Set of 4 Vintage Smithsonian Institution Aviation Advertising Metal Signs 1991

Description

Set of four 1991 Smithsonian Institution reproduction metal signs with an aviation theme. These are high-quality heavy metal signs with a rolled edge, all made in the USA in 1991 specifically for The Smithsonian Institution. The images are all reproductions of aviation advertising posters or brochures from the late 1920s-1930s, all of which are exhibited in The Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. Each sign has colorful graphics impressed onto the metal with a baked-ink transfer process, and a small blurb at the bottom about the advertisement’s company. The first sign is of a 1929 Universal Air Lines System poster with “Man’s desire to fly is Universal, Travel by Air” and shows a Fokker Tri-Motor airplane. It is the shortest of the four signs, measuring 13.75”/35cm x 11.75”/30cm with a weight of 10 oz.
The second sign is an embossed sign depicting a 1937 brochure for Northwest Airlines, “Wings to Your Vacation”, and shows a twin-engine plane flying over stylized scenery of the Pacific Northwest and Yellowstone Park. This largest of the four measures 16.75”/42.5cm x 11.75”/30cm and weighs 10.5oz. The remaining two signs are both for the Air Express Division/Railway Express, and depict a Boeing 247 airplane, though otherwise the graphics are completely different. The first is a poster that says, “Fly Your Shipments Air Express Division Railway Express, Pick Up and Special Delivery without extra cost, Call Any Railway Express or WU Office” and shows the plane flying high over and landed on the ground with Railway Express and Air Express trucks. It measures 16.5”/42cm x 11.75”/30cm and weighs 11oz. The last sign is of a poster of the plane flying high above the Railway Express train zipping through the mountains, and flying next to a cowboy atop his galloping horse. This sign is the narrowest of the four, measuring 15.5”/39cm x 11.125”/28cm, and weighing 10.5oz. The condition of all four signs is excellent. A little edge wear, and a few small dings and/or scratches here and there but otherwise they’re all in great shape. The signs don’t all lay completely flat but only to a minor degree. Their combined weight is 2lb 11oz. Please examine all pictures carefully to get a fully accurate estimation of the condition of the signs. I have other aviation-related signs for sale and would be happy to discuss a deal if you are interested in purchasing more than one listing. This awesome set of four would make a great addition to any vintage aviation, railway or oil and gas sign collection!
Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
Thank you for visiting my store! Feel free to check out my other items to see if there’s something else that catches your eye. I would be happy to combine shipping if you purchase more than one item.
A lot of my seller feedback is older than 12 months because I only recently began selling again, but I’ve never gotten a bad review either as a seller or a buyer and I will do my very best for each and every customer. I’m happy to be selling some more of my treasures so that someone else can enjoy them now. Please view all pictures carefully as they most accurately depict the condition of an item. I take the best pictures that I can and describe the items to the extent of my knowledge, but I am not an expert, only a collector of ‘stuff’ for many years. Measurements are approximate, done to the best of my ability. Feel free to contact me if you would like additional pictures or more information about anything I have for sale.
All of my sale items have been cherished and carefully cared for over the years, and mine has always been a smoke-free home. Everything has been stored inside boxes in my clean and dry basement or inside cabinets or furniture. I do have dogs, but they do not come into contact with my sale merchandise, and everything I sell, especially any cloth or soft material items, has been thoroughly cleaned before being put up for sale. I am an environmentally conscious seller so I do reuse boxes and packaging material from items that I buy, but only if they meet my high standards of cleanliness.
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