An exceptional late-19th-century American trade sign from the Lander House, an inn in Atlanta, New York, reportedly associated with the Erie Railroad.
Painted on both sides, the sign displays the name “LANDER HOUSE” in exuberant Victorian lettering, dramatically shaded in red, black, and blue against a vivid mustard-yellow ground. Delicate scrolling flourishes and corner ornaments complete the design. The deeply weathered surfaces retain tremendous graphic power, revealing the unmistakable character of the original sign painter’s hand.
The Lander House reportedly served travelers along the Erie Railroad corridor, placing the sign within the history of the inns and hotels that developed around America’s expanding passenger-rail network. Its double-sided construction allowed it to be read by travelers approaching from either direction.
Measuring nearly six feet across, this is a striking and unusually evocative piece of American commercial folk art, preserved within its substantial period wooden frame.
Condition
Good antique condition with extensive weathering consistent with prolonged exterior display. Both painted faces exhibit fading, abrasion, craquelure, scattered flaking, and areas of paint loss and exposed wood. The remaining painted decoration is stable. The surrounding wooden frame has pronounced surface wear, paint loss, age separations, and localized losses, including damage and separation along the lower rail and at one corner. The weathered surface is integral to the sign’s historic character.
Dimensions
Approximately 68 3/4 inches wide × 20 inches high × 2 inches deep.
Provenance
The Lander House, Atlanta, New York.
Private collection.