Welcome, and thank you for visiting our website. It is our hope that you will find this website pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate. In it, we have displayed some samples of the 18th and 19th century American Country antiques that we have for sale from the website, at various shows done throughout the year, and even from our home, by appointment. We focus on painted furniture, early lighting, folk art, and Americana. Please, be sure to view all the inventory pages for that special item that you wish to add to your collection. If something does catch your eye, and you wish to make a purchase, please contact us via the "Contact Us" tab. Or, you can use that tab to simply leave a comment. Also, a calendar of shows where we can be seen throughout the year is available, as well. Lastly, please click on the Links tab to see other dealers and websites that we support, and we encourage your patronage of them.
It is a great pleasure for us to be able to share our passion for American Country antiques with you. And, it is our goal to continue to grow in the quality of our offerings to you, and to always maintain a range of affordability, for collectors of all budgets.
Sincerely,
Stephen Burkhardt
Dennis Young
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| 19th Century Tavern Sign “Exchange Hotel” Operated by Stanton W. Congdon 1839-1860 Wickford, Rhode Island |
| It is not often, that early to middle 19th entury tavern signs come fresh onto the market. This is especially true of one that has the surface and history of this sign. This sign hung over the establishment of Stanton W. Congdon on the main street in Wickford, Rhode Island. Although Stanton operated the tavern until his death in 1860, the building had a long history of operation as a tavern. In fact, the tavern dates back to the late 18th century and was a gathering spot during the American Revolution. At one time, the tavern carried the name "Narragansett". When Congdon bought the Narragansett in 1839, he also operated a butcher shop and livery on the premises. He started a stagecoach service from here, to join with the railroad line at the Wickford Junction. He renamed the tavern the “Exchange Hotel,” in keeping with the trend of that day. This highlighted that the tavern offered substantial accommodation for travelers. After his death, the Exchange Hotel continued operation for many years by his widow and, subsequently, his sons. It still stands today as a private residence in that town, and it is featured in the book by Timothy Cranston, “Walking in Olde Wickford”. A copy of this book is available with purchase of the sign.
As for the sign, it is typical of the form found in first quarter 19th century tavern signs. Whereas 18th century signs were made of a large panel flanked by balusters and having a top and bottom rail, in the early nineteenth century, the balusters disappear, and the large panel is decorated by frame moldings. Eighteenth century signs used more graphic displays or depictions, since more of the population was illiterate. Beginning in the nineteenth century, words replaced the bold graphics on signs, as more and more people could read. This sign is most likely an early 19th century form, predating Congdon’s ownership, as it retains a broken arched pediment. Moreover, and more exciting, is the fact that Congdon’s label is actually painted over a large and obvious earlier depiction of a sunburst. Even though this sunburst is over painted, it is obvious in its presence, as it has an almost raised surface. The sign is two sided, with one side more faded, as that side faced the daily sun and predominant weather. Overall, the sign is in excellent condition. It no longer retains its original hanging hardware. There is loss to one side of the decorative pediment, that seems to have occurred many years ago. There is some water rot on the sides of the main board, at the point where the original hardware was mounted. This is consistent with any sign that was used outdoors for some years. There are also minor age splits. The overall measurement of the sign is 44 ½ inches high by 26 ¾ inches wide.
This tavern sign is one of the most exciting pieces that I have ever offered. I am so happy to present it to you, and I hope that you will appreciate it, as much as I do.
$7,500
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