Details
Description
An early 20th-century double-sided advertising sign produced for a New York Telephone Company agency. Designed to hang in a storefront …
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An early 20th-century double-sided advertising sign produced for a New York Telephone Company agency. Designed to hang in a storefront or office window, the sign presents matching reverse-painted glass faces that could be read from either direction.
Each face displays “NEW YORK TELEPHONE CO. AGENCY” in bold gilt block lettering against a deep blue smalt-style ground. The textured, mottled background and reflective gold-colored lettering create strong contrast while retaining the character associated with early commercial glass signage.
Both panels are housed within the original substantial wood frame, which retains its black-painted finish and applied inner molding. Two large metal hanging loops are mounted along the top rail for suspension. The deep frame accommodates the two glass faces and gives the sign a substantial architectural presence.
The New York Telephone Company was a major regional provider within the Bell System, supplying telephone service throughout New York State during the rapid expansion of American telecommunications. Agency signs such as this identified authorized offices where customers could conduct telephone-related business and obtain assistance.
With its double-sided construction, early telecommunications history, original hanging hardware, and strong period typography, the sign is an uncommon example of American commercial advertising and storefront ephemera.
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MM - 20409 - 042326
LV - 20409 - 092526
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- Dimensions
- 25.5ʺW × 2.5ʺD × 13ʺH
- Styles
- Industrial
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Glass
- Metal
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Blue
- Condition Notes
- Antique condition with notable paint loss, flaking, mottling, discoloration, scratches, and scattered losses throughout the blue reverse-painted fields on both … moreAntique condition with notable paint loss, flaking, mottling, discoloration, scratches, and scattered losses throughout the blue reverse-painted fields on both faces. The gilt lettering remains largely intact, strongly contrasted, and readily legible. At least one glass panel exhibits a long visible linear crack extending across the face. The original black-painted wood frame shows heavy edge wear, chipping, scratches, abrasions, exposed wood, and extensive finish loss. The metal hanging loops exhibit oxidation and age-related wear. Please refer to photos regarding condition. less
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