Description
The Baltimore Enamel & Novelty Co. was a porcelain enamel manufacturer based in Baltimore, Maryland, with offices in New York and Boston, and for a time it was the largest manufacturing company of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1898, it produced outdoor signs advertised as durable, non-fading, and easy to clean. They had lucrative contracts to produce automobile license plates for many US states and made signs for the New York City subway system. The company also produced smaller items, such as advertising trays for breweries. The firm closed in 1943, in part due to the metal shortage in the midst of World War II.
Stamped lower right: Balto. Enamel 200 Fifth Ave. NY CS-7.
Condition: Generally very good for a utilitarian subway sign with the usual overall wear, handling, abrasions, discolorations — somewhat greater on the blank backside. Light wear, rust and chipping at the six original mounting holes (3 on top and 3 on the bottom).
References:
Baltimore Enamel & Novelty Co. Breweriana Aficionado. 2022. https://www.brewaf.com/history/sign-manufacturers/baltimore-enamel-novelty-co/ (4 January 2023).
“Brooklyn Borough Hall.” NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/business/dcasmanagedbuildings/brooklyn-borough-hall.page (4 January 2023).
“Borough Hall/ Court Street station.” Wikipedia. 16 December 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borough_Hall/Court_Street_station (4 January 2023).
