highly sought after original 19th century antique american folkart "dentist" trade sign with gilded wood lettering

late 19th or early 20th century oversized street level city of chicago "dentist" trade sign comprised entirely of wood. the exact sign fabricator is not known. the long and narrow vertical sign retains the original finely crafted stand-alone gilded letters. the framed wood trade sign was mounted flush against the facade of the building containing the dentist's office. the black smaltz (or gritty ground glass enameled mixture) background remains in good condition, considering age. the gold leaf paint applied to the letters appears to be the original (i.e., first coat) finish. slightly surface crazing evident. the beveled edge frame is structurally sound and stable. measures approximately 14 3/4 x 2 x 73 1/2 inches.