$4,763
Estimate: $800 - $1,200
American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts
Auction: April 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM ET
Double-sided, mounted with wrought iron hardware, inscribed, “Founded in 1728 by Benjamin Franklin/ Franklin Printing Company," and signed with artist's cipher, u.l.
74 ½ in. x 49 ¾ in.
Acquired by a former employee of the Franklin Printing Company, circa 1972, upon the sale of company property.
Thence by descent to the present consignor.
This sign was produced for the Franklin Printing Company's shop front at their 514-520 Ludlow Street location, which was newly renovated in 1920. An illustration by Edward Penfield from 1920 shows the sign displayed outside the shop entrance.
The company originated from Benjamin Franklin's original printing operation, and went through a few iterations over the next two centuries.