to be unofficially utilized as an elevated urban park, for jogging and bicycling. by 1989 the old elevated highway structure was totally dismantled, except for a small portion from 59th street to 72nd street, which, in effect, became the southern extension of the henry hudson parkway. the single-sided surface mount cast iron plaque measures 18 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670205108522,"sku":"UR-17749-13","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130612-20130612-024a_2.jpg?v=1760427399"},{"product_id":"hand-painted-late-1930-s-vintage-american-city-of-chicago-brightly-colored-no-dumping-heavy-gauge-steel-street-sign","title":"hand-painted late 1930's vintage american city of chicago brightly colored \"no dumping\" heavy gauge steel street sign","description":"original c. 1930's american single-sided heavy gauge steel hand-painted \"no dumping\" city of chicago notification sign likely fabricated by the department of streets \u0026amp; sanitation. the flush mount sign contains bold black lettering against a bright yellow background. surface wear and minor paint loss evident. the sign was clearly recycled from an older traffic sign that contains slightly raised lettering originally used on a \"no left turn\" sign.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670736998698,"sku":"UR-19410-14","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140205-20140205-056z_2.jpg?v=1760258292"},{"product_id":"rare-early-20th-century-single-sided-diminutive-ornamental-cast-brass-optician-s-office-desk-plaque-with-blue-enameled-inlay","title":"rare early 20th century single-sided diminutive ornamental cast brass optician's office desk plaque with blue enameled inlay","description":"documented c. 1910 antique american medical single-sided cast brass optician's office desk plaque possibly fabricated by r.h. gardner \u0026amp; co., chicago, il. the diminutive angled plaque contains slightly raised letters against a rich blue enameled inlay. the unrestored occupation plaque has a nicely aged and mostly uniform surface patina. the original state board of registration and examination in optometry certificate was found with the plaque. measures 7 1\/2 x 1 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670777434410,"sku":"UR-19648-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140311-20140311-018z_2.jpg?v=1760434920"},{"product_id":"late-1940-s-collectible-original-and-intact-late-1940-s-american-industrial-double-sided-laminated-wood-think-table-or-desk-ibm-advertising-plaque-or-coporate-gift","title":"late 1940's collectible original and intact late 1940's american industrial double-sided laminated wood \"think\" table or desk ibm advertising plaque or coporate gift","description":"hard to find and highly collectible late 1940's freestanding double-sided laminated wood \"think\" desk or table corporate plaque distributed as a complimentary gift or salesman sample by the international business machines corp., new york. the \"think\" motto was coined by thomas j. watson while managing the sales and advertising departments at the national cash register company, saying \"thought has been the father of every advance since time began. 'i didn't think' has cost the world millions of dollars.\" in 1914 he brought the motto with him to the computing tabulating recording corporation. the “think” motto was ubiquitous within ibm offices and factories throughout the world by the 1930’s, and began attracting notice outside the company within the same decade. ibm was deluged with requests from the public for its iconic think signs, and from customers who wanted to use them in their own businesses. in 1948 ibm handed out 9000 signs; by 1960 that number had jumped to 20,000. in the decades that followed—as watson’s progressive vision of the engaged and intelligent worker continued to find widespread resonance—the think sign became a common adornment of the average american desk and an enduring fixture of business culture. the \"think\" sign retaining the original solid walnut base was fabricated by the plastic laminating corp. \"placo\"), located in vaux hall, nj. surface wear and discoloration consistent with age. measures 7 1\/4 x 2 x 4 inches","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670926332202,"sku":"UR-20554-14","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140728-020a_2.jpg?v=1760174767"},{"product_id":"single-sided-early-1920-s-baked-black-enameled-die-cut-yellow-brass-original-city-of-chicago-street-wagon-or-peddler-official-license","title":"single-sided early 1920's baked black enameled die cut yellow brass original city of chicago street wagon or peddler official license","description":"unusual and hard to find (in this quantity) all original rectangular-shaped diminutive stamped brass metal \"marker\" plates designed for use on the wagon or cart of a licensed chicago peddler for the \"first period\" of 1923. the single-sided plaque was assigned to each peddler with a stamped number found directly below the expiration date. according to the chicago municipal code of 1923, \"every peddler whose license entitles him to use a wagon or other vehicle drawn or propelled by animal or mechanical power in about his business shall obtain from the city clerk at the time license is issued a painted metal plate 5 inches long and 2 inches wide for each wagon or other similar vehicle to be used by him in or about his business. such plate shall have stamped thereon a number corresponding to the number of such peddler's license and the words chicago wagon peddler together with the year for which such license is issued. such plate shall be of a different color and design for each license period.\" the tags are in great overall condition with the original baked black enameled finish intact. possibly fabricated by or for the j.o. pollack company, chicago, il. priced individually.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670936785194,"sku":"UR-20624-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140124-028z_2.jpg?v=1760439869"},{"product_id":"original-rectangular-shaped-c-1920-s-american-antique-industrial-single-sided-surface-mount-stamped-black-enameled-brass-city-of-chicago-peddler-license","title":"original rectangular-shaped c. 1920's american antique industrial single-sided surface mount stamped black enameled brass city of chicago peddler license","description":"unusual and hard to find (in this quantity) all original rectangular-shaped diminutive stamped brass metal \"marker\" plates designed for use on the wagon or cart of a licensed chicago peddler for the \"first period\" of 1923. the single-sided plaque was assigned to each peddler with a stamped number found directly below the expiration date. according to the chicago municipal code of 1923, \"every peddler whose license entitles him to use a wagon or other vehicle drawn or propelled by animal or mechanical power in about his business shall obtain from the city clerk at the time license is issued a painted metal plate 5 inches long and 2 inches wide for each wagon or other similar vehicle to be used by him in or about his business. such plate shall have stamped thereon a number corresponding to the number of such peddler's license and the words chicago wagon peddler together with the year for which such license is issued. such plate shall be of a different color and design for each license period.\" the tags are in great overall condition with the original baked black enameled finish intact. possibly fabricated by or for the j.o. pollack company, chicago, il. priced individually.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670937964842,"sku":"UR-20632-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140124-025a_2.jpg?v=1760352267"},{"product_id":"stamped-yellow-brass-c-1923-original-and-intact-city-of-chicago-wagon-or-cart-peddler-license-plaque-or-badge-with-black-paint-finish","title":"stamped yellow brass c. 1923 original and intact city of chicago wagon or cart peddler license plaque or badge with black paint finish","description":"unusual and hard to find (in this quantity) all original rectangular-shaped diminutive stamped brass metal \"marker\" plates designed for use on the wagon or cart of a licensed chicago peddler for the \"first period\" of 1923. the single-sided plaque was assigned to each peddler with a stamped number found directly below the expiration date. according to the chicago municipal code of 1923, \"every peddler whose license entitles him to use a wagon or other vehicle drawn or propelled by animal or mechanical power in about his business shall obtain from the city clerk at the time license is issued a painted metal plate 5 inches long and 2 inches wide for each wagon or other similar vehicle to be used by him in or about his business. such plate shall have stamped thereon a number corresponding to the number of such peddler's license and the words chicago wagon peddler together with the year for which such license is issued. such plate shall be of a different color and design for each license period.\" the tags are in great overall condition with the original baked black enameled finish intact. possibly fabricated by or for the j.o. pollack company, chicago, il. priced individually.