Antique Braeburn Hotel Guilford Maine Painted Wooden Roadside Advertising Sign, C. 1920-1935

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Description

Antique Braeburn Hotel Guilford Maine Painted Wooden Roadside Advertising Sign, c. 1920-1935

An exceptional and wonderfully authentic early New England … Read more Antique Braeburn Hotel Guilford Maine Painted Wooden Roadside Advertising Sign, c. 1920-1935

An exceptional and wonderfully authentic early New England roadside advertising sign from the historic Braeburn Hotel in Guilford, Maine.

Hand painted in bold black lettering on a thick, single plank of wood with its original faded white painted surface and distinctive mustard-yellow border, this sign advertised:
"MEALS or LUNCHES at the BRAEBURN Guilford all day service"

Research indicates the Braeburn Hotel was one of Guilford's landmark hotels during the early automobile era, promoting itself as one of the best-equipped hotels in eastern Maine. This sign almost certainly greeted motorists traveling through central Maine when roadside hotels competed for the rapidly growing number of automobile tourists during the 1920s and 1930s.
The typography is fantastic—large block lettering combined with period script for "Guilford" creates tremendous visual appeal while retaining all of the honest wear collectors look for in original painted advertising.

Rather than being restored, this sign has survived with decades of natural weathering that simply cannot be duplicated. The faded white paint, worn lettering, scattered screw holes from multiple installations, old edge wear, surface scratches, and small losses all contribute to its remarkable authenticity and history.

The sign is cut from a substantial, thick wooden plank and displays beautifully whether hung on a wall or simply leaned on a shelf or mantel.

An outstanding piece of early Maine advertising and Americana that would make a striking addition to a farmhouse, lodge, country store collection, restaurant, or primitive interior.

Dimensions
✔ 36" wide
✔ 15.5" high
✔ Approximately 1" thick

Condition
Very good antique condition with outstanding original surface.
✔ Original painted finish
✔ Beautiful natural age and weathering
✔ Original faded white background with yellow border
✔ Black painted lettering remains highly legible
✔ Numerous old mounting/screw holes from decades of use
✔ Expected scratches, edge wear, and small chips consistent with age
✔ One small cut-out/notch along the lower edge from its working life
✔ Structurally solid and ready to display

This is an authentic antique sign that has not been refinished or over-restored, preserving the character collectors seek. See less