Vintage Industrial Illuminated Letter C – Italian Shop Sign – 1970s – Restored & Converted to LED - Sign - Polycarbonate
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Selected by John Bolt
Has over 20 years of trading experience and owned an independent business.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Original 1970s Italian illuminated letter C in polycarbonate, from Lombardy, converted to 220V LED and ready for use, measuring 30 × 13 × 10 cm with rear mounting holes preserved and very good condition.
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Description from the seller
Original illuminated letter “C” from an authentic Italian commercial sign dating back to the 1970s, an excellent example of iconic Italian industrial and graphic design of the period.
Manufactured in rigid thermoformed polycarbonate with a vivid translucent green front and white boxed structure, this piece originally belonged to a larger illuminated storefront sign typical of Italian bars, cafés, cinemas, shops and commercial spaces of the era.
The typography itself is highly characteristic of 1970s Italian signage design, featuring soft rounded forms and bold geometric proportions strongly associated with the visual identity of mid-century commercial advertising.
The letter has been carefully dismantled, thoroughly cleaned and professionally converted to a modern 220V LED lighting system, combining authentic vintage aesthetics with safe and practical everyday usability.
It is equipped with approximately 1.5 meters of cable, modern plug and integrated switch, ready for immediate use.
An important detail for collectors:
the rear structure has intentionally been preserved in its original authentic condition to demonstrate the originality of the piece. The backside therefore still presents original mounting holes and small missing areas from its former commercial installation, fully coherent with its industrial history and use.
The polycarbonate structure itself remains in very clean and bright condition, without cracks or structural damage.
The original oxidized screws have been replaced with new ones for improved presentation and stability.
Thanks to its sculptural form and strong visual impact, the letter works beautifully both as a freestanding illuminated object and as a wall-mounted installation. Perfect for loft interiors, industrial spaces, design studios, bars, restaurants, retail environments or vintage-inspired contemporary interiors.
A highly decorative and collectible authentic design object, increasingly sought after by collectors of vintage signage and Italian industrial design.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 30 cm
Width: approx. 13 cm
Depth: approx. 10 cm
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with light traces of age and use consistent with its original commercial purpose. The front polycarbonate is clean, glossy and well preserved. The rear side shows original mounting holes and small missing areas intentionally left untouched to preserve authenticity. Fully functional modern LED electrical system.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
An authentic piece of 1970s Italian illuminated advertising design combining industrial character, collectible appeal and modern functionality.
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 TranslateOriginal illuminated letter “C” from an authentic Italian commercial sign dating back to the 1970s, an excellent example of iconic Italian industrial and graphic design of the period.
Manufactured in rigid thermoformed polycarbonate with a vivid translucent green front and white boxed structure, this piece originally belonged to a larger illuminated storefront sign typical of Italian bars, cafés, cinemas, shops and commercial spaces of the era.
The typography itself is highly characteristic of 1970s Italian signage design, featuring soft rounded forms and bold geometric proportions strongly associated with the visual identity of mid-century commercial advertising.
The letter has been carefully dismantled, thoroughly cleaned and professionally converted to a modern 220V LED lighting system, combining authentic vintage aesthetics with safe and practical everyday usability.
It is equipped with approximately 1.5 meters of cable, modern plug and integrated switch, ready for immediate use.
An important detail for collectors:
the rear structure has intentionally been preserved in its original authentic condition to demonstrate the originality of the piece. The backside therefore still presents original mounting holes and small missing areas from its former commercial installation, fully coherent with its industrial history and use.
The polycarbonate structure itself remains in very clean and bright condition, without cracks or structural damage.
The original oxidized screws have been replaced with new ones for improved presentation and stability.
Thanks to its sculptural form and strong visual impact, the letter works beautifully both as a freestanding illuminated object and as a wall-mounted installation. Perfect for loft interiors, industrial spaces, design studios, bars, restaurants, retail environments or vintage-inspired contemporary interiors.
A highly decorative and collectible authentic design object, increasingly sought after by collectors of vintage signage and Italian industrial design.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 30 cm
Width: approx. 13 cm
Depth: approx. 10 cm
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with light traces of age and use consistent with its original commercial purpose. The front polycarbonate is clean, glossy and well preserved. The rear side shows original mounting holes and small missing areas intentionally left untouched to preserve authenticity. Fully functional modern LED electrical system.
The photographs form an integral part of the description.
An authentic piece of 1970s Italian illuminated advertising design combining industrial character, collectible appeal and modern functionality.
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
Plastic type
Polycarbonate
Specific region of origin
Lombardia
Number of objects
1
Title
Vintage Industrial Illuminated Letter C – Italian Shop Sign – 1970s – Restored & Converted to LED
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Plastic
Style
Industrial
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
30 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
10 cm
Autographed by a famous person
No
Estimated period
1960-1970
Qualification
Original/official
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