Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.083 |
Object Name |
Sign, Advertising |
Title |
R.C. Maxwell Company Railroad Bulletins Sign |
Description |
A light brown rectangular sign advertising R.C. Maxwell Company's Railroad Bulletins. The inscription reads, "Maxwell's Latest Super Standard Railroad Bulletins 500 Ft. Long Pennsylvania - New York to Phila." The first letters of "Maxwell's," "Latest," and "Standard" are outlined in yellow. The word "Super" is notably smaller than the other words. "Pennsylvania - New York to Phila." is in blue, while the rest of the text is dark brown. The edges of the sign-top, bottom, left, and right-are a slightly darker shade of brown. The back of the sign mirrors the front. According to Duke University Libraries, Robert Chester Maxwell founded R.C. Maxwell Company in 1894 in Trenton, New Jersey. Initially an outdoor advertising company, R.C. Maxwell produced signs along roadways in New York and New Jersey, as well as near tourist destinations in Atlantic City and Times Square. In 1919, they began producing electric advertising signs, leading to the opening of an electric sign manufacturing plant in Atlantic City. The company merged with the Trenton Poster Advertising Company in 1923 and created many signs along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. R.C. Maxwell Company was sold to Interstate Outdoor in 2000. Citations: R.C. Maxwell Company Records, 1891-2001 and Undated - Archives & Manuscripts at Duke University Libraries. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. (n.d.). https://archives.lib.duke.edu/catalog/rcmaxwellco |
Year Range from |
1894 |
Year Range to |
2000 |
Material |
Wood, Metal |
Artist |
R.C. Maxwell Company |
Height (in) |
10.750 |
Length (in) |
48.750 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Chipping, scratches, and dirt throughout. Front: There is paint chipping along the edges. There is dirt throughout. There is an orange discoloration on the center near the middle. And finally, there is a crack on the bottom near the middle. Right Side: There is dirt throughout. There are scratches throughout. Back: There is paint chipping along the edges. There is dirt all over. There are black accretions all over. There are white accretions on the center near the middle. Left Side: There is dirt all over. There are scratches all over. Top: There is dirt all over. Also, there are loose screws throughout. Bottom: There is dirt all over. Also, there are loose screws throughout. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Front and Back, Left-Right, Top-Bottom |
Inscription Technique |
Stamped |
Inscription Text |
"Maxwell's Latest Super Standard" Line 1 "Railroad Bulletins 500 Ft. Long" Line 2 "Pennsylvania - New York to Phila." Line 3 |
People |
Robert Chester Maxwell |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Wood Wood carving Paints & varnishes Painting Painters (Tradespeople) Paint industry |
Search Terms |
Wood Paint Robert Chester Maxwell R.C. Maxwell Company Signs Advertising Signs Metal 1894 2001 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Super Standard Railroad Bulletins 500 Feet Ft. Pennsylvania New York New York City Philadelphia Phila. Brown Yellow Blue |
Provenance |
Found in collection |