Jeweler's trade sign The Carroll County Historical Society is attempting to purchase this rare trade sign in order to keep it in Carroll County, and is asking for the public's help. Photo provided The Carroll County Historical Society and Museum are asking for the public's help in acquiring a rare artifact that is part of Carroll County history.

They have been given the opportunity to purchase a wooden "trade sign" that once identified the business of jeweler William Gros in Delphi.

Gros lived at 100 E. Main Street. He married his wife Fannie in 1883 and started a Jewelry Store business at 7 East Main, which is at the back of the building that is located on the northeast corner of Washington and Main. Gros passed away in 1928 and his business closed.

During that time frame, as was common for the time, Gros had a sign made to advertise his business as a jeweler. The sign is a three-dimensional representation of a pocket watch, made out of wood. Signs like these were made to hang or stand outside the store so people would know what the store offered. They were to serve as visual clues as to what the store offered or provided. Trade signs are scarce today, and valuable, according to the Historical Society. In most areas of the country, these signs are considered to be classic American folk art.

The clock sign was first found in the attic of the house originally owned by William Gros. The sign has been sold several times.

The current owner of the trade sign bought it several years ago as an investment and was going to consign it to an auction house out of state when the Historical Society learned of its existence and approached the owner with the possibility of keeping it in Carroll County.

A Historical Society spokesman said the sign has the possibility of being sold out East for an appraised value of $10,000 to $15,000.

The current owner has stated he would agree to $5,000 for the Historical Society to keep it locally. He will also give the Society a carved wooden walnut shelf sign with "Wm. Gros 1867" on it and a display case he bought at the same time.

There is a picture of the trade sign and documentation on file at the museum.

The sign is in four parts - front and back are both 24 1.2" in diameter, and the center is 1" larger, with the top piece being the stem. From top to bottom, the sign is approximately 42" tall.

There is natural patina left on the item, as well as dirt and soot. It has a large amount of the original paint in gray, black and gold and some red designs also. There has been no attempt to clean, paint or restore the piece.

If in the fund raising efforts, the Historical Society garners money over the stated $5,000, it will be given to the Carroll County Historical Society Building Fund efforts.

Checks can be made out to: Carroll County Historical Society Building/Clock Fund and sent to either Salin Bank, 102 West Market Street, Delphi, or to Cindy Knoth (of the Historical Society), 7351E 975N, Delphi, IN 46923.