Directional Sign Value Guide

This mid-century American directional sign is a quintessential piece of hospitality history, once serving as a vital navigational tool in a bustling hotel or commercial lobby. Its specific references to a 'Cigar Stand' and 'Fountain' capture a bygone era of public commerce, making it a highly nostalgic piece for collectors of vintage typography and Americana.

What Is Directional Sign Worth?

The typical price range for Directional Sign is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass and the clarity of the painted directional text.
• The presence of the original wooden frame and its structural integrity.
• Market demand for mid-century 'Cigar Stand' and 'Fountain' memorabilia which often commands a premium.
• Provenance or evidence linking the sign to a specific historic hotel or public building.

How to Identify Directional Sign?

• Verify the presence of original hand-painted or period-correct stenciled lettering behind the glass pane.
• Examine the wooden frame for authentic mid-century wear and construction techniques consistent with 1950-1970 US manufacturing.
• Look for the specific trio of destinations—Coffee Shop, Fountain, and Cigar Stand—which are characteristic of mid-20th-century lobby layouts.
• Check for natural patina on the paint and wood that indicates age rather than modern distressing.

History of Directional Sign

Directional signs have been vital since ancient times to guide travelers. Early signs were simple carvings or painted markers. With the rise of commerce and public spaces, more elaborate signs, like this one, became commonplace in hotels, businesses, and public buildings to enhance visitor experience and navigation.