Historical Memphis Sign Appraisal

Germantown Rd Retired Authentic Street Sign (City of Memphis, Tennessee)

This is a retired, authentic street sign for "Germantown Rd" from the City of Memphis, Tennessee. The sign is rectangular, robust, and constructed from metal, featuring a highly reflective yellow background with bold, black lettering. Its dimensions are approximately 27 inches in length by 8 inches in height, consistent with standard road signage. The sign displays the name "Germantown Rd" in a sans-serif font, indicating its purpose for directional information. A prominent black border frames the entire yellow panel, adding definition and visual impact. Upon close inspection, the sign exhibits signs of its former outdoor life and use. There are visible small holes, likely from mounting hardware that secured it to a post, one of which appears in the upper central portion of the sign. The surface, while still reflective, shows minor scuffs and marks consistent with a retired item that has been exposed to elements, though no significant damage like bends or large scratches are immediately apparent. The reflective quality, typical of modern street signs, suggests it was designed for high visibility, especially at night. Its authentic nature indicates it was a genuine piece of public infrastructure, now repurposed. The overall condition suggests good preservation for its age and previous function, maintaining its legibility and structural integrity. This piece embodies practical design combined with the utilitarian aesthetics of road infrastructure, reflecting its origin as a functional object within the urban landscape.