Kovels Antiques & Collecting: Signs
By Terry and Kim Kovel
Industrial Signs
Antique advertising and store signs are popular collectibles and decorations. Sometimes, the makers are as interesting as the subjects. This butcher's sign, made of painted cast iron, sold for $1,188 at an auction by Cowan's (Hindman). It was made by the Bernard Gloekler company.
We may not know who this sign was for, but it was made by the Bernard Gloekler Company of Pennsylvania. They made kitchen equipment for restaurants, hotels and butcher shops. PHOTO CREDIT: Kovels.com
The eponymous Bernard Gloekler, who immigrated to the United States from Germany, started his factory and shop in Pittsburgh. He had previously trained as a gunsmith but took his mechanical talents in a different direction: making industrial kitchen equipment for shops, restaurants and hotels. By the early 20th century, they were doing business all over the United States. When Gloekler died in 1911, his son Charles took over the company.
The design seen on this sign, a saw, cleaver and knife with a standing bull for a finial, appears on many other Gloekler pieces. For example, a smaller version may be used as a crest on butcher's racks. Maybe keep Gloekler in mind at your next barbecue!
* * *
Q: I found some Norman Rockwell embossed prints in my family's things. Are they valuable? How can I find collectors who might want to buy them?
A: Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was an artist and illustrator best-known for his nostalgic portrayals of 20th-century American life. Between 1916 and 1963, he painted more than 300 covers for The Saturday Evening Post. In 1963, he began painting illustrations and covers for Look magazine, with subjects about current events, including civil rights issues and space exploration. Rockwell created over 4,000 original works of art, including illustrations for advertisements, books, catalogs, calendars, posters, sheet music and other items. Original artwork, paintings, sketches and prints signed by the artist have sold for a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The signature has to be authenticated by a qualified appraiser to be of value. Rockwell prints have been mass-produced in many sizes and most are inexpensive. Some sell online for $5 to $10.
TIP: Try to rearrange your furniture once a year to avoid noticeable sun fading.
CURRENT PRICES
Nautical, sextant, U.S. Navy, Rangefinder, Stadimeter, fitted wood case, instruction sheet, exterior plaque, U.S. Maritime Commission, Schick Incorporated, 1942, 11 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches, $250.
Bottle opener, figural, fish, marlin, painted, blue and white, "Duxbury, Mass." on side, snout and tail raised, iron, mid-20th century, $360.
Clothing, hat, bowler, black, Native American beaded band, silver tone bird pin on front, gold tone U.S. Seal pin on side, gold tone crossed swords pin on brim, The Rival Hat, 7 3/4 x 6 inches, $620.
Toy, pedal car, Buick, open top, olive green, orange trim, plexiglass windshield, painted, metal, Gendron, 30 x 66 x 26 inches, $4,800.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.