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Trade Signs

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Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign A hand crafted Boucherie Chevaline, zinc gold leaf hand beaten
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Signs

Materials

Zinc

Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign
Boucherie Chevaline Trade Sign
H 19 in W 15 in D 16 in
Dutch Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
An 18th century trade sign from a Dutch West Indies shipping merchant. The carved and polychromed
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Dutch Folk Art Trade Sign
Dutch Folk Art Trade Sign
H 39 in W 50 in D 2 in
19th Century Cobbler Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
A carved cobbler's boot-form trade sign, in old gold paint. Carved in two pieces of pine, capped
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Lead

19th Century Cobbler Trade Sign
19th Century Cobbler Trade Sign
H 14 in W 9.5 in D 4.5 in
19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural trade sign in the form of a mortar and pestle, both the mortar and pestle are hand turned
Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign. Provenance: By Repute Crosby Cobblers - Liverpool Est 1841
Category

Early 20th Century British Signs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign
Monumental Cobblers Boot Trade Sign
H 24.81 in W 66.54 in D 20.08 in
19th Century Tole Locksmith's Trade Sign
Located in Downham Market, GB
An early toleware Locksmith's trade sign. A wonderful 19th century gilded metal trade sign
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signs

Materials

Metal

19th Century Tole Locksmith's Trade Sign
19th Century Tole Locksmith's Trade Sign
H 11.03 in W 26.38 in D 0.4 in
1800s Skeleton Key Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the best locksmith trade signs we have offered. It’s early and all handmade in iron
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
A mid 19th Century folk art trade sign of demilune form, depicting a Native American chief holding
Category

Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Important Folk Art Trade Sign
H 36 in W 72 in D 3 in
19th Century 'Doctor McCracken' Surgeon's Trade Sign
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Double-sided doctor's medical practice trade sign for 'Dr. McCracken'.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Signs

Schweppes Table Waters Oak Trade Sign Board
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Schweppes table waters oak trade sign board This charming Oak Trade Sign would have been hung
Category

Mid-20th Century Arts and Crafts Signs

Materials

Oak

Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky original painted hand made Holsteins Milk metal farm trade sign has the original chain
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
H 17 in W 20.5 in D 0.2 in
Large Weathered Trade Sign "Carriage Shop"
Located in Greenwich, CT
A 12 foot long trade sign displaying the words Carriage Shop on one side and Horse Shoeing on the
Category

Antique 1870s American Signs

Materials

Wood

Dairy Products Trade Sign Geo Fitchett 1940s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful 1940s Geo Fitchett Dairy Products Trade sign, this wooden trade sign is in wonderful
Category

Vintage 1940s American Primitive Signs

Materials

Wood

 Dairy Products Trade Sign Geo Fitchett 1940s
 Dairy Products Trade Sign Geo Fitchett 1940s
H 18.25 in W 31.5 in D 2.63 in
Eye and Glasses Window Display Trade Sign
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Eye and Glasses Window Display Trade Sign The sign is made in presses tin, it seems to be hand
Category

Vintage 1930s Folk Art Signs

Materials

Tin

20thc "Meat Market" Trade Sign from Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The patina is so wonderful on this 20thc Meat Market trade sign. The sign is in good used
Category

20th Century American Adirondack Signs

Materials

Wood

Antique Ingersoll Watches Adverting Trade Sign, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique double sided trade sign for Ingersoll Watches in the shape of a pocket watch. Excellent old
Category

Early 20th Century American Other Signs

Materials

Metal

19th Century American Trade Sign 'Crook', Medina, NY
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century American trade sign 'Crook', Medina, NY Craftsman made, with sand-painted back ground
Category

Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

Vintage Painted Wood Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
American Folk Art trade sign with hand-carved "Showroom" letters and an arrow. The letters and
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Pine

A monumental vintage Pyramid Pencil Company wood trade sign.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A monumental vintage Pyramid Pencil Company wood trade sign. Great for a man cave or restaurant!
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Folk Art Hand Painted Wooden Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Folk Art hand painted double-sided wooden trade sign dating from the early 20th Century
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gold Giltwood Carved Letters William Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Classic 19th century American wood trade sign with chunky hand carved and gold painted letters
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

1890's Gilt Painted Timber Printer's Trade Sign
Located in Downham Market, GB
An early printer's trade sign. A wonderful 19th century painted timber trade sign for 'Wheeler
Category

Antique 19th Century British Rustic Signs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Chinese Restaurant Hand Carved Trade Sign of Fish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Chinese restaurant hand carved trade sign of fish.
Category

Antique 19th Century Signs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hat Makers Metal Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
19th Century Hat Makers Metal Trade Sign A rare example of a late 19th Century toleware hand
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Signs

Materials

Metal

American Wrought Iron and Gilt Trade Sign Bracket , Circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American wrought iron and gilt trade sign bracket with decorative scroll work and gilt ball motif
Category

Antique 1880s American Folk Art Signs

Cast Case Iron Eagle Trade Signs, 1880-1900
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
selling – we hope to be your trusted source. lodge furnishings new items trade signs case iron cast iron
Category

