North American Auction Company
Timed Auction

Last Chance Passed Lots Auction: October 28th, 2022

Mon, Oct 24, 2022 02:00AM EDT - Fri, Oct 28, 2022 03:00PM EDT
Lot 163

Rare Montana Streetcar Advertising Sign c. 1925

Estimate: $500 - $1,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
For your consideration this lot includes a Rare Original Butte, Montana Streetcar Advertising Sign for Hoenck Furs, circa 1925 (streetcar service ended in 1937 with the advent of buses), an early piece of Butte, Montana history. The sign reads, "Repairs Relining Hoenck Furs Storage at a 10% Discount during July And August at Richard P. Hoenck Phone 803 206 N. Main ST. Just Above Granite", early photographs of two women wearing furs are at opposite ends of the sign from left to right. Hoenck was the pioneer furrier during Butte's heyday as the "Richest Hill on Earth". The sign was part of an extensive advertising business known as Street Railways Advertising Co., an affiliate of Consolidated Street Railway Advertising Company. The company was founded by Barron G. Collier, the "father of streetcar advertising", and by 1925 became the largest advertising company in the world. Collier's type of advertising cards are still found on public transportation today! This streetcar sign is in overall fair to good condition, the top right corner above "Storage" is missing, tears have previously been repaired with scotch tape at the top right corner and middle bottom border. Black ink type over a yellow background, "Barron G. Collier Inc." copyright mark at bottom right corner. Measures 10.5"W x 21"L.