1950's Pittsburgh Paints Spinner Motion Sign

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1950's Pittsburgh Paints Spinner Motion Sign - non beer

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1950's Pittsburgh Paints Spinner Motion Sign - non beer

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Sold Date: 01/13/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Advertising

Rare find and LOOK AT THE CONDITION!!! This auction offers an original 1952 vintage Pittsburgh Paints "Illuminated Color-In-Motion" sign designed and built by the famed Ohio Advertising Display Company of Cincinnati Ohio. All original and in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition - never broken nor repaired. See photos.

This sign features a reverse-on-glass textured front with small hexagons throughout. It is silk-screened with the Pittsburgh Paints name in kind of a brush stroke on the reverse. Behind the glass is a spinning plastic wheel with fine black lines and twelve gelled areas of deep color in a rainbow pattern. The disc is supported by a clear plastic frame that is backlit by a circular fluorescent tube. The center of the disc is connected to a small synchron motor that rotates the disk and creates the spinning motion effect. The back of the sign is all metal and finished in the original "hammered metal" metallic paint so popular in the 1940's. The glass front is surrounded by a deco style metal ring with a shinny aluminum finish.

The motion effect is absolutely beautiful and totally mesmerizing. The fine lines create a fine rippling effect on the textured glass as the rainbow of colors slowly rotate behind the letters. Collectors call it a double motion effect. The still photos don't do it justice. This is a one of the most successful variations of the fabulous "spinner" mechanical signs and neon clocks that were produced post-war in the forties and early fifties for breweries and a range of Fortune 500 companies. These point of purchase displays are quite collectible today and extremely hard to find in this condition. This sign appears to have been used slightly if at all. I found it at an estate sale about 30 years ago and have had it in storage ever since.

The condition of the sign is excellent and the motor runs smoothly and quietly. Everything is original including the power cord and the small wire connected to the motor. There is some cracking of the wire insulation and a small piece of tape by the motor plug. It functions fine but wire replacement might be advised. The reverse on glass front is all original and in like new condition. The colored disc is nice with only some sun fading on the two orange/red areas. The internal plastic support that connects the disk to the motor has some stress cracks but these aren't visible when the sign is assembled. The circular tube is like new and the transformer is nice and quiet. This is quite an exceptional piece considering it's almost 59 years old. It has an assembly date of April 7, 1952 with the motor dated 3/52.

The sign measures about 16 inches round and is about 3" deep. The transformer ads another 2" to the depth.

If you're looking for a nice, vintage motion sign in almost like-new condition, this is the piece. What a great surviving example from the glory days of mechanical advertising. What a great center piece for the family rec room. ...read my feedback. I am a collector also, and treat others the way I'd like to be treated. If you have any questions, please email. I will attempt to answer them as quickly and as accurately as possible.

IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION
Sign will be carefully packed for shipment. Use the UPS calculator for shipping rates. The item can be picked up for free in Chicago or at our summer cabin near the Wisconsin Dells. I can also arrange delivery for a low nominal fee to any midwestern town within a 350 mile radius of Chicago.

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