Turner's Boarding House Sign

Turner's Boarding House Sign

Here is an antique boarding house sign that measures about 13 1/4" by 36" and was originally found many years ago at a Yanceyville, NC estate sale. I think its either from Yanceyville or some other part of Caswell County. The sign is hand-painted "TURNER'S BOARDING HOUSE" on what appears to be a single wood board. I think it likely dates from sometime between 1870 and 1900. This sign is completely original with no touch-ups or restoration of any kind. Since the reverse was later painted white I think this may have once been a patch or part of a homemade piece of furniture. Some parts of the white lettering show more wear that other parts of the lettering.

Years ago some of the paint on parts of the lettering flaked away but currently doesn't seem to be in danger of more flaking in the near future. This sign was probably used for several years since on the top half you can see where some of the letters were painted over after the bottom layer of paint began to fade. Along parts of the left, right and bottom edge there is a section of light brown staining. I think this staining may have been caused by something that covered/pressed against this area. The staining might be removed or lessened if the right cleaner were used.

The wood board has a few age cracks with the largest going from about the R (in TURNER'S) to the right edge. If desired, a few drops of glue could be put in the crack which would make it a little less noticeable on the right side. Near the bottom edge are 3 antique nails that are not too distracting. Also not too distracting are a few small nail/worm holes that are spread out on the sign. Even with the minor staining and wear issues, this sign has a lot of folk art-Americana appeal and still displays really well like it is.

Source: EBay sale October 2020.