Antique French Enamel Street Sign: Rue Gustave Carde Provenance & History

An authentic mid-century vitreous enamel street sign ( plaque de rue ) sourced from a house clearance in Bergerac, France . This sign originally marked the street named after Gustave Carde (1837-1909) , the famous Bordeaux industrialist whose factories produced railway equipment, trams, and early aircraft.

Conservation & Condition

This piece has been professionally stabilized to preserve its industrial character:

• Cleaning: Gently cleaned with Vulpex liquid soap to remove decades of grime without damaging the enamel.
• Protection: The reverse has been sealed with two coats of boiled linseed oil to halt oxidation on the exposed metal.
• Finish: Both sides have been finished with two coats of Renaissance Wax (the same micro-crystalline wax used by the British Museum) for a beautiful luster and long-term protection against moisture.
• Patina: Displays genuine "battle scars" and enamel loss consistent with age, particularly around the "R," which is now fully stabilized.

Details

• Material: Heavy-gauge sheet steel with vitreous enamel.
• Color: Classic French "Bleu de Paris" with white relief lettering.
• Dimensions: [Insert Dimensions here, e.g., 45cm x 25cm].
• Mounting: Original corner mounting holes present.

Ideal for: Industrial decor, collectors of French automobilia/railway history, or as a high-quality "man cave" statement piece.