This reverse glass piece has some writing at the bottom. The Manufacturer is Rawson & Evans Co. Chicago. From the style, and materials used, I estimate the sign to be 110-160 years old. The glass has been glue chipped, then mirror gilded.
There is some damage to the gold portion of this sign, and needs a little help. The gold is lifting from the glass; not bad, for a antique sign.
I just have one question. How many does one have to do, before becoming "qualified"? You do this all your life. All your life! You have the back- ground, schooling, experience; with or without a computer, and still not qualify.
I like what Si always sez, "It's only a ^&*%ing sign" (IOFS)
I have another question. Does anyone know anything about this sign or Rawson & Evans CO, Chicago?
BEAUTIFUL! If you could use somebody to hold your tools or whatever. I would love to watch you work on some of that stuff! Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
Richard
What a shame to bring it up now!
The picture below is the exact same sign in Rick's store. He also sold the catalog reprinted of the work that was reproduced at Rawson. I have been fortunate that I purchased copies of all of his reprinted materials.
The copy I have was a catalog copyrighted in 1896.
Hope this helps!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
The qualifications for repairing this piece are not that extensive. There are no blends or tricks, just angel gild and find the proper back up to blend in so when someone looks at the back side it appears stock.
Remember the nightmares we used to have trying to get a good gild on chipped areas? Quadruple gilding? I'm glad the liquification method was re discovered.
Go for it, Richard!
Posted by Danny Busselle (Member # 3746) on :
Just what would like to know about Rawson & Evans Which did the World's Fair in Columbia. They pack and shipped 300+ signs and did not Break One But they did crack a corner. Better than UPS. Were you planning to put this in the Sign Museum?
Posted by John Jordan (Member # 2368) on :
Robert Beverly, On reading your answer to the post is there anyway I can buy or steal a copy of the Rawson's catologue that you mentioned ?
My personal e-mail is aussiejohnart@yahoo.com.au
Take care, regards John Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
John
I would have no problem doing that...but it might take a while.... ...The book that I received were copies of the book that Rick Glawson assembled and although many laughed at my purchases(cuz I did so much...LOL), I am really glad now that I did!
There are approximately 150 pages printed on both sides...so you can see the amount of time it would take to scan it all in!...I purchased this from Rick for 35.00...
They may still have copies of it available at Esoteric but I would be more than happy to replicate it....it would just take time!
If there is enough interest in this, I would be willing to scan each page in and make it available on disk. This would save me a little time and you money! Then you could either print it up or just view it.
I have all of the reprints that Rick had available...to include:
Rawson Evans catalog Palms Transfer Ornaments (Palm Brothers, Chicago Catalog circa 1900) The book of Alphabets and Layouts(Al. Imelli 1922) The Expert Sign Painter (Ashmun Kelly 1910) Signs That Work catalog (Spanger Brothers circa 1900 The Modern Sign Writers (R. Henderson 1896)
and a couple of more at the house!
I would also say that I will trade for any out of date materials that others may have available too!
I have really enjoyed reading all of these texts! so...in short John...yes...I will start putting the time aside to scan here in!
Posted by Shawn Setzer (Member # 426) on :
Robert,
If this CD becomes available I would most definetly get a copy!! I have no problem compensating you for your time, please keep me in mind if you undertake this venture.
Shawn
Posted by Golden (Member # 164) on :
Shawn and the rest, You mentioned a CD of this. Actually our Main Street Collection of Panels and Ornaments ARE the Rawson & Evans ornaments. I picked the best elements from that book, from their early ads, from their mailers, and from photos of their actual work and spent around 500 hours digitizing them.
[ April 26, 2003, 10:25 AM: Message edited by: Golden ]
Posted by Robert Beverly (Member # 1907) on :
Mike is correct
I have enjoyed the vector art that he has developed...
but the reason I purchased the catalog copy from Rick went way beyond my purchase of the main street collection from Mike
When I got into doing this work, I wanted and continue to want a full appreciation of where the art of glass has been...designs used, and explanations of applications...and this book has lot's of neat insights into the industry at that time!...as well as store fronts completed...etc....
so that is why I think it would be a kick for anyone to have!
Posted by Richard Bustamante (Member # 370) on :
I'm just about finished. I have to plain down some of the wood damage that caused the gold failure.
What a change...
I didn't want to say anything but, yes, that sign was on the bathroom door of Rick's shop. I wanted to share, but thought it best not to mention that aspect since Rick's untimely passing.
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
...The book that I received were copies of the book that Rick Glawson assembled and although many laughed at my purchases(cuz I did so much...LOL), I am really glad now that I did!
