This little beauty came into the shop today for a repaint. The sign is from the 1920's or early 1930's. Reed and Bell was the only A&W franchised diners to use a different name. Reed and Bell went from 1924 to 1945, when A&W bought them back out. The two sign faces are lettered over glass, and lit from the inside. I'm not sure how that looks, as paint is opaque, it must just put off a dull glow. I almost don't want to restore this sign, (because it's earned it's age) it looks so cool, but the owner wants it done, and I guess I'm that guy. Looking forward to the process, and feel honored to be a part of it all...
I'd be tempted to get new glass cut and save the old sign as it is. Maybe the glass is "just too far gone"...
ReplyDeleteAlready thought about that, and I talked to the owner about that also. The problem is that the sign (glass) is crimped into place, and would be about imposible to remove / replace.
ReplyDeleteHe should have you make him a new one and let you hang that one in your shop. Where was Reed & Bell located?
ReplyDeleteMark, Reed and Bell were in Arizona and Nevada, but also there is some mention on the Internet about a store in Bakersfield. So I guess also California.
ReplyDeleteDon't do it!!!!
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