Genuine antique trade signs continue to capture the hearts of today’s dealers and collectors. There were as many types of signs as there were trades, ranging from blacksmiths, carpenters and carriage makers, to opticians, pharmacists and barbers. 

Often a trade could be represented by an oversized example of the tradesman’s tools or products. An optician’s sign might be an enormous pair of spectacles. A blacksmith might be represented by a huge three-dimensional anvil. A pharmacist might be indicated by a gigantic mortar and pestle. 

Painted wood and metal are the most common materials to find in trade signs. The value of such signs is dependent on their craftsmanship, decorations, size, condition, age and other factors.

If you’d like to know more about your own trade signs, or perhaps about a sign that you’re thinking of buying, why not let us help. Click on the link below and let’s have a look.

www.siscoantiquesappraisals.com

There is no mistaking the message behind this goggle-eyed wooden trade sign: “Flounder For Sale Here,” with a recessed slate at the center for posting the daily market price. And the market price for the sign today was $2640 at auction. Photo courtesy Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

As indicated by the anvil painted on the left end, and the running horse on the right, F. E. Barrows worked as a blacksmith, probably somewhere near Paris, Maine. Signed indistinctly by the artist, it sold for $1840. Photo courtesy Maine Antique Digest.

When this “OCULIST” trade sign was hung in an eye doctor’s establishment, I hope it was fastened securely. If it ever came loose, it would have easily fractured the skull of anyone unfortunate enough to be standing beneath it. It’s solid cast iron and extremely heavy. With painted peepers and spectacles, and raised lettering, it fetched an eye-opening $805 at auction. Photo courtesy Maine Antique Digest.

For shear excitement, this is the sign to own. A maritime trade sign in the form of an enormous pair of wooden sail maker shears, in light gray casein paint, with a later hanging bracket, sold for $3217.50. Photo courtesy Maine Antique Digest.