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670938390826,"sku":"UR-20635-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140124-030ss22f_2.jpg?v=1760175408"},{"product_id":"c-1923-original-antique-american-rectangular-shaped-stamped-brass-city-license-plaque-or-badge-for-street-wagon-or-cart-peddlers","title":"c. 1923 original antique american rectangular-shaped stamped brass city license plaque or badge for street wagon or cart peddlers","description":"unusual and hard to find (in this quantity) all original rectangular-shaped diminutive stamped brass metal \"marker\" plates designed for use on the wagon or cart of a licensed chicago peddler for the \"first period\" of 1923. the single-sided plaque was assigned to each peddler with a stamped number found directly below the expiration date. according to the chicago municipal code of 1923, \"every peddler whose license entitles him to use a wagon or other vehicle drawn or propelled by animal or mechanical power in about his business shall obtain from the city clerk at the time license is issued a painted metal plate 5 inches long and 2 inches wide for each wagon or other similar vehicle to be used by him in or about his business. such plate shall have stamped thereon a number corresponding to the number of such peddler's license and the words chicago wagon peddler together with the year for which such license is issued. such plate shall be of a different color and design for each license period.\" the tags are in great overall condition with the original baked black enameled finish intact. possibly fabricated by or for the j.o. pollack company, chicago, il. priced individually.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670938521898,"sku":"UR-20636-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140124-0311ss_2.jpg?v=1760175469"},{"product_id":"unusual-diminutive-two-part-cast-bronze-1855-1925-crane-company-building-70th-anniversary-souvenir-depicting-the-company-s-first-workshop","title":"unusual diminutive two-part cast bronze \"1855-1925\" crane company building 70th anniversary souvenir depicting the company's first workshop","description":"very unique and hard to find original and well-maintained american industrial diminutive 70th anniversary crane company building souvenir comprised of highly detailed cast bronze. the two-part (base and workshop) company souvenir is a detailed representation of crane's first workshop, in the form of a frame dwelling with an open gabled roof. the detachable base contains a unique slightly raised edge consisting of pipes and corner bend fittings. the dwelling is affixed to the base with two screws. the sign board running parallel with the roofline or tie beam reads \"‘r. t. crane, brass and bell foundry.\" the exact fabricator of the american made souvenir is not known. contains a uniform matte finish. the crane company was formed by richard and charles crane as \"r.t. \u0026amp; bro.\" in 1855. crane manufactured and sold brass goods and plumbing supplies and later supplied pipe and steam-heating equipment in large public buildings such as the cook county courthouse and the state prison at joliet. by 1865, when the name of the company was changed to the northwestern manufacturing co., it ran a large pipe mill and manufactured engines and steam pumps; by 1870, when it employed about 160 people, it was making elevators as well. after the chicago fire of 1871, the company decided to expand its operations that saw remarkable growth throughout the 20th. measures 4 1\/2 x 3 x 2 1\/2 inches","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670965195050,"sku":"UR-20748-14","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140901-064d_2.jpg?v=1760264543"},{"product_id":"original-and-largely-intact-c-1870-s-american-antique-medical-indian-queen-browns-celebrated-indian-herb-bitters-amber-colored-full-figure-bottle","title":"original and largely intact c. 1870's american antique medical \"indian queen\" browns celebrated indian herb bitters amber colored full-figure bottle","description":"original 19th century full-figured indian woman with her left arm crossed over her chest and her right arm grasping an oversized shield set against the base of the bottle. the product embossing is found along the shield, which reads \"brown's celebrated indian herb bitters.\" the applied mouth is found directly above the feathered headdress. the oversized bottle contains a light yellow at the top that gradually turns to a dark brown amber at the very bottom. the indian queen bottles likely originated from philadelphia, pa. any and all traces of the original applied paint are long gone. the figural bottle was patented on february 11, 1867. designed and fabricated by neil r. brown of phildelphia and\/or possibly the whitney brothers glass works, glassboro, nj. the rear panel near the base of the bottle contains the patent date. the highly collectible bottle contains a ground lip and smooth base. restoration or repair done on the front of the circular base (not the discoloration). no cracks or breaks.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670971912490,"sku":"UR-20797-14","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141223-aa6a0094df_2.jpg?v=1760353090"},{"product_id":"highly-unusual-c-1930-s-depression-era-worn-and-weathered-fully-functional-freestanding-electronically-operated-mechanical-amusement-mark-clown-greeter","title":"highly unusual c. 1930's depression era worn and weathered fully functional freestanding electronically operated mechanical amusement mark clown \"greeter\"","description":"one of a kind, possibly custom-built fully functional c. 1930's american depression era electronically-operated mechanical amusement park clown \"greeter\" removed long ago from a fun park in michigan. the unique and creepy clown is heavily worn and weathered, but its up and down motion with noisy gears continue operate when plugged in and switched on. the clown's face and hand-painted features are largely intact. the costume that concealed the arms and torso was long gone when it arrived through our doors. the wood podium was \"dressed up\" at some point, but like the other features, is mostly stripped down and worn. despite the obvious lack of maintenance and obvious neglect, the clown is structurally sound and sturdy. very little else is known about the clown's history. measures 19 inches in diameter at base. clown figure measures 27 inches wide x ~48 inches high.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671056322858,"sku":"UR-21272-14","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141128-001m_2.jpg?v=1760267386"},{"product_id":"original-and-well-maintained-early-20th-century-antique-american-advertising-salesman-sample-glass-paperweight-featuring-a-glassblower-with-blowpipe","title":"original and well-maintained early 20th century antique american advertising salesman sample glass paperweight featuring a glassblower with blowpipe","description":"c. 1900-1910 original solid clear glass advertising and\/or salesman sample paperweight likely designed and fabricated by the macbeth-evans glass company. the antique american paperweight retains the original enameled back featuring a standing glassblower with blowpipe. the manufacturer's name and location is printed above the glassmith. macbeth-evans was formed in 1899 by the merger of two independent glass companies - one founded in 1869 by thomas evans and the other company established by george a. macbeth in 1872. the introduction of new glass-blowing machines, techniques, etc. during the early 20th century were employed to expand and revolutionize their business, which lead macbeth-evans to become one of the leading contenders in the production of illumination, scientific, and industrial glassware. the original plant was located in charleroi, pennsylvania. due to increased production and\/or demand, other plants were opened in marion indiana, bethevan indiana, elwood indiana, and toledo ohio. in 1937 macbeth-evans was purchased by corning glass works of corning new york. macbeth-evans continued to produce the glassware they were famous for under the name macbeth-evans division of corning glass works until sometime in the 1940's.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671086960938,"sku":"UR-21528-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150105-aa6a0686c_2.jpg?v=1760444921"},{"product_id":"authentic-c-1872-antique-american-intricately-designed-ornamental-cast-or-struck-bronze-great-chicago-william-e-barber-designed-fire-medal","title":"authentic c. 1872 antique american intricately designed ornamental cast or struck bronze great chicago william e. barber-designed \"fire medal\"","description":"original nicely aged c. 1872 circular-shaped \"fire medal\" containing a finely executed (obverse) portrayal of the city in flames, with an angel holding a torch and sword in flight over fort dearborn, which was a united states military fort built on the edge of the chicago river in 1803. a large portion of the fort was destroyed in a fire that occurred during the 1850's and what was left of its outer walls were later completely destroyed by the great chicago fire. the text below reads: \"chicago oct 8-9 1871, \/ fort dearborn chico \/ 1812.\" the reverse contains a centrally located winged phoenix (a mythical sacred bird that lives as long as five hundred years and is then ignited by the sun's rays. after its body is consumed by flames, another phoenix emerges from the ashes) rising from the flames amid smoke surrounded by the words: \"made from chicago court house bell \/ semper resugens.