Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed nowBy subscribing, you are agreeing to the privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Furniture, Design & Mirrors / Rare Blue Italian Industrial Enamel Danger Sign – Skull...
Rare and highly decorative original Italian industrial warning sign, dating approximately from the 1950s, featuring the iconic skull and crossbones motif together with the dramatic warning: “NON TOCCARE I FILI – PERICOLO DI MORTE” “Do Not Touch the Wires – Danger of Death” What makes this particular example especially interesting is its unusual original blue colourway. While these historic Italian electrical warning signs are encountered in other colour combinations, blue examples are considerably more difficult to find, giving this piece particular appeal for collectors of vintage industrial signage. Manufactured from embossed metal with vitreous/porcelain enamel, the sign has raised lettering, a raised perimeter border and a striking central skull-and-crossbones emblem. The relief gives the entire composition a particularly strong three-dimensional appearance. Signs of this type were used in electrical installations, substations, factories, railway facilities and other environments where exposed electrical wiring or high voltage represented a serious danger. Their robust enamelled construction was intended to withstand prolonged industrial use and exposure. The most attractive aspect of this example is undoubtedly its completely untouched original patina. The blue enamel shows extensive, naturally developed surface wear, oxidation, small marks and losses accumulated over decades. These have not been cleaned, repainted, restored or artificially enhanced, preserving the authentic character and visual history of the piece. The original mounting holes are still present at the corners. Despite its age and evident industrial use, the sign remains solid and highly decorative, with the lettering and skull-and-crossbones motif clearly defined. Condition exactly as shown in the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the description. Dimensions: approx. 17 × 12 cm Material: embossed metal with vitreous/porcelain enamel Period: approximately 1950s Origin: Italy Condition: original, unrestored and untouched patina; age-related enamel wear, oxidation and surface marks as clearly visible in the photographs; original mounting holes present. A particularly evocative piece of Italian industrial heritage, made even more collectible by its rare blue colour, compact dimensions and unmistakable skull-and-crossbones imagery. Ideal for collectors of industrial design, vintage safety signage, electrical memorabilia and authentic factory objects, as well as a striking decorative piece for a loft, workshop or industrial-style interior.
Estimate:£84.49
Sold for:-
View all items fromCatawikiorFurniture, Design & Mirrors
Hammer price:
-
Estimate:
£84.49
STOLAR. 4 st, stomme i teak, sitsar klädda i läder, 1900-talets senare hälft.
10/12/2026
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now£605.62
Est: £302.12
Satztische in Teak, Dänemark 1960er Jahre.
10/12/2026
£126.73
Est: £254.47
FLADDERMUSFÅTÖLJ, läder och stål, 1900-tal.
10/12/2026
£83.27
Est: £151.06
BYRÅ, 1800-talets första hälft, bemålat, draghandtag och beslag i mässing.
10/12/2026
£568.45
Est: £453.72
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
