Historical Nameplates shingle, or sign

[Charles Kaiser]

Hallo Kameraden,
I want to make some wooden signs (Is it the correct term, I found several different Translations for the German "Schild") for our Impression. Now I need some Pictures of Originals, like Guard Tent, or Coward or Drunkard. The Materials, I know, they were made of is Wood, and I want to use as paint Black colour, the same oil colour as for Oilcloth or mixed up with other Drycolour like white for a an border around the letter. the original lead oxid for white colour is very hard to buy here, and I think I will chose other Pigments like chalk. Other Possibilities of Material, maybe sheeting iron? I think there is a wide difference of Quality between very crude until made by a proffesional painter

[J. White]

Re: Historical Nameplates shingle, or sign

Christof--

I don't know if you received an answer, but I have been thinking about the same thing.

- "Schild" does indeed translate as "sign". I have seen some wooden signs in period images of encampments. Mostly the ones which I've seen indicate the headquarters of a unit, or a speciatly service, such as the telegraph service or the postal service. I have seen some signs which indicate the location of the US Sanitary Service or the US Christian Commission. I am the director of a soldiers' aid society civilian unit which has very nice signage with period-style printing on a materiel contemporary to this day--covered foam core board which was professionaly printed for us to use at some time-line events. For supports, we have used tall wooden tomato plant stakes.

- Over the next few weeks, I plan to make some canvas signs for regular reenacting events. My plan is to use heavy unbleached canvas which I will wash and dry, cut to size and then glue down or sew the borders, like a painted floor cloth. I haven't yet decided if I'll put sizing on it to stiffen it (probably not). I'll cut some stencils in a type-font which is as close as I can make it to what I see in the images, and use some black oil paint (in a light coat initially) with the stencils. I've not yet decided on flat black or shiny black. After it dries, I will probably coat it lightly with a water-proofing and spray on some 3-M stain-blocker (like is used on furniture fabric). I'm going to have to investigate which would go on first. I'm inclined to make it not very stiff, so that I can roll it up.

Any other ideas out there?

Jean-Marie White

[KeystoneGuard]

Re: Historical Nameplates shingle, or sign

I have started to make wooden signs. If you are interested please send me a PM.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Historical Nameplates shingle, or sign

If you are going to make a wooden sign....I would recommend using a period mixture. You can obtain that from several posts on here or a quick google search will reveal the recipe. I don't see a reason to go modern here. Waterproof the sign by staining/treating with linseed oil or just use a salt treated board (old barn/fence boards work great for this!!!!). As for the images....search the LOC for images of Sutlers or photographers. They usually have signs hanging up. I can think of several images I've seen but I don't have access to them at work.