Nautical Trade Signs

Trade signs date back to 14th Century Europe. These first signs usually only featured an emblem to designate the trade for the unreading public. Nautical trade signs, such as our collection would have designated a bar, hotel or restaurant. All of our beautifully crafted tin trade signs are hand shaped and hammered tin sheet. They take many days each to manufacture and antique. All of our trade signs are three-dimensional, allowing for display parallel or perpendicular to a wall, or free in space. Please click on product name or image to view product details.

Learn more about Trade Signs in our Nautical Article Gallery.

A Brief History of the Pub Sign

Signs became a method of advertising after King Richard II passed an Act that required all ale houses to post a sign in 1393. This was to identify themselves to the official ale taster rather than to promote their establishment to the public, but it practice caught on. Since that time a creative pub sign and good times have always gone together.  Read the rest of the article....