\" the cast or struck solid bronze medal was executed by william e. barber, who worked as a die engraver in london before immigrating with his family to boston in 1852. he was hired by the gorham company as a die engraver for ornamental embossing of silver plate. barber was later hired as the assistant engraver at the united states mint in philadelphia in 1865 and was promoted to head engraver in 1869. according to some sources, 500 of these particular medals (struck in 1872) were distributed, presumably by h. s. everhart \u0026amp; company, with barber as the fabricator (the artist's name is found on the coin). the bronze metal used to make this historically-important contain was salvaged from the c. 1853 chicago city hall building (destroyed in the fire) bell, which alarmed the city of the rapidly advancing fire until the building's tower that housed the bell was consumed in the fire. the bell was badly damaged from crashing into the rubble and was auctioned off by the city a few months after the fire was extinguished. in addition to medals, miniature fire helmets and bells (in the shape of the original) were made and sold to the public with letter of authenticity from the city.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671090139434,"sku":"UR-21545-15","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150106-aa6a0771_3.jpg?v=1760444978"},{"product_id":"very-rare-early-20th-century-freestanding-polychrome-enameled-zinc-metal-aladdin-brand-oil-lamp-lighting-shop-advertising-display-or-trade-sign","title":"very rare early 20th century freestanding polychrome enameled zinc metal \"aladdin\" brand oil lamp lighting shop advertising display or trade sign\"","description":"remarkable c. 1910-20 original freestanding reinforced cast zinc metal \"aladdin\" oil lamp lighting store advertising display piece or trade sign. the rare and seldom found figural piece retains the original polychrome enameled finish with an allover crazed surface consistent with age. in 1908, victor johnson founded the mantle lamp company of america in chicago and imported the 'practicus\" incandescent burner from germany. he obtained the aladdin trademark in 1908 and sold the first model of the american-made aladdin lamp in 1909. in 1926 johnson bought the lippincott glass factory in alexandria, indiana to make glass lamps, chimneys and shades, changing the name to aladdin industries. agents were recruited to sell lamps throughout the country and farm land. they demonstrated the aladdin and often left the lamp in the home for an overnight trial. the agent arranged for local merchants to stock supplies. in 1928 the company turned solely to franchise dealerssome 15,000 in the early 1930s. the company advertised extensively in newspapers and through radio. smilin ed mcconnell was so popular that he became the \"aladdin lamp man.\" in 1949 the company moved their central office from chicago to nashville, tennessee, the home of aladdin industries' today. aladdin lamps were made in the usa until 1963, after which brass lamps were imported from england. only the glass lamps continued to be made in the usa. the aladdin lamp was developed through application of scientific principles: ami argand, 1750-1803, invented the principle of center draft whereby air is provided inside a tubular wick to the flame of a lamp. argand's \"air lamps\" became known as \"argand lamps,\" which he first patented in england in 1784. dr. auer von welsbach, 1858-1929, an austrian chemist, invented the incandescent gas mantle in 1885, a huge improvement in the history of artificial lighting. the early technology of adapting the mantle to oil lamps was developed in germany. beginning in the early 1900s companies in the united states recognized the tremendous advantage of these improved lights. the aladdin lamp became the world-wide leader in non-pressure incandescent lamps during the next 50 years. the promotional or advertising piece was salvaged from an old hardware store that contained a lighting section heavily promoting aladdin lamps and accessories. measures 21 x 14 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671102460202,"sku":"UR-21621-15","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150113-img_0068m_2.jpg?v=1760445387"},{"product_id":"unusually-small-early-20th-century-five-light-mazda-edison-tin-lithographed-light-bulb-hardware-store-counter-display-with-individual-sockets-and-on-off-switches","title":"unusually small early 20th century five-light mazda edison tin-lithographed light bulb hardware store counter display with individual sockets and on\/off switches","description":"highly collectible original and seldom found five-light hardware store counter mazda edison light bulb display or \"demonstrator\" designed and fabricated by or for the american art works inc., coshocton ohio. the antique american industrial c. 1910-20 incandscent light bulb display unit would be found on a countertop and\/or in a storefront window display. the base is comprised of solid walnut with the original stained finish largely intact. the fanciful lettering found on both sides of the base is fashioned in delicate gold leaf lettering. the arched top or half-circle double-sided display contains a rather impressive detailed and vibrantly colored enameled lithograph designed by american painter and illustrator maxfield parrish, who did design work for popular magazines in the 1910's and 1920's including hearst's, colliers, and life. he was also a favorite of advertisers, including wanamaker's, edison-mazda lamps, fisk tires, colgate and oneida cutlery. the display unit contains intact and original porcelain sockets and bakelite switches for use in the display of various incandescent lamps. mazda was a trademarked name used by general electric and others for incandescent light bulbs from 1909 through 1945; mazda brand light bulbs were made for decades after 1945 outside the usa. the company chose the name due to its association with [ahura] mazda, the transcendental and universal god of zoroastrianism whose name means \"[wise] lord \" in the avestan language.the company licensed the mazda name, socket sizes, and tungsten filament technology, to other manufacturers in order to set a standard for lighting. bulbs were soon sold by many manufacturers with the mazda name attached, including westinghouse. the company advertised their new tungsten bulb standard with paintings by maxfield parrish. measures 17 x 5 1\/2 x 8 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671109734698,"sku":"UR-21686-15","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150202-img_0014c_2.jpg?v=1760445666"},{"product_id":"rare-c-1940-s-oversized-single-sided-brightly-colored-porcelain-enameled-exterior-vintage-american-general-electric-factory-building-or-appliance-story-porcelain-enameled-die-cut-steel-sign","title":"rare c. 1940's oversized single-sided brightly colored porcelain enameled exterior vintage american general electric factory building or appliance story porcelain enameled die cut steel sign","description":"very unique and unusually large late 1940's american industrial single-sided surface mount (or possibly once double-sided on a freestanding sign pole) building facade \"ge\" factory or appliance (various colors within the monogram's solid color background) monogram \"ge\" logo advertising sign fabricated by or for general electric, schenectady, n.y. the massive cold-rolled steel sign with intact brightly colored vitreous or porcelain enameled finish features the \"swirly logo\" in red and white lettering against a nice cobalt blue background. with the exception of slight discoloration (i.e., fading) from prolonged exposure to the elements, the porcelain finish remains amazingly intact. the factory building or appliance warehouse sign was purportedly salvaged from a lamp or lighting division factory or warehouse located in detroit, mi. the sign is comprised of heavy gauge steel with folded or flanged edges. thomas alva edison founded the edison electric light company in 1878 to manufacture and sell his new invention - the incandescent electric lamp. later, edison combined all his businesses under edison general electric company that merged with thomson-houston electric company in 1892, to form the general electric company. the monogrammed logo has changed little since inception. the original monogrammed circular logo was trademarked on september 18, 1900. the industrial sign measures 42 x 43 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671129198890,"sku":"UR-21839-15","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150210-img_0026_2.jpg?v=1760270354"},{"product_id":"authentic-c-1930-s-american-depression-era-double-sided-hanging-hand-painted-wood-tourist-roadside-motel-sign-with-applied-big-and-bold-raised-letters","title":"authentic c. 1930's american depression era double-sided hanging hand-painted wood \"tourist\" roadside motel sign with applied big and bold raised letters","description":"original american depression ere art deco style double-sided hanging painted wood \"tourist\" roadside motel sign with distinct applied hand-sawn distressed white enameled letters nailed against an all black signboard. the american folk art sign was salvaged from a roadside motel signpost located in upper wisconsin. the nicely distressed sign with rounded corners measures 40 inches in length by 9 inches in height.