Illuminating Raleigh Bicycles Sign / Lightbox

Here we have a rare survivor in fantastically original condition - a Raleigh Bicycles lightbox by Acme Showcard & Sign Co Ltd. The design being their patented "Doublit" sign - cleverly two different designs are displayed depending on whether on not the sign is illuminated.
When unlit the "cheaper, quicker, healthier" advert with the man on the bicycle can be seen - this is printed on a mesh that sits vertically at the back of the sign, behind an angled sheet of glass. When illuminated there are bulbs at the back and at the top of the lightbox; the bulb at the back helps make the mesh disappear and the one at the top illuminates a horizontal glass panel, printed with the bus stop scene which reflects in the angled glass. It's tricky to explain, even tricker to photograph but I've done my best to demonstrate ... Even in person it takes a minute or two of looking to work out exactly what's going on.

This particular sign came out of a bicycle shop that closed down many years ago. It was necessary to carefully clean out several decades of dust and cobwebs for the two displays to actually be effective (the sheet of glass has to be very clean to reflect) but aside from a very careful clean it's not been touched. It retains its original hanging chains and instead of a plug a fitting that allows it to plug into a bayonet type bulb holder - so that the displaying bicycle shop could connect it to a ceiling light! Although it's shown as working in these photographs this would need new wiring and new bulb holders before it could be used safely / reliably. I felt it was just too original to do this so am selling as is - 'un-working' for anyone who would like to keep it as is. I would be happy to arrange for the re-wiring to be done if wanted.

Condition is very very good - entirely original. A little scuffing / marking here and there, some very light corrosion to the aluminium casing, a little discolouring / lifting of the printed glass surfaces but nothing major to note.

Due to its fragility, collection in person or courier delivery is recommended. Please get in touch with your location for a delivery quote.

It measures 46cm wide x 26.5cm high x 25cm deep.