Antique 1890s American Signs

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Grey Whale Shop/Trade Sign
Located in Hastings, GB
'Thar She Blows' a fabulous rare shop/trade sign of great scale, hand made in riveted zinc and hand
Category

Vintage 1920s French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Early 20th Century Grey Whale Shop/Trade Sign
Early 20th Century Grey Whale Shop/Trade Sign
H 33.67 in W 53.15 in D 21.66 in
Vintage Carnival or Casino Neptune's Trident Lighted Trade Sign Americana
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Unique lighted Neptune's trident carnival ride or casino trade sign. Really nice graphic piece
Category

Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Folk Art Zinc Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art zinc barbers pole trade sign. An early 20th century hand crafted
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Hand Carved Engraved Industrial Alabaster Trade Sign Plaque, C.1920
Located in London, GB
A superb hand engraved boot makers trade sign. c.1920 Hand carved lettering on alabaster for 'G
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Signs

Materials

Alabaster

Large French Toleware Glove Maker’s Shop Trade Sign
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large French Toleware Glove Maker’s Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare piece it is in good
Category

Antique Early 1900s Folk Art Signs

Materials

Tin

Early 20th Century Double Sided Metal Boot Makers Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century double sided metal boot makers trade sign. A highly decorative double sided
Category

Vintage 1930s French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal

Set of Three Folk Art Straight Edge Razor Trade Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Three whimsical American folk carved wood art trade signs in the form of straight edge razors. Used
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Arts and Crafts Copper Milliners Trade Sign, Copper Top Hat
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Copper Milliners Trade Sign. Copper Top Hat This is an unusual piece, the Top
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Signs

Materials

Copper

Frazer Nash Huge Illuminated Advertising Painted Trade Sign
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Frazer Nash huge illuminated advertising painted trade sign This is an advertisement for the
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Signs

Materials

Wood

Wood Carved Store Display Trade Sign Artist Paint Brushes Original Paint
Located in Santa Monica, CA
. Completely wood carved. Perhaps part of a retail window display or a trade sign. Great American Folk Art
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Zinc and Gold Horse Head Butchers Trade Sign Flemish 1860
Located in Hastings, GB
19th century Flemish gilt zinc horse head trade sign. This beautiful hand made sign was used by a
Category

Antique 1860s Belgian Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Double Sided Gilt & Painted "HAPPY JACK'S" Tobacconist Trade Sign, Laconia, NH
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Two-sided tobacconist trade sign of circular form with gold leaf lettering with red shadow on a
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Early 20th Century Double-Sided Iron Nautical Trade Sign "The Norfolk"
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 20th century double-sided sheet iron, cast iron, hand-painted trade sign with hand-forged
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

Antique Zinc Red Hat Maker Trade Sign, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
XXL Antique hat maker's trade sign, made in France circa 1900 - 1920. This large sign was used as
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Signs

Materials

Zinc

Unusual Set of German Mid-20th Century Shop Trade Sign Tools
Located in London, GB
Unusual set of German mid-20th century shop trade sign tools Every now and again we are lucky
Category

Vintage 1950s German Folk Art Signs

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century Apothecary Mortar & Pestle Countertop Trade Sign or Sale Stimulator
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Apothecary trade sign or sale stimulator in the form of a mortar and pestle in gilt wood. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Double Sided Toleware French Dentists Trade Sign An original untouched example
Category

Vintage 1910s French Late Victorian Signs

Materials

Sheet Metal

Iron Bull Butcher Trade Sign with Hanging Bracket from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An iron butcher trade sign in the shape of a bull or a cow from the early 1900s. This iron trade
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Signs

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Double Sided French Zinc Clock Smiths Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century double sided French zinc clock Smiths Trade sign We are proud to offer a rare
Category

Vintage 1910s French Victorian Signs

Materials

Zinc

Antique Optometrist Double Sided Trade Sign
Located in Carimate, Como
Antique hanging advertising sign for an optician, circa 1920-1930. Double sided big cast zinc
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Signs

Materials

Zinc

Antique Optometrist Double Sided Trade Sign
Antique Optometrist Double Sided Trade Sign
H 10.24 in W 3.94 in D 34.26 in
Edwardian Shoe Shop or Cobblers Trade Sign, Leather Boot Display Model
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Edwardian shoe shop or cobblers trade sign, leather boot display model This is a wonderful
Category

Early 20th Century Bohemian Signs

Materials

Leather

Carved Haddock Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot carved wood fish reminiscent of a nineteenth century trade sign. With carved gills, fins
Category

2010s British Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Carved Haddock Trade Sign
Carved Haddock Trade Sign
H 25 in W 75 in D 5 in
Late 19th Century Cigar Store Carved Wooden Indian Tobacconist Trade Sign
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A life size carved pitch pine cigar/tobacconist trade sign/point of sale in the form of an Indian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Signs

Materials

Steel

Elkwood, Late 19th Century American Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
With carved gilt wood letters with mounted against a blue painted sand ground American, c. 1890.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood

Oversized Metal Key Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive metal bit-key trade sign from the UK. Marked BOLTON, 1925. Great patina to metal. Well made
Category

