LiveAuctionTalk com Highlights Neon Signs in its Weekly Free Article
Released on = September 8, 2006, 2:19 pm
Press Release Author = Rosemary McKittrick
Industry = Advertising
Press Release Summary = Rosemary McKittrick’s weekly column provides in depth
coverage of the auction market. Her website is packed with useful information.
Press Release Body = September 8, 2006—The name Artkraft Strauss may not mean much
to you. But I bet the sliding New Year’s Eve ball in Times Square is something you
remember?
Artkraft Strauss is the company that created the first New Year’s Eve ball 87 years
ago.
Since the earliest days of neon, Artkraft Strauss has been shining brightly in Times
Square with their trademark, one-of-a-kind grand scale displays.
An estimated 10 million people walk through Times Square every week making it one of
the most important spots in the world for outdoor advertising.
Since 1937, Artkraft Strauss has had a Coke sign installed there. In fact, the
company made most of the illuminated signs sparkling in Times Square in the 20th
century.
The huge 65-foot-high “Coke” display featured an open bottle being drunk through a
straw. There was also the “Happy New Year” sign used when Artkraft Strauss
controlled the annual descent of the Times Square ball.
You don’t have to be a social historian or filmmaker to appreciate them. These
one-of-a-kind beauties are nostalgic gift horses.
The company recently sold nearly 100 of the historic signs illuminated by vibrating
gas molecules and also sold drawings and lights symbolizing 20th century New York.
They went on the block May 18 at Freeman’s auction house in Philadelphia.
The Coca-Cola Sign mentioned sold for $27,485 in the auction.
Read the entire article at www.LiveAuctionTalk.com.
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