Railway Art Appraisal

Cheshire Lines Railway Advertising Sign - Manchester & Liverpool

This item is an antique or vintage advertising sign for the 'Cheshire Lines' railway service, specifically promoting 'The Punctual Service' featuring 'Hourly Express Trains' between 'Manchester & Liverpool'. The design is characteristic of early 20th-century railway promotional material, utilizing a lithographic or printed image on what appears to be a metal sheet, given the context of 'metal sign'. The sign features a large central illustration of a steam locomotive, numbered 'N° 8810', pulling a long train of passenger coaches through a rural landscape. The locomotive bears the initials 'CLC' on its side, likely standing for 'Cheshire Lines Committee'. The main color scheme is dark blue for the borders and text background, with red and white accents. Two circular emblems or crests depicting coats of arms are prominently displayed in the upper corners, and another smaller, central circular emblem is visible below the train illustration within a banner. The text is rendered in bold, white block letters, with some lines in a decorative serif font. The overall condition appears good for its age, though minor surface wear, possibly scratching or slight paint loss, can be observed in areas, consistent with age and display. The edges of the sign show some wear suggesting it has been handled or mounted. The craftsmanship indicates a factory-produced item, designed for public display at railway stations or booking offices. Its historical content and aesthetic appeal make it a significant piece of railway memorabilia.