Model Meat Market Lightbulb Sign

Object/Artifact

-

American Sign Museum

Name/Title

Model Meat Market Lightbulb Sign

Entry/Object ID

2018.0065.0001

Description

Beautiful sign for Model Meat Market that predates the advent of neon sign technology. In total, the sign reads "MODEL MEAT MARKET". "MEAT" has individual letter panels that were meant to be interchangeable, a patented sign model created by Federal Electric Co. of Chicago, IL. These main letters each have a number of housings for incandescent lightbulbs. This section is also outlined by an ornate and decorative art-nouveau style border. Other shapes and designs continue to fill out the outer corners of the full sign. On each letter panel, an inscription reads, "Federal Electric Co. Chicago Pat 1 Nov 17 1903". The Federal Electric Company was established in 1901 in Chicago, IL. They began as a manufacturer of outdoor porcelain enamel and lighted (lightbulb) advertising signs. These signs they came to be known for are typically a rich, cobalt blue and white block letters with electric light bulb outlets throughout the lettering. Federal Electric made signs for many large companies like Standard and Phillip 66, and industries across the country including garages, gas stations, drug, drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and hotels.

Collection

Permanent Collection

Category

z_New Category Needed (Re-sort)

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Federal Electric

Date made

Nov 17, 1903

Time Period

1900 - 1909

Place

City

Chicago

State

Illinois

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Makers Mark

Location

One at the bottom of each of 4 letter panels for "MEAT"

Transcription

Federal Electric Co Chicago Pat Nov 17 1903

Notes

Federal Electric Co.

Dimensions

Height

72 in

Width

38-3/8 in

Depth

12-1/2 in

Weight

150 lb

Material

Porcelain enamel, lightbulb, Paint, Metal

Location

Category

Storage

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good