5 Cent Stage Signage

SOLD
19th century unusual and rare 5 Cent Stage sign in racetrack oval shape constructed from a single wood wide board, fanciful professional gilt lettering with red pinstripe detailing all on a black ground, original age cracked painted surface and original condition, signed by the maker ‘ML Horton’, with the original hangers shaped and placed on the backside indicating that this was more than likely secured on a buckboard wagon, custom fitted contemporary wall bracket included. 
31.5” long x 5” high x 1.25” deep. Item 817.25
 
In the 19th century the term ‘5 cent’ most likely referred to transportation, specifically a low cost horse drawn public omnibus or streetcar. The word ‘stage’ in this context is a shortened form of ‘stagecoach’ which derived from the practice of public transport vehicles traveling in ‘stages’ (fixed routes and timetables) changing horses at staging inns along the way.