Vintage Railway Express Agency SignVintage Railway Express Agency Sign

Railway Express Agency Sign: Vintage 1930’s Porcelain Depot Sign – VS6336

A Rare Piece Of History, Original Depot Sign For Railway Express Agency Was A Package Delivery Service That Operated In The United States From 1918 To 1975

This Genuine Vintage Porcelain Sign Is Guaranteed To Be Original, Investment Quality Collectible Memorabilia, And Is Just One Of Hundreds Of Old Signs Currently For Sale At ArtFactory.com

Description

Railway Express Agency Sign: Vintage 1930's Porcelain Depot Sign

This original vintage Railway Express Agency sign is just one of hundreds of collectible automobilia and petroliana collectibles currently for sale from ArtFactory.com. This single sided, diamond shaped, porcelain enamel sign measures 11 inches tall by 11 inches wide, and reads "Railway Express Agency". It is a 3 color sign with a red background. There is a series of 3 stripes (white then navy blue then white) around the border of the sign. The words "Railway" and "Agency" are in navy blue lettering with a white outline, and the word "Express" is in white lettering. This in an original early 1930's railroad depot sign, and it is sold in original, unrestored condition, as pictured. There is some wear on the sign, especially around the edges, and the lower left edge in particular, but is in excellent condition overall for a 90-year-old item, and the areas with lettering are clean and readable. We sell all of our original collectible advertising in unrestored condition because it is our belief that each blemish is part of the unique history of that item.

Vintage Railway Express Agency Sign Specifications

  • Type: Genuine Vintage Porcelain Enamel Railroad Depot Sign
  • Sides: Single Sided
  • Shape: Diamond Shaped (Square)
  • Company: Railway Express Agency
  • Service: Nationwide Private Package Delivery (Similar To Modern Day UPS Or FedEx)
  • Era: 1930's
  • Country Of Manufacture: U.S.A.
  • Color: Red/Navy Blue/White
  • Dimensions: 11 Inches Wide By 11 Inches Tall
  • Condition: Original, Unrestored, Sold As Pictured, See Photos For Details

Railway Express Agency Sign Additional Details

Vintage Railway Express Agency Sign

At ArtFactory.com, we only deal in collectibles that are guaranteed to be authentic, and backed by over a century in experience. Don't settle for reproductions when you can own the genuine article that is appreciable, investment quality memorabilia. Call us today at 1-800-292-0008.

This rare, vintage Railway Express Agency sign, and all of our signs are guaranteed to be authentic, backed by over a century of experience in the antiques and collectibles marketplace. This sign is original memorabilia from one of America's most most historic brands. We are a one stop shop when it comes to outfitting your man cave or game room. We can can outfit an entire room for you, or help you find that one special item that has been missing from your collection. In addition to signs, we have vintage vending machines and more, that we have fully restored to working, museum quality condition. Our vintage collectible restorations are the best in the business because nobody has been doing it longer, or pays as much attention to detail. To top it all off, all vintage collectibles are certified authentic by award winning artist H.J. Nick, and all of our restorations include a brass tag signed by H.J. Nick, which stands as certification that it is a world class fine art restoration that meets all museum and investment quality standards. This certification means each item bearing his signature is backed by over 100 years of manufacturing world class fine art handmade furnishings, and restoring America's finest collectibles to original, museum quality condition.

This vintage Railway Express Agency sign is the perfect conversation piece that will wow your friends and clients alike. Like all of our vintage collectible signs, it is guaranteed authentic, investment quality memorabilia. We specialize in those hard to find signs that serious collectors are looking for. All antique collectibles offered are genuine memorabilia and appreciable assets, not fake reproductions. All items are fine collectible art at the highest world class collector level. Contact us for pricing on this vintage Railway Express Agency, or any of our collectible Americana, antique signs, old gas pumps, and classic collectibles at 1-800-292-0008.

Railway Express Agency History

Railway Express Agency Sign photo from Wikipedia

Railway Express sign, Northern Pacific Railway Depot, Washington St. & Railroad Ave, Ritzville, Washington, U.S. The depot is a contributing property of the Ritzville Historic District. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Railway Express Agency (REA) was a significant American transportation company that played a crucial role in the distribution and transportation of goods via railways. It was founded in 1917 as a consolidation of several smaller express companies, including American Express's railway express division.

The Railway Express Agency (REA), founded as the American Railway Express Agency and later renamed the American Railway Express Inc., operated in the United States from 1918 to 1975. REA arranged transport and delivery via existing railroad infrastructure, much as today's UPS or DHL companies use roads and air transport. It was created through the forced consolidation of existing services into a national near-monopoly to ensure the rapid and safe movement of parcels, money, and goods during World War I.

Here is a brief history of the Railway Express Agency:

  1. Early Express Services (19th Century): Before the formal establishment of the REA, various express companies handled the transportation of goods and packages via railroads. These services were crucial for businesses and individuals to ship items across the country.
  2. Formation of REA (1917): In 1917, during World War I, the United States government took control of the nation's railroads. This led to the consolidation of various express services into a single entity, creating the Railway Express Agency on July 1, 1917. The government sought to streamline and improve the efficiency of express transportation during the wartime period.
  3. Post-War Expansion: After World War I, the Railway Express Agency continued to grow and expand its services. It became a vital part of the transportation and logistics infrastructure, handling shipments of goods ranging from small packages to large freight.
  4. Challenges and Changes: The REA faced various challenges over the years, including competition from other modes of transportation, such as trucks and airplanes. Changes in the overall transportation industry and the decline of passenger rail service also affected the express agency.
  5. 1960s and 1970s: During the 1960s and 1970s, the Railway Express Agency encountered financial difficulties. The rise of interstate highways and the trucking industry led to a decline in rail transport for express shipments. Additionally, changes in regulations and increased competition further strained the company.
  6. Decline and Dissolution: In 1975, the Railway Express Agency filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations. The company's decline was attributed to a combination of factors, including increased competition, changing transportation dynamics, and financial challenges.
  7. Legacy: Although the Railway Express Agency no longer exists, its legacy is evident in the history of express transportation in the United States. The rise of modern courier and package delivery services can trace some of their roots back to the earlier express agencies like the REA.

Railway Express Agency Sign Info

When we use the terms "Museum Quality" and "Historically Correct," we are indicating our world-class process. We absolutely preserve all original signs, badges, glass with anomalies, natural aged patinas, and everything that makes a vintage item collectible. Maintaining non-structural damage, all age, wear, and tear is proudly displayed to showcase each item's unique charm.

Due to our earned reputation, we have the good fortune to be in high demand by collectors. Because most of our items have a waiting list, if you're looking for a specific collectible, please ask to be put on our first come, first served list (refundable deposit required).

We are the oldest and largest seller of fine art, historically correct, museum quality antiques and genuine, investment quality classic Americana.

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