Help to date vintage sign

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Mark82, Apr 18, 2026 at 12:20 PM.

  1. Mark82

    Mark82 New Member

    Hi all,

    New to the forum and wondered if anyone could assist in potentially trying to date an old sign.
    The sign in question is an old number placard which is made from metal with what appears to be an enamel coating. It once hung from a building and I'm trying to ascertain if it dates around the 1880's or if it's a later production.
    An image is attached.

    Many thanks
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Kronos

    Kronos Well-Known Member

  3. Mark82

    Mark82 New Member

    Hi there, yes this is why I ask about trying to date the piece. The building from where it originates is quite significant in the Jack the Ripper case and it was myself that posted it on the JTR Forum however I've been told that it is likely a later edition and probably not present on the night that the double murders of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes were discovered on September 30th 1888. It was also where the Ripper was suspected of dropping a piece of blood stained apron belonging to one of his victims which was located by PC Alfred Long at around 02:55am.
    I've tried but failed to find images of the building from back in 1888 and would love to prove that the sign was there on that fateful morning.
    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

    Any Jewelry likes this.
  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

  5. Kronos

    Kronos Well-Known Member

    Seems like important and time saving information you could have shared to begin with, but alright. It's all out there now so that's good.

    The sign certainly does look to have some age to it. From what i've read, companies in the UK started making porcelain/enamel signs for businesses in the mid 1880s. You'll have to track someone down who knows the history of early UK signage to get a real determination.
     
    komokwa and Any Jewelry like this.
  6. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    Someone should be able to date it by the typefaces. I can't but... Looks Edwardian -ish to my eye.

    Debora
     
  7. Mark82

    Mark82 New Member

    My apologies, I wasn't sure if the full details/provenance were required as I just thought that someone who specialises in metalware/signage may have been able to put a rough date/age to the item. I'll keep looking on the Web for a potential UK specialist.
    Many thanks
     
    komokwa likes this.
  8. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    It's only been posted here for an hour......... 1 hour.

    We're not all here , all the time & it's Saturday ..... so maybe check back in here from time to time , to see if others have come around to offer their help !
     
  9. Mark82

    Mark82 New Member

    Yes I will do. I have no intention of taking the post down and will obviously check back from time to time to see what other comments feed through.
     
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