Chicago, IL
The Stewart Warner Sign Company was established in the 1920’s located in Chicago, IL. They were a manufacturer of neon advertising signs and neon safety lighted signs as well as automobile car horns, gauges, radio tubes, radios, and televisions.
The signs that they produced were known as “Write-It-Urself” neon signs. These signs were constructed of a metal Art Deco stylized body with a neon outline around the edge. The glass insert on the inside could be written on with a market or paint and the neon would illustrate what ever is written on the glass. Signs like these would have been primarily displayed in taverns and diners to display the days special and could easily be changed day to day.
Stewart-Warner also produced early automobile safety “stop” signs that would have been displayed on the back of cars. In essence, these were early tail lights that would light up when the driver hit the brakes and a neon tubed light reading STOP would appear in red.
During World War II, Stewart supported the war efforts by manufacturing speedometers and auto dashboard gauges for military vehicles, tanks, and airplanes. They also partnered with another local sign manufacturer named Crystal Manufacturing Company Inc. located in Chicago, IL. Crystal Manufacturing also produced radio chassis’ for tanks and airplanes. Although separate entities, there was always business connection between the two companies during and after the war with the government.
Below are a few examples of Stewart-Warner Neon Signs:
