Original 1930s Olympia, WA Hand-Painted Sign: Red Top Cab Co. A Rare Piece of Pacific Northwest Transportation History & Signed Hometown Folk Art Up for sale is a genuinely remarkable, 100% authentic slice of Washington State commercial history. This is a completely hand-lettered, one-of-a-kind advertising sign created directly for the local Red Top Cab Co. Union that operated right out of Olympia, Washington during the golden era of local transit. This stunning piece features impeccable local provenance, proudly signed in the lower-right corner by the historic hometown trade artist “Messegee Signs” of Olympia. ? The Olympia, Washington History Before the era of standardized area codes and computerized dispatch, local independent taxi lines relied on catchy slogans and easy-to-remember short dial numbers to capture travelers. Because it was painted by a member of the well-known regional Messegee family-historically rooted in Puget Sound commercial sign-painting and local trades-this isn’t an item imported from a major metropolis. It is a genuine piece of homegrown Washington folk art that likely hung in an Olympia hotel lobby, train depot, or the central dispatch office itself to attract daily commuters. ?? Masterful Hand-Lettered Craftsmanship Unlike mass-produced porcelain or modern printed reproductions, this sign is a beautiful showcase of traditional mid-century sign-painting techniques. Close inspection under glass reveals the undeniable human hand behind the work. Pencil Guidelines: Faint, original layout lines are visible tracing the structures of the letters. Brush Texture: Subtle, natural variations in the red and black enamel ink saturation show where the artist’s brush loaded and pulled. Hand-Flicked Trim: Crisp, distinct black drop-shadow borders emphasize the bold typography. ? Materials & Dimensions. Measurements – 16 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. The Frame: Original dark-toned, molded wood frame featuring heavy-duty miter-joint corner reinforcement screws. The Backing: Features its original dark embossed cardboard backing with functional vintage factory directions stamped onto it (“For Upright / For Horizontal”). The Glass: All-original, clear protective glass pane. ? Detailed Condition Report This sign is in excellent vintage condition and is being offered in its completely untouched, all-original state. The Graphics: The hand-painted enamel lettering remains exceptionally crisp, bright, and vibrant with zero fading or peeling. The Patina: The sign displays a gorgeous, authentic age patina. There is minor, stable water staining and light age spotting along the outer borders of the white cardstock near the frame line (completely documented in the close-up listing photos). This adds undeniable historic character without detracting from the central graphics. Structure: The frame is structurally tight and sound, with clean glass. This is a premier piece for serious collectors of Washington State history, Pacific Northwest automobilia, hand-painted Americana typography, or high-end garage and office decor.
