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Collection of Morgan B. Brainard. Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, 1961.63.36  Photograph by Wi…
Sign for Mechanic's Hotel
Collection of Morgan B. Brainard. Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, 1961.63.36 Photograph by Williamstown Art Conservation Center © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Sign for Mechanic's Hotel

Date1834
MediumPaint on pine board and moldings, sand, gold leaf, iron hardware
DimensionsOther (height x width of sign only): 35 5/8 x 43 1/4in. (90.5 x 109.9cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard. Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard
DescriptionImages: None.
Text: On both sides, inside top of oval outline, "MECHANICS", inside bottom of oval outline, "HOTEL", in center of oval outline, "1834". No underlying text.
Construction: Single main board, grain oriented horizontally, with narrow boards glued to the top and bottom edges to increase the height of the sign. The sign board is encased in moldings, mitered at corners. Long dowels, gilded and nailed into place, serve as frame liners along the inner edge of the molding.
Object number1961.63.36
NotesTechnique Note: Stenciled and gilded letters contrast with the sand-paint background. On side 2, the lettering lacks black blocking and appears to have been overpainted. Historical Note: Original location. The house, said to have been built prior to 1750, stood on State (previously Court Street), in downtown New London.
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