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671138668842,"sku":"UR-21902-15","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150211-img_0010_2.jpg?v=1760270606"},{"product_id":"very-unique-and-unusual-early-1920-s-american-industrial-oversized-bunte-candy-factory-pine-wood-water-tank-measuring-stick-with-black-stenciled-lettering","title":"very unique and unusual early 1920's american industrial oversized bunte candy factory pine wood water tank measuring stick with black stenciled lettering","description":"original and all original oversized early 1920's single-sided hand painted pine wood water tank measuring stick salvaged from the non-extant bunte candy factory complex completed around 1919-20. the massive wood measuring indicator was originally affixed against one of the smaller auxiliary water tanks installed in the administrative building's tower. the twelve foot measuring stick contains two opposed raised boards (used in conjunction with the pulley system) with original black stenciled markings and fanciful numbers. the gray paint finish used to heighten the visibility of the stenciling is original and intact. the unique measuring stick was lightly cleaned and sealed with a clear coat lacquer. possibly fabricated by or for the challenge company, batavia, il. several water tanks comprised of wood and steel found within the city of chicago were assembled by their company during the first part of the 20th century. the massive bunte candy factory factory (later converted into a high school before demolition) was designed by the architectural firm of schimdt, garden \u0026amp; martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880′s, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm’s progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden’s architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term “gardenesque.” the fabricator and\/or sculptor of the eagles has yet to be identified. the bunte factory was considered to be the largest prairie school style commercial building or factory in the country before being demolished in 2008. the candy factory ceased operations around 1960-61. in 1969, the building was then retrofitted into a chicago public school building. the bunte candy company dates back to 1876, when ferdinand bunte, gustav a. bunte, and charles a. spoehr started a candy manufactory on state street in chicago. after a few years, ferdinand's son theodore w. bunte took charge of the business. by the 1910's, when bunte bros. did annual sales of about $2.4 million, the company employed about 1,200 people. as late as the 1950's, it had over 1,000 workers in its chicago plants. in 1954, bunte brothers candy co. was purchased by chase candy co. of st. joseph, missouri, and a new firm, bunte-chase, was created. in 1961, the firm closed the chicago plant, dropped the bunte name, and returned to st. joseph.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671142732074,"sku":"UR-21938-15","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150225-20150225-20150225-img_0042-151x1024_2.jpg?v=1760182457"},{"product_id":"original-and-completely-intact-late-1960-s-all-original-double-sided-illuminated-poloroid-land-camera-department-interior-photography-store-hanging-advertising-sign","title":"original and completely intact late 1960's all original double-sided illuminated poloroid \"land camera department\" interior photography store hanging advertising sign","description":"late 1960's or early 1970's vintage american double-sided illuminated \"land camera department\" hanging store window advertisement sign designed and fabricated for polaroid corporation, cambridge, mass. the company was founded in 1937 by edwin land. the sign is comprised of two plastic inset signs that are mounted a stainless steel \"can.\" the source of lighting is fluorescent tubing, which works flawlessly when plugged in. the double-sided hanging sign contains two opposed eye hooks for hanging from the ceiling. the pressed and folded steel cabinet remains in great shape. the two matching molded plastic signs are from from damage. measures 38 1\/2 x 6 x 14 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671143944490,"sku":"UR-21950-15","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150316-img_0047_2.jpg?v=1760182509"},{"product_id":"original-hand-painted-c-1930-s-american-industrial-brightly-colored-heavy-gauge-steel-finkl-foundry-machine-shop-no-admittance-caution-or-warning-sign","title":"original hand-painted c. 1930's american industrial brightly colored heavy gauge steel finkl foundry machine shop \"no admittance\" caution or warning sign","description":"single-sided antique american industrial hand-painted folk art \"no admittance\" sign salvaged from a machine shop located within the a. finkl \u0026amp; sons foundry (currently undergoing demolition). the sign was no doubt fabricated in-house on a heavy gauge steel plate with a brightly bold black lettering against a bright yellow background. the sign contains multiple holes for mounting purposes. a. finkl \u0026amp; sons co. was founded in 1879 when german immigrant anton finkl developed a new kind of chisel to clean bricks from buildings destroyed in the great chicago fire. in 1902, the company moved to chicago's near north side. measures 22 x 12 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671165866282,"sku":"UR-22127-15","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150422-img_0003er_2.jpg?v=1760359732"},{"product_id":"c-1950-s-vintage-industrial-chicago-city-building-basement-engineering-maintenance-dept-only-repurposed-stamped-steel-street-sign-with-hours-of-operations","title":"c. 1950's vintage industrial chicago city building basement engineering \"maintenance dept. only\" repurposed stamped steel street sign with hours of operations","description":"single vintage american industrial stamped steel oversized metal sign fabricated by or for the street \u0026amp; sanitation department, chicago, ills. the sign was originally used as a city street traffic sign, but at some point it was repurposed into a makeshift \"maintenance dept. only\" hours of operation sign used in a city department building. the signs contains bolt silver metallic lettering against a weathered and worn black enameled background. measures 24 x 24 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671217738026,"sku":"UR-22481-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150624-img_0025_2.jpg?v=1760185027"},{"product_id":"all-original-early-20th-century-very-unique-antique-american-medical-optometrist-s-practitioner-patient-die-cut-eye-color-chart-or-wheel-with-matching-sleeve","title":"all original early 20th century very unique antique american medical optometrist's practitioner-patient die cut eye color chart or wheel with matching sleeve","description":"unique c. 1906 antique american medical die cut heavy card stock optometrist's practitioner-patient eye color circular and\/or wheel chart. the \"davis' engravings of eye colors\" was manufactured (and likely patented) by charles t. davis, of brooklyn, ny. in later years davis secured patents for poison pills and surgical needles. the chart contains a total of 13 human eyes with roman numerals corresponding to shades of blue and\/or brown found on the chart's sleeve or jacket. with the exception of discoloration, the chart remains in great shape, considering age. salvaged from the office of erwin g. clahassey, m.d., who specialized in diseases and surgery of the eye.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671219212586,"sku":"UR-22496-15","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150318-img_0020_2.jpg?v=1760273900"},{"product_id":"unique-original-and-intact-single-sided-diminutive-die-cut-steel-vitreous-or-porcelain-enameled-dairy-queen-exterior-ice-cream-cone-sign-with-grommets","title":"unique original and intact single-sided diminutive die cut steel vitreous or porcelain enameled dairy queen exterior ice cream cone sign with grommets","description":"very rare and collectible americana in the form of a vintage diminutive dairy queen exterior porcelain enameled ice cream cone single-sided ad sign. the die cut steel sign remains in very good condition, considering age. the colors remain vibrant. the stamped steel grommets are original and intact. the soft serve formula was first developed in 1938 by j.f. grandpa mccullough and his son alex mccullough. co-owned with herb noble, they went on to open the first dairy queen store in 1940 in joliet, illinois. while the dairy queen is no longer in operation, the building is still located at 501 n chicago st. dq was an early pioneer of food franchising, with the 10 stores in 1941 expanding to 100 by 1947, 1,446 in 1950, and 2,600 in 1955. the present dairy queen logo was introduced in 1959. the company became \"international dairy queen, inc.\" (idq) in 1962. dairy queens were a fixture of social life in small towns of the midwestern and southern united states during the 1950s and 1960s. in that role they have often come to be referenced as a symbol of life in small-town america, as for instance in walter benjamin at the dairy queen: reflections at sixty and beyond by larry mcmurtry, dairy queen days by robert inman, and chevrolet summers, dairy queen nights by bob greene. some of the popular items on the texas menu include the hunger-buster and belt-buster hamburgers. bob phillips, host of the popular texas syndicated television series texas country reporter, was for many years the dq spokesman in texas. dairy queen appears in many small texas towns, such as baird, devine, jacksboro, and hamilton, and in advertising calls its logo \"the texas stop sign.\" the larger sign without lettering was sold long ago. it was an exterior sign that hung from a signpost and\/or the building.