If you’re interested, make us an offer – every one will be carefully considered!This is an Antique R 1-9 Front Destination Rollsign section. This sign came from the R 1-9 cars of the IND subway, which were built in many waves by a few different builders (American Car & Foundry, Pullman, and Pressed Steel – between 1930 and 1940. There were over 1800 built. The last of them were retired and scrapped in the 1970s. A few still exist as part of museum collections, including the New York City Transit Museum and the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, CT. Each car had two “signboxes” at each end of the car. Each signbox housed a full rollsign. The one on the left displayed the route, while the one on the right displayed the destination. As the trains were used on a certain route, that particular sign panel would become worn out from exposure to the sun and dirt. Instead of printing a whole new roll, the sign shop employees would replace only the worn out sections. This sign was never actually stitched into a full roll, so we cannot say which specific train it came from because it was never in one. We bought this one from a man who had a friend that worked in the New York Subway sign shop in the 1960s. The font of the text is exactly the same as signs that appeared in the R26 and R29 subway cars, which would have been printed around the same time.He received a complete set of unstitched panels as a gift from his friend upon his departure from New York City to pursue another job in 1968. This section is one full panel (two destinations) of the IND (Independent City Owned Subway). The full sign comprised of many of these panels stitched together. The rollsign measures 19 inches wide by about 30 inches long. Readings include the following: JAMAICA 179TH ST. ROCKAWAY PK. This sign is in like new (9.5/10) condition. Please carefully review out the high-resolution photos before bidding or buying.Great for bar or restaurant, dorm room, den, etc. Makes a unique gift that you can’t buy at Sears or Target (leave the wife a hint LOL). Truly a museum quality antique. Own a piece of New York history! Item will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. Please check out our other auctions for more great New York Subway memorabilia. Thanks for looking and good luck! Please be advised that the winning bidder will be responsible for any and all customs fees assessed on this item. We have no control over the taxation policies in your country, or how they will be applied. Thanks to Frank Pfuhler for the great photo of an “Independent” subway car at Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets, 1936.
