Rare Blue Italian Industrial Enamel Danger Sign – Skull & Crossbones – “Pericolo di Morte” – c. - Sign - Steel
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€ 45
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Selected by Ashley Calvert
He has 15 years of experience trading 20th century glass and antiques.
Estimate € 100 - € 150
 | €45 | |
|---|---|---|
| €40 | |
| €35 | |
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Rare blue Italian industrial enamel danger sign featuring a skull and crossbones with the warning “Do Not Touch the Wires – Danger of Death,” dating to the 1950s and in good used condition with untouched patina, made of embossed steel with vitreous enamel and measuring about 17 × 12 cm.
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Description from the seller
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.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateRare 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.
Seller's Story
Archivio51 is a business specializing in the research, selection and sale of vintage, design and collectible objects, chosen for their authenticity, aesthetic quality, history and character.
The selection mainly includes interior complements and decorative objects, vintage lighting, globes and maps, perpetual desk calendars, pharmacy and apothecary items, display mannequins and busts, walking sticks, objects in bronze, brass, marble, onyx and wood, industrial and workshop items, signs, decorative containers and other small collectible items.
Each piece is individually researched and selected, with particular attention to its period, provenance, materials, craftsmanship, original patina and condition. When possible, the object is also studied and contextualized to reconstruct its history, era and function.
Archivio51 operates primarily through online sales platforms, addressing collectors, vintage and design enthusiasts, interior designers and international clients seeking original and uncommon objects.
The goal is not merely to sell used objects, but to bring pieces with a story back to light and give them a new place, preserving their identity, charm and authenticity.
Archivio51 – Selection of uncommon, timeless objects.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Style subtype
Industrial design
Specific region of origin
Lombardia
Number of objects
1
Title
Rare Blue Italian Industrial Enamel Danger Sign – Skull & Crossbones – “Pericolo di Morte” – c.
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Steel
Style
Industrial
Colour
Black, Blue, Silver
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
12 cm
Width
17 cm
Autographed by a famous person
No
Estimated period
1940-1950
Qualification
Original/official
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