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671302902058,"sku":"UR-22940-15","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150914-img_0012_2.jpg?v=1760276392"},{"product_id":"unusual-c-1930-s-american-depression-era-milwaukee-burntwood-tramp-art-wood-frame-and-greek-revival-style-transchu-house-located-at-116-doty-street-now-warren","title":"unusual c. 1930's american depression era milwaukee \"burntwood\" tramp art wood frame and greek revival style transchu house located at 116 doty street (now warren)","description":"very unique and all original american depression era tramp art \"burntwood\" wpa art project in the form of the non-extant greek revival style transchu house, located in milwaukee, wisc. wpa artist hattie hollander hand-crafted this wood image depicting the clapboard cottage with surrounding trees and plank wood sidewalk in the foreground. the incised or carved wood image contains gold enameled inlay to accentuate the detail. nicely aged patina. remarkable art piece depicting an early wood frame cottage in mid-19th century milwaukee. measures 18 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671368765738,"sku":"UR-23002-15","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150419-img_0005_2.jpg?v=1760276709"},{"product_id":"very-early-and-heavily-worn-c-1910-15-oversized-antique-american-industrial-cobalt-blue-porcelain-or-vitreous-enameled-auto-supplies-single-sided-exterior-sign-with-bullet-holes","title":"very early and heavily worn c. 1910-15 oversized antique american industrial cobalt blue porcelain or vitreous enameled \"auto supplies\" single-sided exterior sign with bullet holes","description":"hard to find and highly sought after early porcelain enameled advertising in the form of a single-sided richly colored cobalt blue porcelain enameled \"auto supplies\" store sign designed and fabricated by the burdick enamel sign co., chicago, ills. the ornate sign with unique profile or shape appears to have been shot multiple times on the left side. the bold white lettering is still largely intact and legible. the single-sided sign is comprised of heavy gauge cold-rolled steel. the sign was discovered in the basement of an old automobile showroom along \"motor row\" in downtown chicago.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671370961194,"sku":"UR-23021-15","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150211-img_0066_2.jpg?v=1760276824"},{"product_id":"one-of-a-kind-exceptional-handcrafted-antique-c-1930-s-wpa-depression-era-american-folk-art-electric-wisconsin-gas-electric-painted-wood-trolleybus-with-wheels","title":"one of a kind exceptional handcrafted antique c. 1930's wpa depression era american folk art electric wisconsin gas \u0026 electric painted wood trolleybus with wheels","description":"extraordinary c. 1930's handcrafted american folkart electric trolleybus comprised of largely of wood and steel rods. the original \"red wine \u0026amp; cream\" hand painted finish remains virtually intact. the well-crafted folk art piece is modeled after a wisconsin gas \u0026amp; electric trolleybus that operated in kenosha (and possibly racine), wisconsin during the 1920-30's. unidentified artist. the history of the trolleybus dates back to 29 april 1882, when dr. ernst werner von siemens ran his \"elektromote\" in a berlin suburb. this experimental demonstration continued until june 13, 1882, after which there was little progress in europe, although separate experiments were conducted in the usa. the next development was when lombard grin operated an experimental line at the paris exhibition of 1900 after four years of trials. max schiemann made the biggest step when on july 10, 1901 the world's first passenger-carrying trolleybus operated at bielathal (near dresden), in germany. schiemann built and operated the bielathal system, and is credited with developing the under-running trolley current collection system, with two horizontally parallel overhead wires and rigid trolleypoles spring-loaded to hold them up to the wires. although the bielathal system operated only until 1904, schiemann had developed what is now the standard trolleybus current collection system. in the early days there were a few different methods of current collection. the cedes-stoll system, designed by carl stoll, operated near dresden between 1902 and 1904, and in vienna. the lloyd-khler or bremen system was tried out in bremen, and the filovia was demonstrated near milan. leeds and bradford became the first cities to operate trolleybuses in the united kingdom on june 20, 1911. in the united states, some cities, led by the brooklyn-manhattan transit corporation (bmtnew york), subscribed to the all-four concept of using buses, trolleybuses, streetcars and rapid transit subway and\/or elevated lines, as appropriate, for routes ranging from lightly used to the heaviest trunk line. buses and trolleybuses in particular were seen as entry systems that could later be upgraded to rail as appropriate. although the bmt in brooklyn built only one trolleybus line, other cities, notably san francisco, california, and philadelphia, pennsylvania, built larger systems and still maintain \"all-four\". a number of trolleybus lines in the united states came into existence when a tracked trolley route did not have sufficient ridership to warrant track maintenance or reconstruction. trolleybuses are largely obsolete in the united states. measures 21 x 6 inches. measures 15 inches high at tallest point.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671388000554,"sku":"UR-23141-15","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151014-20151014-20151014-img_0072r56789_2.jpg?v=1760277293"},{"product_id":"remarkable-one-of-a-kind-and-historically-important-original-rockefeller-center-and-or-rca-building-70th-floor-skyview-guided-tour-informational-bronze-framed-sign-from-building-s-lobby","title":"remarkable one of a kind and historically important original rockefeller center and\/\/or rca building \"70th floor skyview\" guided tour informational bronze-framed sign from building's lobby","description":"very rare late 1930's or early 1940's documented double-sided heavy cast bronze and glass freestanding interior general electric building lobby tourist informational sign plaque mounted on a three-legged gold enameled stand. the remarkably heavy bronze and plate glass sign provides visitor information concerning guided tours, which includes the popular 70th floor skyview - often referred to as the \"top of the rock.\" the exact sign or plaque fabricator is not known. the encased sign consists of grooved boards with black felt. the molded plastic letters are all original and in great shape. minor discoloration evident. the ge building (known as the rca building until 1988) is an existing art deco skyscraper that forms the centerpiece of rockefeller center in midtown manhattan. the 70-story building was designed by noted art deco architect raymond hood. completed in 1933 as part of the rockefeller center, it was named the rca building for its main tenant, the radio corporation of america, formed in 1919 by general electric. it was the first building constructed with the elevators grouped in the central core. during construction, photographer charles clyde ebbets took the famous photograph lunch atop a skyscraper on the 69th floor. national broadcasting company, also owned by general electric, leased space in the building. the office of the rockefeller family occupied room 5600 on the 56th floor. the ge building is one of the most famous and recognized skyscrapers in new york. the frieze located above the main entrance was produced by lee lawrie and depicts \"wisdom\", along with a slogan that reads \"wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times\", from isaiah 33:6 (kjv). the vertical detailing of the building's austere art deco facade is integrated with a slim, functionally expressive form. the present exterior is recognized for the large ge letters at the building's top. unlike most other tall art deco buildings constructed in the 1930s, the ge building has no spire on its roof. below the building is a shopping concourse, connected to the lobby via an escalator. the open lobby's rich materials and reduced black and beige ornamental scheme is enhanced by dramatic lighting. granite covers the building base and the shaft has a refined facade of indiana limestone with aluminum spandrel panels. the 65th floor of the ge building was an event room and restaurant named the rainbow room. it was revamped and reopened to the public with new operators until it closed in 2009 due to the economic downturn. the interior of the rainbow room holds landmark status, awarded by the new york city landmark preservation commission in 2012. measures 22 x 2 1\/4 x 52 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671409103146,"sku":"UR-23254-15","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151021-img_0069_2.jpg?v=1760188881"},{"product_id":"remarkable-all-original-early-20th-century-antique-american-industrial-folk-art-gantry-crane-safety-first-painted-wood-double-sided-sign-with-allover-crazed-finish","title":"remarkable all original early 20th century antique american industrial folk art gantry crane \"safety first\" painted wood double-sided sign with allover crazed finish","description":"exceptionally rare all original early 20th century double-sided antique american industrial folk art hand-painted safety or cautionary interior chicago factory and\/or foundry works sign comprised entirely of wood. the one of kind antique factory sign hung near a massive gantry crane designed to lift extreme loads by a hoist, fitted in a trolley moving horizontally on a rail or pair of rails fitted under a large beam. the weathered sign exhibits a unique patina in the form of uniform wear, fading, and allover crazing. the original eye hooks and double-sided finish are intact. the sign hung vertically in an unobstructed fashion.