Vintage probably 1950s could be older hand painted and made circus/ fair sign on board original !! This fantastic circus sign in the shape of a shield would have been made by a circus/ fair worker. The skill of making these signs was passed down from generation to generation ( nowadays they are printed). It was probably used for coconut shells throwing games or similar. Now what a great display for your home bar ( see pictures illustration only).
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Some age related wear shows it's age and has definitely been used outside etc 19 cm wide 28 cm tall 1 cm depth
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The shield shape seen in some circus signage and logos often draws inspiration from historical heraldry and the shape of actual shields used in combat. These shapes, particularly the "heater shield" or "kite shield" style, were common in medieval times and have been adopted into circus imagery to evoke a sense of tradition, strength, and spectacle. The use of these shapes also connects the circus to a broader history of performance and spectacle, echoing the gladiatorial combats and chariot races of ancient Rome.
Historical Shields:
The most common shield shapes used in circus imagery are derived from actual historical shields like the kite shield and heater shield.
Kite Shield: A long, teardrop-shaped shield, popular in the Middle Ages, that provided good protection for the entire body.
Heater Shield: A smaller, triangular shield that was more maneuverable and became popular as warfare evolved.
Circus Signage:
These shield shapes are frequently used in circus logos and signage to create a sense of tradition and grandeur.
Roman Circuses:
The connection to historical shields also links the modern circus to the ancient Roman circuses, which were venues for gladiatorial combats and chariot races.
Visual Appeal:
The strong, easily recognizable shapes of these shields contribute to the visual impact of circus branding and advertising.
