Barber Shop Neon Sign

Object Number : 2019.0002.0018
Type : signs/displays
Sub Types : Array
Decade : 1940 - 1949
Object History :

This double-faced, neon sign featuring handlettered pictorial originally identified the business of Ralph Puzio’s grandfather who immigrated from Afagola, Italy in the early 20th century. The business opened in 1921 under the name, “Sterling Barber Shop,” in downtown Trenton, New Jersey.  According to Puzio, it was located on Hanover Street.

The pictorial face and scissors were probably painted by Walt Marczak, a local artist.  Marczak, who also worked as a circus clown, was well known in the area for his artwork which can still be found on signs and buildings today.

For unknown reasons, the sign was removed in 1955.  The pictorial and sign cabinet were in excellent shape, but the neon was completely remade and a new transformer was added by our friends at Neonworks of Cincinnati.

City of Origin : Trenton
State of Origin : New Jersey
Status : Storage
Location : Offsite
Status Location : Leon showroom
Donor Name : Ralph Puzio (seller)
Contact Donor : 1
Company : Mercer Financial
Condition :

Good: neon fully restored

Restoration Cost : $500
Restoration Date : 09/27/2019
Restoration Description :

09/27/2019: repair 2 barber tubes, repair 2 shop tubes, make new stylized underline in clear blue at cost of $500

First Contact Description : email
Deed of Gift Form Received : 07/28/2018 (invoice)
Object Cataloged Date : 12/21/2023
Purchase Cost : $5,500
Fair Market Value : 0.00
Private Documents : Array