September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
A unique and important wooden sign with historic as well as Folk Art appeal. Sign measures 46 1/2” long, 10 1/2” in height and 3/8” wide. This sign was removed from the ancestral stone home of the George Rupp Family in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. According to renowned collector and author Sam Dyke, the home was built in 1756 with additions to the house constructed in 1786 and 1817. This homestead was the birthplace of seven generations of the famous Pennsylvania rifle making family. It was the home of Adam Herman Rupp and his brother John. The sign was put up when Jacob Rupp, the only son of Herman Rupp, inherited the home in 1817. Sam Dyke personally removed the sign shortly before the house was demolished in 1967. According to Mr. Dyke, letters painted on the sign are abbreviations, as follows: MA-Macungie; DP-Township and L-Lehigh County. This plaque was secured between two of the top story windows of the George Rupp family homestead. The Black letters are in relief on a mellow, light green background. Its entire original, crazed surface was apparently painted with a white primer coat that shows through due to aging and shrinkage of paint as expected and desired. Included in this lot is a descriptive testimonial statement by Sam Dyke with five mounted photos of house and sign. It also includes a framed display with four photos and an envelope with three extra views of the Rupp house before demolition. CONDITION: Very good. Paint is cupped and crazed but in relatively, stable condition. There is some minor loss of paint throughout as befits its age. Paint has an attractive, mellow, matte surface. Two small cut nails survive at the top of this cherry, wood sign. PROVENANCE: Sam Dyke collection; Vincent W. Nolt, Eagle Museum Collection; A full page photo is shown on page 51 in "Steel Canvas, The Art of American Arms", by R. L. Wilson. DRG