Claude Neon Salesman Sample Kit

Object/Artifact

-

American Sign Museum

Name/Title

Claude Neon Salesman Sample Kit

Entry/Object ID

2026.0016.0002

Description

Neon salesman sample kit used by Claude Neon of Baltimore, MD. The kit contains ten glass tubes each labeled with an acrylic tag and an accompanying Acme Transformer to power the sample.

Use

Used to demonstrate the differing colors offered by a sign shop.

Context

The item was gifted to the museum by Jan Nethen who worked at a Claude Neon franchise in Baltimore. The original case was likely from the 1930s and 1940s, but was adapted through time and company use. The current oldest tubing is likely from the 1950s (gold novial) and the oldest tubing is likely from around the 1980s.

Collection

Permanent Collection

Category

Self-promotion/Ad Specialties

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Claude Neon Corp.

Date made

circa 1930 - circa 1980

Notes

Transformer made by Acme Electric & Manufacturing Co. of Cleveland Ohio.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Decal, Makers Mark

Location

Inner sides of case

Transcription

Claude Neon

Type

Decal, Makers Mark

Location

Below handle on outer case

Transcription

Claude Neon

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Neon Kit

Height

16 in

Width

5-1/2 in

Length

28 in

Dimension Description

Transformer

Height

6-1/2 in

Width

6 in

Length

9-1/2 in

Material

Wood, Metal, Glass, Neon, Argon, plastic

Location

Category

Storage

Condition

Overall Condition

Fair