1955 New York City Subway R17 IRT Roll Sign Box Crank NYCTA Manhattan Bronx MTA

Description

This is a rare sign that does not come up on the market too often. I am moving and need to clear out some of my collection, so I'm parting with a sign I've had for many years. Full 1955 IRT rollsign from an IRT Pelham Line R17, well-preserved without any real damage, in an original sign box with wood handle that cranks easily and without halt. Most rollsigns from this era were replaced with new portions during their service careers (5 LEX replaced 5 LEX-WPR, and 3 7TH AV-LENOX replaced 3 LENOX), but this is a completely original rollsign from the Hunter Illuminated Car Sign Company factory in 1955, as dated on the roll.
Readings for the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 Dyre Ave Shuttle lines, as well as SHUTTLE and NO PASSENGERS. All readings are photographed. No Flushing Line readings for a mainline car like this. Roll is glossy vellum, not a cheaper cloth replacement as the TA sign shop usually stitched in. Roll is reverse-printed black vellum with stamps on the back for each reading's number and alignment (see photo showing marking).
Note the famous '6 LEX-PELHAM' reading, of Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 fame. This is a Pelham Division car, so that would have been the primary reading during service. R17s were not technically 'redbird' cars, but this is identical to a mainline redbird rollsign during this period.
Available for UPS or FedEx shipping or local NYC pickup.