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Industrial & Contemporary Design, brought to you by {name}. 

Ashley Calvert

“Do Not Smoke in Fire-Hazard Areas!” – Original Communist-Era Bulgarian Safety Sign (50x28 cm)

This striking white-and-red enamel sign from Communist-era Bulgaria reads:
“Не пушете на пожароопасните места!” — “Do not smoke in fire-hazard areas!”

Created between the 1960s and 1980s, this sign once hung in locations where safety was not just a rule but a necessity: fuel depots, warehouses, and heavy industrial zones. In an era when a single careless cigarette could lead to disaster, these warnings were a vital part of daily life in the state-run industries of the Eastern Bloc.

What makes this piece especially rare is its enamel-on-metal construction, designed to withstand harsh conditions while remaining highly visible. Unlike most modern safety signs, this one was built to last — and few have survived in such remarkable condition.

Today, it stands not only as a powerful piece of industrial history but also as a striking example of mid-20th-century graphic design. Its bold lettering and utilitarian message make it a conversation starter for collectors of vintage signage, Cold War memorabilia, or anyone who appreciates authentic artifacts from a bygone era.

A relic of a time when safety was painted in bold red and white — and ignoring it simply wasn’t an option.

1970-1980 - Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Enamel sign - Enamel, Iron

Vintage & Industrial Furniture

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Vintage & Industrial Furniture

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Enamel sign - Enamel, Iron

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