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671426994474,"sku":"UR-23357-15","price":2200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151009-img_0031drty_2.jpg?v=1760278278"},{"product_id":"original-and-intact-early-twentieth-century-advertising-postcard-promoting-h-c-evenson-s-optometry-practice-and-storefront-in-la-crosse-wisconsin","title":"original and intact early twentieth century advertising postcard promoting h.c. evenson's optometry practice and storefront in la crosse, wisconsin","description":"single antique c. 1911 postcard advertisement for eye-sight specialist h.c. evenson in la crosse, wisconsin. the front of the card features a black and white detailed halftone print of the view from the corner of 5th \u0026amp; main streets in la crosse. the image maps the location of evenson's optometry practice, and nicely illustrates the architecture of the building that housed the business. evenson's trade sign, as well as a clock and a coca cola window display are visible at the ground level storefronts in the scene. the card features a superimposed image of h.c. evenson's face, overlapping the corner of the facade. at the right hand edge vertical typewritten text reads \"eyes must be examined. glasses need changing. my office is the best place to do it correctly. a thousand testimonials h.c. evenson.\" on the reverse the stamped postcard is dated to september 1911, and features a one cent stamp. the designated address lines have fountain-penned name and address written in, though the cursive is not legible. on the left side, in the message area, typewritten text reads \"don't ruin your eyes with poor glasses. have them correct. it costs no more to be sure they are correct. save your eyes and money. \/ \"then you'll come to me\" \/ h.c. evenson \/ eye-sight specialist \/ la crosse, wis.\". soon after postcards were introduced as a quick and cheap method of correspondence, they were used also for advertising purposes. two years after the first mass-produced picture postal card was developed in austro-hungary by 1870, the first commercial advertisement was sent as a postcard in england. the u.s. government didn't embrace the concept of the postal card until 1872. that year the u.s. postal service issued “pioneer” cards, which had a blank space on the front of the card for the sender's message (the other side was strictly for the address). the first advertising picture \"pioneer\" postcard in the u.s. commemorated the world columbian exposition of 1893 in chicago, and the government issued several other ad cards in the following five years. it wasn’t until 1898 that commercial enterprises were allowed to print their own postcards, and in 1907 divided-back cards created space for a message on the card's reverse. postcards could be mailed for a penny each, so businesses and politicians used the medium as a means to get their messages out, creating the first junk mail. since most of these cards were seen as worthless solicitations and thrown into the trash—just as junk mail now goes directly to the recycling bin—advertising postcards are therefore more valuable today than postcards such as birthday cards or world’s fair souvenirs, which were saved and treasured by recipients. exposition cards in particular, starting with that 1893 world columbian exposition, are incredibly common now. most are view cards portraying the fairgrounds or individual attractions of the world’s fair, which were events held in major cities around the globe to encourage cross-cultural travel, trade, and understanding.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671461990698,"sku":"UR-23473-15","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151125-img_0009_2.jpg?v=1760366955"},{"product_id":"single-sided-c-1930-s-american-depression-era-oversized-cast-bronze-general-electric-railroad-locomotive-plaque-with-fanciful-centrally-located-monogram","title":"single-sided c. 1930's american depression era oversized cast bronze general electric railroad locomotive plaque with fanciful centrally located monogram","description":"c. 1930's single-sided antique american industrial solid cast bronze \"general electric\" manufacturer name plaque likely removed from a late-1930's diesel-electric railroad locomotive engine. the massive plaque was likely designed and fabricated by or for the the general electric co., schenectady, n.y., u.s.a. the plaque contains a nicely aged and mostly uniform aged surface patina. the electric locomotive plaque contains a multitude of holes for securing tightly against the engine or possibly the locomotive's generator. the centrally located monogrammed logo has changed little since inception. the original monogrammed circular logo was trademarked on september 18, 1900. measures 30 inches in length.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671496298794,"sku":"UR-23636-15","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151217-img_0034_2.jpg?v=1760190812"},{"product_id":"original-c-1918-22-crudely-painted-antique-american-industrial-double-sided-city-street-flagger-stop-sign-with-original-partially-intact-black-enameled-wood-staff","title":"original c. 1918-22 crudely painted antique american industrial double-sided city street flagger \"stop\" sign with original partially intact black enameled wood staff","description":"largely intact early 20th century american antique industrial folk art double-sided handheld city street flagger \"stop\" sign found in new york city. the crudely hand-painted circular sign contains bold black lettering against a largely white background. the border is outlined in black. the weathered and worn paddle sign is comprised of steel. the black enameled oak wood staff or handle is bolted tightly against the sign. likely fabricated by hand, within the streets an sanitation department. the flagger sign exhibits age-old surface wear from frequent handling outdoors. measures 16 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671499247914,"sku":"UR-23675-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151229-20151229-img_0014_2.jpg?v=1760367827"},{"product_id":"vintage-c-1940-s-original-and-intact-american-industrial-hand-painted-heavy-gauge-steel-city-street-no-parking-freestanding-street-cleaning-signicade","title":"vintage c. 1940's original and intact american industrial hand painted heavy gauge steel city street \"no parking\" freestanding street cleaning signicade","description":"seldom found early 1940's original and intact city of chicago no parking steet cleaning signicade issued by the bureau of sanitation. the brightly colored orange and black enameled metal a-frame or signicade would be placed on the side of the street where street cleaning was being performed. the adjustable \"days of the week\" round steel sign attached to the backside remains intact. the wear and tear from heavy and frequent use gives the sign added character. measures 28 x 40 x 34 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671500230954,"sku":"UR-23684-16","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151214-20151214-img_0009_2.jpg?v=1760279703"},{"product_id":"original-american-vintage-roadside-oversized-single-sided-exterior-budget-motel-stamped-aluminum-sign-with-a-brightly-colored-reflective-surface","title":"original american vintage roadside oversized single-sided exterior \"budget motel\" stamped aluminum sign with a brightly colored reflective surface","description":"brightly colored oversized american \"budget-motel\" vintage outdoor signpost or wall-mount sign. the exact sign fabricator is not known. the single-sided sign is comprised of heavy gauge aluminum with a largely intact reflective surface. the brightly colored motel sign was likely made for a roadside super 8, motel 6, or perhaps an econo lodge. the motel sign features bold white lettering against a bright cherry red background. surface wear and splotches of paint found along the edges. measures 60 x 36 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671505178922,"sku":"UR-23725-16","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160107-img_0007x_2.jpg?v=1760279832"},{"product_id":"single-rare-c-1871-chicago-fire-memorabilia-cdv-albumen-and-business-card-with-image-of-crosby-painting-depicting-origin-of-the-fire","title":"single rare c. 1871 chicago fire memorabilia cdv albumen and business card with image of crosby painting depicting origin of the fire","description":"exceptionally rare c. 1871 carte de visite albumen photograph of painting by l.v.h. crosby depicting the start of the chicago fire at leary's barn, in which a cow kicked over an oil lamp. the antique ephemera doubles as a complimentary business card for chicago photographer \"shaw\" at 137 22nd street. the back reads at the top, \"the cow that kicked $2,000,000 out of the home of new york,\" and beneath this \"ruins of chicago fire \/ october 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th, 1871,\" in addition to including the photographer's information. the card is \"complimentary of c.w. marshall.