Antique Figural Wooden Folk Art Firearm Trade Sign

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Hand-carved wooden figural gun trade sign with original iron hanging mounts.

Measuring over three feet in length, this painted wooden … Read more Hand-carved wooden figural gun trade sign with original iron hanging mounts.

Measuring over three feet in length, this painted wooden sign takes the form of a long rifle, complete with cut-out trigger guard and attached iron rings for suspension. Figural signs such as this were a hallmark of American storefront advertising in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when illiteracy and the need for bold street-level recognition drove merchants to adopt literal representations of their trade. This example, though weathered, retains strong surface character and a rugged patina from decades of exposure. Its form speaks to a distinctly utilitarian artistry-simple yet effective visual communication for a gun shop or general merchant. See less