Apothecary's sign
This is a tole peintre [painted sheet metal] apothecary's sign shaped as a large pestle and mortar, with a detachable base. It was possibly made for interior display - it is unlikely to have been placed ...
Basketweaver's sign
This basketweaver's sign was made as a silhouette. Its rectangular panel shows two figures weaving, with star motifs below. It has a separate stone plinth. The sign is British and dates from the 20th ...
Boar's head - 3/4 view
This is a large Victorian wall plaque, made of pine and shaped as a boar's head mask. The boar's head comes out of a cartouche-shaped back plate, and has a detachable tongue and a metal tube (possibly ...
Butcher's trade sign
This butcher's shop counter sign is made of papier mache. It is shaped as a pig, standing four-square on a painted plinth. The base is probably not the original. It comes from Northern Europe, and dates ...
Cartridge sign
This hollow painted metal sign, shaped as a shotgun cartridge with inscription, would have been designed for a gunsmith's or armourer's shop. It has a built-in wrought-iron bracket support. It dates from ...
Cobbler's sign
This cobbler's or shoe shop sign is made of painted wood and wrought iron. A silhouette shoe in shape, it is inscribed 'Lile Clog Shop' on both sides. It has a joined scrolling iron bracket. The sign ...
Coffee pot trade sign
This brass coffee shop sign is shaped as a large coffee-pot with a faceted baluster body. It has a separate lid. It come from Northern Europe, and dates from the late 19th century. Height 460 mm (including ...
Fishmonger's sign
This hanging fishmonger's sign in the form of a leaping fish, painted in pink, grey and green, is carved from pine. A carved wooden fish was a traditional sign which could be bought 'off the peg'. This ...
Golden fleece sign
This sign, a large ram suspended in a sling, is made of repoussé [beaten from the reverse] copper and gilt. It may have been used as an inn sign, or possibly a woollen draper's shop. The fleece sign is ...
Grater sign
This large metal grater has holes punched through from front to back and a wooden frame at the back. It may have been made as a trade sign. It comes from Northern Europe. Height 926 mm, Width 565 mm, ...
Grocer's / tea merchant's sign
This giant teapot, inscribed in English and Chinese, is made of painted and gilded papier mache. It was moulded in one piece, and has a non-removable lid. The teapot would have been the sign for either ...
Gunsmith's sign
This gunsmith's sign, shaped as a double-barrelled rifle, is made of tole peintre [wood and metal] and has traces of its original coloured paint (polychrome). It is French. Height 525mm, Length 2910mm, ...
Hatter's sign
This is a tole peintre [painted sheet metal] hatter's sign, shaped as a top hat. It probably dates from the late 19th century. Height 240mm, Length 380mm, Width 290mm
Locksmith's sign
This locksmith's sign is made of wood, copper and iron, and is shaped as a large padlock. It comes from Northern Europe. Height 895mm, Width 615mm, Depth 150mm
Locksmith's sign
This locksmith's sign is made of grey-painted wood and zinc and is shaped as a key. It is British. Height 450mm, Length 1220mm, Width 105mm
Pincer's sign
This sign, a large model of a pair of pincers, was possibly manufactured as an ironmonger's shop display piece. Made of ash, it dates from the first half of 20th century. Height 1170 mm, Width 578 mm, ...
Printer's trade sign
Shaped as a rubber stamp, this printer's shop sign is made of zinc and turned wood. It is an excellent example of the skill of a sheet metal worker, as is very light in weight. It comes from France and ...
Swan Inn sign
This gilded wood pub sign is shaped as a swimming swan, lapped by waves, with partly outstretched wings. It has a later modern frame. The sign is British, and dates from the early 18th century.
Height ...