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  • JRs Framed Vintage Subway Rollsigns
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What is a rollsign?
  • Subway/trolley rollsigns are the signs that announced the destination and route (line) of the trains.
    Bergen
    Riders boarding the A train on March 20, 1933
    They work like the roll of music that goes in a player piano, or the tape within a cassette tape. The train operator simply turns a mechanical crank that causes the roll to move up and down until the desired reading shows in the window of the signbox.
  • Front rollsigns were displayed on the front of the train above the train operators position.

    VIntage front route (left) and destination (right)
  • Side rollsigns were displayed on the side of each car, both inside and out.
    Image7
    Contemporary side destination
  • Vintage oilcloth signs are a huge challenge to find. They are made of a thick canvas type of material protected by a layer of resin. They date from the very early 1900's to the 1970's.

    Vintage oilcloth front destination rollsign (partially unfurled)

  • Unlike other sign vendors, all the vintage oilcloth signs I offer, unless otherwise specified, are painstakingly cleaned to remove surface grime.
    cleaned
    Before (left) and after (right) cleaning an antique sign. The black on the paper towel is surface grime that simply wipes off. After that, I use a special 'dry cleaning' process to clean the lettering. The process has no effect on the sign other than to remove almost 100% of surface grime from years on the rails.

  • All my signs are vintage pieces, no replicas here.
  • All frames are custom made.
  • All mats, glass, and plexiglass are custom cut.
  • Make me an offer if you see something you'd like to purchase from my store and the price isn't quite right.
  • Absolutely all offers will be considered.
  • For a price comparison, here's a framed pair of signs for $1,600.00 and a 2/3 scale Monster-in-Law sign for $1,800.00. I charge a fraction of that for the same thing.

  • From the train... to the frame...   I restore and custom frame vintage New York City subway rollsigns, making "antique pieces of New York history" into "unique works of art". My signs are perfect for use as home decor, in the chic apartment, the restaurant, the office, even as props in stage, television and film productions.

    • After traveling the tracks of the trolleys and subways up to almost a hundred years ago, all of my signs are vintage antique pieces, pieces that can be found in designer homes and art studios for thousands each. When it comes to signs, I sell only the real deal. Remember - "you get what you pay for".
    • Having appeared as unique set decorations in several motion pictures including Monster-In-Law , Spiderman III , and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and television shows including Cashmere Mafia and Veronica Mars, vintage subway signs look great in a number of settings from offices, to board rooms , to restaurants, to kitchens and living rooms, even as a prop piece in stage or screen productions.
    • Want a 7 foot Monster-in-Law sign with the destinations you choose? Looking for a particular framed vintage sign but don't see it listed? I can create a custom one just for you and sell it to you thru eBay. See my about page for details.
    Best seller I've dealt with on Ebay hands down. Very Impressed. Big Thanks!!!!! All about customer satisfaction, a gentleman Perfect! The seller was the best that I have EVER dealt with!!!! Unbelievable sign! Absolutely amazing... Received Item in mint condition The signs arrived in perfect condition. I can't wait to hang them up! Fantastic store, brilliant posters, fast shipping. Thanks. Thank you so much, LOVE the sign! ... ...great item for our home... ... a beautiful piece. Excellent Seller! I got exactly what I was promised and I love it. JR is a consummate professional; and a real class act... Great Product, even GREATER service.... Beautiful work of art, perfect condition... wonderful experience. a great deal on a great product, and hassle-free service..... Excellent customer service - very helpful. Signs & frames were beautiful! always a pleasure dealing with you. best seller on ebay... Great item, description and communication. Quick shipment and secure packaging. Better than expected, fast ship, perfect packing and honest ebayer! Thanks! looks great and is in really good condition for a 80+ year old subway sign. Very professional, and provided excellent advice after the sale about framing Quick, easy and very fair price! Item was described clearly and accurately! Wonderful condition just as advertised! Mailed very carefully! Very pleased!

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