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c1891 Gristede Grocery Store Antique Wood Supermarket Old Advertising Trade Sign

$ 2772

Availability: 31 in stock
  • Type of Advertising: Sign
  • Condition: Used
  • Theme: Grocery Stores
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    Dating to the 1890’s here is a phenomenal early piece of NYC history as well as a likely one of a kind piece of Gristede Brothers Grocery history as well.
    In 1888 German brothers Dietrich and Charles Gristede immigrated to NYC and began working in the grocery business. After working hard and saving all of their money, three years later in 1891 they opened their very own store, a tiny gas lit grocery at the corner of 42nd Street and Second Avenue. At the time, it was considered to be very far up town and having very little chance of success. Because of their personal touches and attention to quality the grocery was a big success and in 1896 the brothers opened their second location in Harlem which at the time was a wealthy white neighborhood.
    This beautiful wooden sign is believed to likely be from their very first location on 42nd Street. The sign is beautifully detailed in a rich deep green/black color with gold gilt lettering. The sign is double sided and identical on both sides. There is evidence at the top of remnants of a bracket which likely held the sign above the entrance to the grocery.
    The sign measures
    38.5"
    tall by
    8"
    wide and is
    2"
    deep. It is a beautiful handmade piece of history that is in remarkable condition considering it is likely approximately 125 years old. Please scroll through all twelve photos as condition is subjective. The sign is an antique wooden sign that spent much of its life exposed to the sun, rain and snow. It has a beautiful patina with lots of age and character. The sign really belongs to be hanging in the corporate headquarters of Gristedes' as it is a part of their history. The sign would also make a beautiful addition as a hanging piece of art in any home kitchen or dining room.