October Fall Classic
Lot 1099:
Description
This is a fantastic piece of American retail history, a vintage tin sign for a Red Owl Agency Food Store. The sign’s design is classic mid-20th century, with its prominent Red Owl logo featuring a stylized white owl with blue and red eyes. “Red Owl started as a coal company in the 1920s. Its first store opened in Rochester, Minn. and eventually throughout the upper Midwest, with one in Bismarck, N.D. in 1927. The chain briefly expanded into the Chicago area starting in late 1959, but in 1963 sold its Chicago area operations to National Tea Company. The sign’s message, “JUST 2 MINUTES TO YOUR RED OWL AGENCY FOOD STORE,” is a hallmark of roadside advertising, designed to catch the eye of passing motorists. The tin is mounted to a sturdy wood frame. The sign is in heavily distressed condition with extensive rust, scratches, and discoloration to the painted surface, and a visible horizontal tear or crease runs across the center. Despite the condition, it presents as an excellent display piece with a rich patina. Its working condition is unknown and it is being offered as-is. This sign measures approximately 118 inches wide, 47 inches tall, and 1 inches deep.
Note: Pickup/ Transport required. Contacts available post auction.
Note: Pickup/ Transport required. Contacts available post auction.
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