Halifax Ship Plumber’s Sign
Scarce, large 19th century merchant's sign for James DeCourcy, House & Ship Plumber. This piece of Halifax history was picked by the late, great Halifax dealer/collector Tony Saulnier, from whom we directly acquired it. James DeCourcy's business was located on the corner Barrington and Blowers between the late 1870's and late 1880's. The signmaker's signature "SHANNAHAN & MARTIN" is on the lower right corner of the frame. Shannahan & Martin were listed in the business directory as painters and paper hangers during the last quarter of the 19th century, and were also located on Barrington Street. 
 
James DeCourcy was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1852. The city directory shows his business listed at the corner of Barrington and Blowers streets in the 1880's. By 1889, DeCourcy was living with his wife back in Wicklow, Ireland, so this sign obviously pre-dates his move there. The sign is double-sided and in a fine state of preservation, possibly owing to the fact that he was not in business in Halifax for a particularly long period of time. The sign was designed to be bolted onto the corner of the building and would hang out over the sidewalk.
 
The sign itself is 17.75" x 85" and with the additional hanging portion the overall length is 107.5". 
Dimensions: 17.75"x107.5"