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'Triple Sign' Optical Illusion Advertisement, late 1800s [194144]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Advertising Signs Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 2,000.00 USD
'Triple Sign' Optical Illusion Advertisement, late 1800s [194144]
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This lot contains a lenticular metal sign for the Brown Shoe Company that hung inside Crescenzo Dry Goods, a historic business once located in the small town of Austin, Nevada. John A. Crescenzo, an Austin local, founded the store in 1868; it was a fixture of the town's main street for decades until its closure in 1921. 55 x 12.5 x 1.5"

The unique lenticular design of this sign means that it shows different messages when viewed from different angles; when viewed head-on, the sign reads 'THE BROWN SHOE CO.'S / ST. LOUIS MADE SHOES', but when viewed from the left it reads 'STAR-FIVE-STAR / 5 SHOES', and when viewed from the right it shows a large number 5. A small metal plate on the front of the sign lists the manufacturer as Boots & Heinemann of Connersville, Indiana, and lists the 1888 date of the patent for the 'Triple Sign' design. An extremely unique piece of advertising history.

Good condition for its age; there's some wear to the paint including a small crack at the top edge. Some damage to the wood on reverse side. See photos for more detail. All information on Crescenzo Dry Goods comes from the Nevada State Journal.
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Date: late 1800s
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City: Austin
Provenance:

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