Vintage Pinkerton's National Detective Agency Metal Sign

Presented is a vintage Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency sign, from The First National Bank in Denver, Colorado. The metal sign alerts to its readers, “WARNING. Protected by Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency, Inc.” The sign is navy blue, with white text and a white line border, and has an identification number, “3422, listed at the bottom of the sign. It is screwed into a newly constructed mahogany plaque. The sign was presumably displayed on a door or wall at the First National Bank in Denver, to deter would-be thefts and crime. It comes with an original drawstring canvas pouch, stamped with the bank's name on it in black ink. 

Pinkerton's National Detective Agency was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton, a Scottish immigrant and former cooper, in Chicago, Illinois. It quickly rose to prominence as one of the first and most influential private detective agencies in the United States. The agency gained national fame for thwarting a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Lincoln later hired Pinkerton agents to conduct espionage against the Confederacy and act as Lincoln's personal security during the Civil War. Because of this, Pinkerton and his agency are sometimes seen as the forerunners of the United States Secret Service. Known for its motto "We Never Sleep" and its iconic eye logo, the company also helped coin the term "private eye”. 

In the late 19th century, Pinkerton's agents were often hired by railroads and industrialists to investigate crimes and suppress labor unions, especially during the violent labor disputes like the Homestead Strike of 1892. Moving into the 20th century, Pinkerton's National Detective Agency played a prominent role in providing private security services for banks and jewelers across the United States, thwarting theft, armed robbery, and organized crime. Pinkerton operatives, often former lawmen or military personnel, were hired to guard bank shipments, protect jewelry stores and vaults, and investigate thefts if they did occur, offering a level of security that many police departments at the time were unequipped to provide. 

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Printed metal sign, in blue and white. The sign has four holes, one at each corner. Light tarnish and rust, mostly at screw holes. Small dents and surface scratches, but color is still vibrant and sign is very legible. The sign is screwed into a newly constructed mahogany display plaque. Comes with a drawstring canvas bag, stamped with “The First National Bank, Denver, Colo.” in black ink. Bag has surface stains on front. 

Sign Dimensions:  5 9/16" H x 3 1/2" W x 1/16" D. Plaque Dimensions: 8" H x 6" W x 7/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.