Early 20th-Century French “Caisse” Shop Sign on Cast Iron and Brass Stand

A tall French shop sign on stand in cast iron and brass, dating to around 1900. The elongated rectangular placard is held within a brass frame with elegant scrolling brackets, raised on a slender brass column above a sturdy cast-iron tripod base with paw-shaped feet. The sign reads “CAISSE,” indicating a cashier’s point, rendered in bold red block lettering on a wooden panel that is a later replacement. The original function of the stand may have been different, as this type of sign was often adapted over time for various retail uses. The metal elements retain a rich, timeworn patina with light surface wear and minor marks consistent with age.

This sculptural shop sign makes a striking statement in a retail or hospitality environments, where it works beautifully to signal a cashier, reception, or point of service, lending authenticity and old-world character to a boutique, café, wine bar, or hotel lobby. At home, it can be used as an unexpected graphic accent in an entryway, kitchen, or library, where its tall silhouette and bold lettering draw the eye. The mix of brass, cast iron, and timeworn patina pairs naturally with wood, stone, and industrial finishes, making it equally at ease in vintage-inspired, eclectic, or contemporary spaces.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 50¾" high x 21¾" wide x 17¼" deep
Approx. overall 129cm high x 55cm wide x 44cm deep