This is an authentic red German enamel street sign - Blussusstraße (Blussus Street). The sign carries the name Blussus and is of Celtic origins; Blussus was a Celtic boat maker from Mainz, Germany in the first century post Jesus.
Vintage ca. 1950s & sourced directly from the region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This sign came directly out of the city of Mainz, Germany.
(RARE) - Red German "named" street signs are rare. The use of red for "named" street signs is a (rare) localized endeavor, mostly for historical or specific purposes & usually within a city rather than a national standard.
The sign is flat with a solid covering of enamel. It’s a solid, heavy weight piece presenting very few blemishes but standard age wear consistent with its age should be expected. Please review photos carefully.
Measurements (approximate):
Lenght: 27 1/2"
Height: 7"
Weight: 4 lbs, 12 oz
HISTORY:
Blussus is associated with Celtic origins, particularly in the context of Romanization in ancient Germania Superior. Specifically, the funerary monument of Blussus and his wife Menimane from Mainz-Weisenau is considered a key piece of evidence illustrating the interaction and blend of Roman and local Celtic cultures during that period. Their names themselves, along with their depiction on the monument, suggest a Celtic background.
Further evidence suggests that Blussus may have been a shipper, an entrepreneur involved in inland water transport (nauta). The monument's style also links to a specific workshop (the "Blussus-Annaius workshop"), indicating the development of local artistic traditions that merged Roman influences with Celtic tastes.
Street Sign Color Usage in Germany:
The general rule is that named street signs are white with black lettering.
Some cities employ varying color schemes for various reasons.
- The city of Mainz uses red signs for streets running orthogonal (perpendicular) to the river and blue signs for streets running parallel to the river.
- In a historic context, the city of Prague, Czechoslovakia used red signs w/white lettering during the German occupation in World War 2. The old German street names were revived and displayed on metal signs w/this color scheme. This practice ceased following the end of German occupation in 1945.