\" the albumen in fair condition considering age and date of manufacture. the front bottom of the mount contains a small stain and the upper left edge of the image is torn away. the image itself is faded, though still legible and retaining sharp tonal quality. carte de visite cards were a type of diminutive photograph first patented in paris by photographer andre adolphe eugene disderi in 1854, and later supplanted by the cabinet card. the cdv photographs were the size of a victorian-era \"visiting card\" and were popularly traded among friends, especially during the civil war.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671584477482,"sku":"UR-23881-16","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160209-img_0007_2.jpg?v=1760368550"},{"product_id":"rare-oversized-salvaged-chicago-stadium-new-old-stock-boxed-western-electric-sunbeam-mazda-type-c-tipped-end-light-bulbs-with-mogul-bases","title":"rare oversized salvaged chicago stadium new old stock boxed western electric \"sunbeam\" mazda \"type c\" tipped-end light bulbs with mogul bases","description":"all original jumbo \"mazda c\" coiled tungsten \"tipped\" industrial light bulbs with threaded mogul bases designed and fabricated by or for the general electric company, schenectady, ny. mazda was a trademarked name created by the shelby electric company for incandescent light bulbs. the name was used from 1909 through 1945 in the united states by shelby and later general electric. the company chose the name due to its association with [ahura] mazda, the transcendental and universal god of zoroastrianism whose name means \"[wise] lord \" in the avestan language. in 1909 the mazda name was created for the shelby electric company's new high end product: tungsten filament light bulbs. the brand was continued after shelby was purchased by general electric in 1914 due to its brand recognition and association with higher quality tungsten filament bulbs. general electric also licensed the mazda name, socket sizes, and tungsten filament technology to other manufacturers in order to set a standard for lighting. bulbs were soon sold by many manufacturers with the mazda name attached, including their chief competitor westinghouse. the company advertised their new tungsten bulb standard with paintings by maxfield parrish. the company dropped the campaign in 1945 in the face of competition from japan. the oversized light bulbs date to the 1920's-1930's. the original boxes and packing material left intact. the light bulbs were discovered under a stairwell at the old chicago stadium during its demolition. priced individually.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671605088554,"sku":"UR-24082-16","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160317-img_0029c_2.jpg?v=1760369609"},{"product_id":"rare-all-original-and-largely-intact-c-1871-richly-colored-currier-and-ives-the-burning-of-chicago-hand-tinted-lithograph-depicting-downtown-chicago-consumed-in-fire","title":"rare all original and largely intact c. 1871 richly colored currier and ives \"the burning of chicago\" hand-tinted lithograph depicting downtown chicago consumed in fire","description":"authentic c. 1871 hand-tinted \"the burning of chicago\" lithographic print executed by currier \u0026amp; ives, lithographers, new york city, new york. the original print is mostly intact, with staining, scuff marks, gouges, etc., along the edges. the colors remain vibrant with strong impression. currier and ives was an american printmaking firm headed by nathaniel currier (1813–1888) and james merritt ives (1824–1895). based in new york city from 1834 to 1907, the prolific firm produced prints from paintings by fine artists as black and white lithographs that were hand colored. lithographic prints could be reproduced quickly and purchased inexpensively, and the firm called itself \"the grand central depot for cheap and popular prints\" and advertised its lithographs as \"colored engravings for the people.\" the name currier \u0026amp; ives first appeared in 1857, when currier invited james merritt ives (1824–95), the company's bookkeeper and accountant, to become his partner. james merritt ives, who was born on march 5, 1824 in new york city, married caroline clark in 1852. she was the sister-in-law of nathaniel's brother, charles currier, and it was charles who recommended james ives to his brother. nathaniel currier soon noticed ives's dedication to his business and his artistic knowledge and insight into what the public wanted. the younger man quickly became the general manager of the firm, handling the financial side of the business by modernizing the bookkeeping, reorganizing inventory, and streamlining the print process. ives also helped currier interview potential artists and craftsmen. the younger man had a flair for gauging popular interests and aided in selecting the images the firm would publish and expanding the firm's range to include political satire, and sentimental scenes such as sleigh rides in the country and steamboat races. in 1857, currier made ives a full partner. the firm currier and ives described itself as \"publishers of cheap and popular prints\". at least 7,500 lithographs were published in the firm's 72 years of operation. artists produced two to three new images every week for 64 years (1834–1895), producing more than a million prints by hand-colored lithography. for the original drawings, currier \u0026amp; ives employed or used the work of many celebrated artists of the day including james e. buttersworth, charles r. parsons, george inness, thomas nast, c.h. moore, and eastman johnson. the stars of the firm were arthur fitzwilliam tait, who specialized in sporting scenes; louis maurer, who executed genre scenes; george h. durrie, who supplied winter scenes; and frances flora bond palmer, who liked to do picturesque panoramas of the american landscape, and who was the first woman in the united states to make her living as a full-time artist. all lithographs were produced on lithographic limestone printing plates on which the drawing was done by hand. a stone often took over a week to prepare for printing. each print was pulled by hand. prints were hand-colored by a dozen or more women, often immigrants from germany with an art background, who worked in assembly-line fashion, one color to a worker, and who were paid $6 for every 100 colored prints. the favored colors were clear and simple, and the drawing was bold and direct. the earliest lithographs were printed in black and then colored by hand. as new techniques were developed, publishers began to produce full-color lithographs that gradually developed softer, more painterly effects. skilled artist lithographers like john cameron, fanny palmer and others represented in the show became known for their work and signed important pieces. artists like a. f. tait became famous when their paintings were reproduced as lithographs. currier and ives was the most prolific and successful company of lithographers in the u.s. its lithographs represented every phase of american life, and included the themes of hunting, fishing, whaling, city life, rural scenes, historical scenes, clipper ships, yachts, steamships, the mississippi river, hudson river scenes, railroads, politics, comedy, gold mining, winter scenes, commentary on life, portraits, and still lifes. from 1866 on, the firm occupied three floors in a building at 33 spruce street in new york. small works sold for from five to twenty cents each and large works sold for $1 to $3 a piece. the currier and ives firm branched out from its central shop in new york city to sell prints via pushcart vendors, peddlers and book stores. the firm sold retail as well as wholesale, establishing outlets in cities across the country and in london. it also sold work through the mail (prepaid orders only), and internationally through a london office and agents in europe. the 19th-century victorian public, with its interest in current events and sentimental taste, was receptive to the firm's products. currier and ives prints were among the most popular wall hangings of the day. in 1872, the currier and ives catalog proudly proclaimed: \"... our prints have become a staple article... in great demand in every part of the country... in fact without exception, all that we have published have met with a quick and ready sale. currier \u0026amp; ives prints were among the household decorations considered appropriate for a proper home by catharine esther beecher and harriet beecher stowe, authors of american woman's home (1869): \"the great value of pictures for the home would be, after all, in their sentiment. they should express the sincere ideas and tastes of the household and not the tyrannical dicta of some art critic or neighbo.