08-14-201008-15-2010
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
August 14, 2010 03:00 PMCalender
903

Painted Pine, Wrought Iron, and Zinc Tavern Sign

Sell one like this
 
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2509Location: MarlboroughDate / Time: August 15, 2010 10:00AM

Description:

Painted Pine, Wrought Iron, and Zinc Tavern Sign, Massachusetts, late18th/early 19th century, large oval plank painted on both sides with opposing yellow crescent moons flanking a six-point star, inscribed "D.W. TAYLOR." over a trotting white horse with orange saddle blanket and stirrups on a black ground, beneath this painted surface, and visible with raking light, is "A. Bigalow Inn," the sign ornamented with zinc curlicues with gilded points, ht. 53, lg. 56 in.

Note: This tavern sign is likely from the Boylston/West Boylston area of Massachusetts, which was originally part of Shrewsbury. Philip D. Zimmerman, in his essay "Reading the Signs: An Object History of Tavern Signs from Connecticut, 1750-1850," says signs were meant to be updated or revitalized when necessary, based on changes in tavern ownership, etc.; thus surviving signs often exhibit repainting and altered names and images that testify to the dynamic qualities of the history and creative processes associated with them. The Bigelow Inn, which was the original home of the sign, has housed the West Boylston Historical Society since 1980. It was originally built around 1780 and run by Abel Bigelow. The "D.W. Taylor Tavern," built by David Taylor in the late 18th century, was in the neighboring town of Boylston.



Estimate $8,000-12,000

Keywords

David Taylor, Boylston, Massachusetts, Philip D. Zimmerman, Tavern Signs, Reading, Connecticut, Bigelow Inn, West Boylston Historical Society, Abel Bigelow