Shop sign, possibly made in Hull, c.1848-1889

This sign used to be outside a shop in Hull. The shop sold charts and equipment for use on ships. Signs like this would have been useful at a time when many people couldn't read. They would have also helped foreign sailors visiting the docks. This sign was probably made in Hull as it was displayed outside a shop in the city. The shop was Harrison's, which sold nautical instruments, charts and ships' stores. They were based at 7 Dock Street (near Queen's Gardens, which used to be a dock). As Dock Street was narrow, this sign was displayed high so it could be seen.