\" currier died in 1888. ives remained active in the firm until his death in 1895. both currier's and ives's sons followed their fathers in the business, which was eventually liquidated in 1907. because of improvements in offset printing and photoengraving, the public demand for lithographs had gradually diminished. the prints depicted a variety of images of american life, including winter scenes; horse-racing images; portraits of people; and pictures of ships, sporting events, patriotic and historical events, including ferocious battles of the american civil war, the building of cities and railroads, and lincoln's assassination. the original lithographs shared similar characteristics in inking and paper, and adhered to folio sizes. sizes of the images were standard (trade cards, very small folios, small folios, medium folios, large folios), and their measurement did not include the title or borders. currier used a cotton based, medium to heavy weight paper depending on the folio size for his prints until the late 1860s. from about 1870, currier \u0026amp; ives used paper mixed with a small amount of wood pulp. in addition, currier's inking process resembled a mixture of elongated splotches and dashes of ink with a few spots, a characteristic that modern reproductions would not possess. in 1907 when the firm was liquidated most of the lithographic stones had the image removed and were sold by the pound, with some stones' final home being as land fill in central park. those few stones that managed to survive intact were of large folio clipper ships, small folio dark town comics, a medium folio \"abraham lincoln\" and a small folio \"washington as a mason\".","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671605383466,"sku":"UR-24084-16","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160322-img_0031c_2.jpg?v=1760456601"},{"product_id":"original-antique-american-industrial-figural-iron-fireman-cast-zinc-salesman-sample-or-company-advertising-with-robot-shoveling-coal","title":"original antique american industrial figural \"iron fireman\" cast zinc salesman sample or company advertising with robot shoveling coal","description":"original and intact depression era american art deco machine age \"iron fireman\" advertising tray, designed and fabricated by the rehberger company, chicago, ills. the figural tray is comprised of spelter or cast zinc with a heavily darkened chrome plated finish. the unique advertising ironman figure or robot was prominently displayed on signs, paperweights, ashtrays, clocks and other items pertaining to the iron fireman manufacturing company, cleveland, oh. one of the company's notable products was the automatic coal stoker, which fed coal and removed the ash under automated control. the unique salesman sample fabricator was founded in 1912 by a.c. rehberger. the a.c. rehberger company was one of only two firms in the united states that specialized in hand-molded, handcrafted metal sculptural figurines, most made from molds created by a.c. rehberger. the company produced 3000 different paperweights, bookends, desk sets, ashtrays, nameplates, sports trophies and collectors' items cast in lead or zinc, including the first oscar statuette in the 1920s. in the 1930s, the firm became known for its metal coin banks and miniature buildings produced as giveaway promotions.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671641231658,"sku":"UR-24333-16","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160616-img_0030_2.jpg?v=1760282679"},{"product_id":"rare-all-original-and-unrestored-interior-or-exterior-wall-mount-general-electric-national-mazda-illuminated-trade-sign-with-intact-reverse-painted-glass-panels","title":"rare all original and unrestored interior or exterior wall mount general electric \"national mazda\" illuminated trade sign with intact reverse painted glass panels","description":"unique museum quality exterior four-sided exterior or interior hardware store illuminated trade sign designed and fabricated for general electric, national lamp works, schenectady, n.y., u.s.a. the single light illuminated store fixture is comprised of an arched top \"lantern\" containing the original reverse-painted glass panels (four vertical panels and a single bottom panel). amazingly, the baked-on enameled paint finish remains in great condition with very little wear and\/or discoloration. reverse painting on glass is an art form consisting of applying paint to a piece of glass and then viewing the image by turning the glass over and looking through the glass at the image. contrary to painting on a canvas or similar support, the reverse painting technique requires an artist to paint in reverse, or \"back to front.\" the lantern frame is made of bronze, with a heavy oxidized patinated surface from decades of exposure to the elements. the bracket arm is comprised of both bronze and cast iron components. the interior housing contains a single porcelain socket. the fixture was salvaged from an electric supply hardware establishment located in upper michigan. the national \"mazda\" brand light bulb was the result of general electric seeking to promote a new, metal-filament lamp of unparalleled efficiency. the name mazda is based on the persian (zoroastrian) god of light, ahura mazdah. the mazda name first appeared in 1909 on tantalum-filament lamps, and then on first generation tungsten lamps made under license from europe. ge also licensed the name to their subsidiary national electric lamp companies, to westinghouse and to british thomson-houston. ge continued using the mazda name until 1949, when it was dropped during the settlement of an antitrust suit against the company. measures 20 by 26 by 14 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671855042858,"sku":"UR-26247-17","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150211-img_0057_1_1_2.jpg?v=1760287027"},{"product_id":"unique-and-highly-individualistic-late-1940-s-original-polychromatic-carved-wood-hand-painted-american-streamlined-style-f3-locomotive-promotional-display-piece","title":"unique and highly individualistic late 1940's original polychromatic carved wood hand-painted american streamlined style f3 locomotive promotional display piece","description":"1940's original polychrome enameled wood f3 locomotive traveling promotional display piece hand-crafted specifically for general motors electromotive division, la grange, il. one of a kind, museum quality piece. features a most impressive streamlined style design employed to create the visual illusion of a three-dimensional rapidily approaching and\/or speeding train. features a molded plastic strap containing the phrase \"the new look\" in black bolder lettering. the adverting display piece was no doubt the focal point or centerpiece of a much larger assembly. the unadorned backside contains various instructional markings (i.e., \"box 17\") pertaining to crating and\/or storage during transport. likely comprise of pine wood. surface wear evident. minor sporadic crazed paint consistent with age. the emd f3 locomotive was a 1,500-horsepower b-b freight- and passenger-hauling diesel locomotive produced between july 1945 and february 1949 by general motors’ electro-motive division. final assembly was located at the la grange, illinois plant. a total of 1,111 cab-equipped lead a units and 696 cabless booster b units were built. the f3 was the third model in gm-emd's highly successful f-unit series of cab unit diesel locomotives, and it was the second most produced of the series. the f3 essentially differed from the emd f2 in that it used the “new” d12 generator to produce more power, and from the later emd f7 in electrical equipment. some late-model f3s had the same d27 traction motors used in the f7, and were nicknamed f5 models. as built, the only way to distinguish between the f2 and f3 was the nose number panels on the a units, which were small on the f2 and large on the f3 and subsequent locomotives. early versions of the f3 had the \"chicken wire\" grilles along the top edge of the carbody. later production featured a distinctive stamped stainless steel grille. all f-units introduced after the ft have twin exhaust stacks and four radiator fans arranged close together atop their roofs, unlike the ft's four stacks and separated pairs of fans. eleven f3s survive today at a variety of museums; nine are a units, while two are b units. very few of the surviving f3 units remain unmodified from their original appearance and specifications. measures 21 x 12 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671912583466,"sku":"UR-23744-17","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151026-img_0019e45y_1_2.jpg?v=1760377235"},{"product_id":"all-original-turn-of-the-century-lithographed-metal-sheet-of-gibson-s-soap-polish-labels-or-canister-components-salvaged-from-a-chicago-area-residence","title":"all original turn of the century lithographed metal sheet of \"gibson's soap polish\" labels or canister components salvaged from a chicago area residence.","description":"rare and intact late nineteenth or early twentieth century oversized lithographed tin proof or template sheet comprised of ten repeating \"gibson's soap polish\" labels salvaged from insulation material in a chicago worker's cottage. the unusual metal sheet appears likely to have been sheared into individual strips that would have comprised a round canister, or the label adhered to such a container. the \"front\" of the multi-color lithographed label features a blue photographic image, presumably of the company's founder, and surrounding text \"established 1899 \/ gibson's soap polish \/ the king of cleaners \/ a cleaning powder.\" below this is advertising text, and the phrase \"this is not sapolio, but it is as far superior as sapolio is to a common brick\" in reference to a rival soap company. the reverse features instructions for use. the text is largely legible, though the metal does feature surface wear typical of its age and use as insulating material in a residential structure.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671965536554,"sku":"UR-27418-18","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160331-img_0005_1_2.jpg?v=1760290536"}],"url":"https:\/\/urbanremainschicago.com\/collections\/american-folk-art-and-trade-signs.oembed?page=2","provider":"Urban Remains Chicago","version":"1.0","type":"link"}