Model Meat Market Lightbulb Sign

Beautiful sign for Model Meat Market that predates the advent of neon sign technology. In total, the sign reads “MODEL MEAT MARKET”. “MEAT” has individual letter panels that were meant to be interchangeable, a patented sign model created by Federal Electric Co. of Chicago, IL. These main letters each have a number of housings for incandescent lightbulbs. This section is also outlined by an ornate and decorative art-nouveau style border. Other shapes and designs continue to fill out the outer corners of the full sign. On each letter panel, an inscription reads, “Federal Electric Co. Chicago Pat 1 Nov 17 1903”.

The Federal Electric Company was established in 1901 in Chicago, IL. They began as a manufacturer of outdoor porcelain enamel and lighted (lightbulb) advertising signs. These signs they came to be known for are typically a rich, cobalt blue and white block letters with electric light bulb outlets throughout the lettering. Federal Electric made signs for many large companies like Standard and Phillip 66, and industries across the country including garages, gas stations, drug, drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and hotels.

Very good: there is small amount of chipping around a few lightbulb housings on the letter panels–specifically the “E” and “T” panels. Small chipping throughout the remaining porcelain.