Large Original Double-Sided Books Sign, Hand-Painted Steel, American Library c.1930s

Details

Description

This steel maroon with white letters BOOKS sign was purchased in New Hampshire. Measures 36"x12" and weighs about 9 pounds.

… Read more This steel maroon with white letters BOOKS sign was purchased in New Hampshire. Measures 36"x12" and weighs about 9 pounds.

Age - Approximately 1925–1945, with the strongest probability being 1930s. Rationale: 1.9 mm (about 14-gauge) steel is much heavier than most modern reproduction signs. The mounting holes are from long-term wear and oxidation consistent with decades of use. The paint cracking is age-related shrinkage rather than artificial distressing. The rounded corners are factory-cut, not recently fabricated. The lettering style is typical of institutional signs used in schools, libraries, bookstores, warehouses, and public buildings during the 1920s–1940s. The edge is a simple flat-cut steel plate, which is common for that era.

Condition - Good/Fair original condition (7/10), paint loss around edges and corners, several age cracks through the paint layer, oxidation around mounting holes, surface scratches and abrasions. Minor edge corrosion. Excellent readability, attractive original patina, double-sided, no bends or creases, no rust-through.

Authenticity - The sign has several characteristics of an authentic old institutional sign: Hand-painted lettering with brush marks. Paint shrinkage and craquelure. Consistent wear front and back. Old mounting-hole oxidation. Thick steel substrate. See less