Break out the marketing plan, it's a new year!

With a new year comes lots of planning, especially for those working in the marketing departments of businesses both large and small.  While marketing plans have evolved through the years to include newspapers, magazines, radio, the internet and everything in between, savvy business owners have always recognized the significance of one simple tool for boosting name recognition:  a sign.  Utilizing a catchy slogan or a  memorable graphic on your sign has proven to be an effective way to lure walk-in business; and, a talented sign-maker can be worth his weight in gold.

In the earliest days of Ohio, as store owners, craftsmen and innkeepers opened for business, a well-carved, carefully painted sign was a terrific investment.  Occasionally a trade sign was so appealing that even after the business closed, the person who removed it was unable to toss it into the dumpster - instead, tucking it away for safe-keeping.  These accidental stewards may not have envisioned decorating their homes with the signs, but today’s lifestyle focus on repurposing and edgy, industrial chic have elevated trade signs to a new found glory.  In recent years, interest in trade signs has escalated with some examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.  Of particular interest are signs from the 19th Century, 3-dimensional signs and examples with particularly witty or ironic slogans.  

Garth’s has sold hundreds of trade signs over the years.  Some of our favorites have been simple, handpainted versions for small businesses across Ohio, including great names like “Buckeye Beer”.  But beyond a name, it’s hard to resist terrific dimensional examples like the carved signs made for optometrists, cobblers and barbers.  Even more recent examples from the 1960’s and 70’s make a great conversation starter when hung on a wall.  The next time you are cruising through your favorite Ohio town, keep an eye out for these unassuming gems - and, who knows?  Maybe you’ll find an example to add to your collection.

 This double-sided tin sign was made for the Imperial Restaurant in Springfield, Ohio by the McSavaney [sign] Company in the early 20th Century.  Measuring at over 5 feet wide, the sign has holes for lights and sold at Garth’s for $3,643. 

 OCULIST TRADE SIGN. American,19th century, zinc. Original polychrome paint with some wear, but great color. In the shape of spectacles with eye balls and: "Oculists prescriptions Compounded, J. H. Bayley, OPT.D." 14 ¼"h. 36"w. Sold, $9.987.50.

Copper trade sign in the form of a torch.  American,19th century. Hollow with very good detail and old verdigris patina. Imperfections. 41"h.  Sold at Garth's, $3,525

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Fish trade sign.  American, 1st quarter-20th century, wood. Two-sided realistic fish shaped sign "Hamilton's Market". 82.5"l.  Sold at Garth's, $3,407.50.