M1186 Early 20th century original painted wooden Folk Art sign reading - "Ride the Champion 10c" - These colorful signs originally accompanied the mechanical coin operated horses made by Bally Company of Chicago, IL, who created a replica of Gene Autreys horse, "Champion" for children to ride and pretend they were a real cowboy! (The initial cost of the ride was 5c, and went up to 10c in late 1940s, and then to 25c in the 1950s). The original painted background is dark green, and features red lettering with yellow outlining. The circle with the price has a black background and the numbers are yellow with red outlining which is reverse of the lettering. The 'odd' shape of the sign is explained by the shape of the base of the ride where it was attached. It is very rare to find one of these wooden signs that accompanied the ride as most that were from the base of the ride itself were made of metal. The sign is a solid piece of pine and the plywood battens on the back are not original but have been there for quite some time as they share the same great patina as the rest of the back. They could have been added for hanging purposes - or to ensure the sign did not twist or warp from changing weather temperatures.
This is a great piece of Americana that is sure to bring back fond childhood memories for many!
Measurements: 49 1/2" wide x 16" tall x 3/4" thick.
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