October 6, 2024 Automobilia & Petroliana
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/6/2024
AGS Certified #11726. Shows a porcelain maker’s sign, “Claude Federal Neon” attached to the sign at lower edge. The roaring 1920s was an exciting period of growth and innovation in America. The assembly line of Henry Ford produced more affordable cars to the masses, which in turn created more roads and greater
mobility for people to travel. As a result, people became more adventurous, and soon small restaurants began to appear along these roads.
It was during this time, the automobile and the roadside restaurant would collide, and the first-ever drive-in restaurant emerged, creating a whole new experience that would forever change the culture of dining in America. In 1921, Jesse G. Kirby and Reuben W. Jackson opened the first Pig Stand in Dallas, TX. It was America’s first drive-in restaurant, and Kirby based it on the assumption that people with cars were “so lazy” they would rather stay in them to eat. He introduced the concept of the carhop (initially all males), which would become a cherished part of the drive-in tradition. The pig sandwich was the headliner on the menu. Additionally, Kirby’s Pig Stand was, according to Texas Monthly, the first to introduce onion rings, chicken-fried steak, and Texas toast to the American dining public. CONDITION: Sign shows phenomenal color & gloss throughout with no notable field wear showing unique green, black & red porcelain. Sign lights up through the lettering as well along the outer border in green & red. Sign shows excellent shelving between each color with only light nicks and edge chips at the lower edge of the feet and snout. Sign showing an incredibly well made metal can with new electrical throughout with tabs at the topside for easy hanging and display. A rare chance at an all original Texas landmark with cultural and historical significance, in outstanding condition! ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The craft of neon illuminated tubes was developed and patented by Georges Claude in the early 1900s in Paris. In 1924, Claude Neon began offering territorial licenses outside of France. According to the Historical Marker Database, U.S. patent rights for Claude Neon were purchased by the Federal Sign & Signal Company of Chicago, who in turn sold franchises to other sign companies located in cities throughout the U.S. This “Pig Sandwich” sign is one of those early neon signs produced by Claude Neon Federal Signs (name derived from the inventor, the product, and the licensing company). Note this sign still retains its original “Claude Neon Federal” porcelain sign badge attached to the belly of the pig, indicating its manufacturer of origin.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (AGS CERTIFIED SCORE 91).
Item Dimensions: Sign: 73" X 41" X 8.5".