Vintage 1970s British Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Oversized Metal Key Trade Sign
Oversized Metal Key Trade Sign
H 5 in W 20.25 in D 0.5 in
C1945 Cast Aluminum Trade Sign Form of a Key Keil Charlestown N.H. Keys Made
By Keil Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast aluminum trade sign circa 1945 depicting a actual key in red and silver. Perfect
Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Signs

Materials

Aluminum

Antique North Carolina Bait Shop Retail Flounder Fish Painted Wood Trade Sign
Located in Forney, TX
A most charming and one-of-a-kind antique North Carolina bait shop trade sign with beautifully
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Italian Pirelli Wrought Iron Advertising Trade Sign 1920
Located in Hastings, GB
Absolutely incredible advertising sign for an Italian garage, blacksmith made in forged and ornate
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Signs

Materials

Wrought Iron

American Folk Art Workshop Wrench Wood Trade Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic and substantial wood and iron wrench tool sign. Hand written fractions and original
Category

Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Iron

1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Vintage carved and painted pine butcher's trade sign. Molded frame, insized text reading "Porkies
Category

Early 20th Century French Antiquities

Materials

Wood

1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign
1900s Butcher's Pig Trade Sign
H 40 in W 33 in D 3 in
Telephone Company's Trade Sign USA 1950
Located in Milan, IT
A window trade sign of an American telephone company, depicting a big phone. Carved out of fruit
Category

Vintage 1950s American Antiquities

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Folky Hand Carved Cow Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand carved & painted folky cow wood hanging double sided trade sign.This carved cow has the
Category

Vintage 1940s American Adirondack Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Folky Hand Carved Cow Trade Sign
Folky Hand Carved Cow Trade Sign
H 18 in W 30 in D 1.75 in
19th Century Tobacconist’s Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
English carved and polychrome decorated wood tobacconist’s trade sign in the form of a “Turk
Category

Antique 19th Century British Folk Art Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wiedemann's Fine Beer Trade Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Wiedemann's Fine beer - The Leader Trade sign with three Canada geese on oval walnut plaque
Category

Vintage 1940s American Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Wiedemann's Fine Beer Trade Sign
Wiedemann's Fine Beer Trade Sign
H 15 in W 13 in D 10 in
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Trade Signs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of trade signs is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique trade signs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and iron. Trade signs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Trade signs bearing Folk Art or Industrial hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Ross Johnson Drug Co, Alan Buonaiuto and Indian Motorcycles each produced beautiful trade signs that are worth considering.

How Much are Trade Signs?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,886, while they’re typically $245 on the low end and $49,000 highest priced.

Finding the Right Signs for You

Vintage and antique signs are popular collector’s items loved not only for the charm and pops of color they add to a space but also for the unique story each one has to tell. An interesting sign can help set the mood for a room and spark dozens of lively conversations.

Before and during the 18th century, many European peasants and colonists in the Americas couldn’t read, so shopkeepers, in an effort to promote their goods and services, hung trade signs with limited amounts of text.

Indeed, symbols and representational physical objects comprised early-day advertising efforts. In lieu of painted words on a wooden board, trade signs made use of handmade three-dimensional symbols to indicate the function of the shop. The iconic red, white and blue pole could be found outside barbershops, while a figural trade sign mounted to an apothecary’s storefront might be a mortar and pestle sculpted from bronze in order to indicate to passers-by that inside there were apothecary cabinets full of remedies for common ailments and a druggist to carefully dispense them.

As literacy rates improved, signs evolved into rectangular, round or square shapes that featured text. Short and sweet, early iterations were characterized by a mere few words, such as “tavern,” “boarding room” or “apothecary.”

During the 19th century, proprietors endeavored to render their signs more appealing. This meant the introduction of more color, font types and other pictorial representations. After the Civil War ended, logos, branding and advertising became increasingly more important, and the design of signage evolved. Trade signs were still in use during the 20th century, and you will likely find hand-painted tin eyeglasses for an optometrist’s office or an oversize bowling pin that likely had a home in the front window of a bowling alley.

Today, collectors and art aficionados alike collect and display antique and vintage signs. Old signs hearken back to a long-gone era, infusing any interior with warmth and nostalgia.

A vintage sign can help anchor a room — think of decorating with signs as you would arranging any kind of wall art. A large-scale sign in particular can prove a distinguishing feature in a living room or dining room, a focal point so prominent that it might lessen the burden of introducing any additional decorative elements to this particular space. Smaller signs work wonders too — pepper sparsely decorated corners with small colorful signs or add a humorous or graphic element to your gallery-style hang with a small text-based sign or two.

On 1stDibs, find metal, wood and glass antique and vintage signs that span a number of styles, including mid-century modern, industrial and folk art.

Questions About Trade Signs
Prices for most trade signs on 1stdibs are negotiable. You’ll see a "Make an Offer" button on the item details page, indicating that the seller is willing to consider a lower price. It’s not uncommon for customers to get 15–25% off the list price after negotiating. See our tips for negotiating like a pro.
Only experienced, professional sellers who have applied and been thoroughly vetted by our team of experts can sell trade signs and other quality items on our site. Learn more about becoming a 1stdibs seller.
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