October Fall Classic
Lot 1301c:
Description
While the vast majority of surviving and highly-valued REA diamond signs are porcelain, the Railway Express Agency (REA) certainly used more ephemeral materials for temporary, indoor, or local agent signage, of which this is a superb example. This piece is a vintage, double-sided cardboard sign, likely dating from the 1940s-1950s, designed to be a quick identifier for an authorized pickup/drop-off point (often inside a store or local business). The key feature is the construction: thick cardboard with a rolled black metal edge that both protects the paper core and provides structural integrity, distinguishing it from a simple poster. The bold red field and black-on-white lettering—the iconic diamond graphic—clearly mark it as a piece of classic American railroad history. Its temporary nature makes survival less common than the porcelain counterparts. The sign is in fair vintage condition. Being cardboard, it exhibits noticeable water damage, warping, and discoloration across the surface, particularly in the white lettering areas. The red field shows fading, scuffs, and some paper loss/creasing, and there is a visible grommet or hole at the top point for hanging. The protective rolled metal edge shows wear, minor dents, and oxidation. The fact that it is double-sided and has survived is a testament to its protective edging. H 17″, W 17″, D 0.25″. See photos.
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