Trade signs for barbering have existed since the middle ages. Many barbers doubled as surgeons and performed blood letting. Some prepared the deceased for viewings, as well as the living. Although black and white poles are rumored to be morticianâs poles among the collector community, very little information is available to substantiate that claim. I have never seen an image of a mortuary with such a pole, and little to no research exists to tie the black and white versions to barbers who offered the service. The red and white, present on most European poles, is said to reflect blood and bandages. In America, the colors are more often red, white, and blue, especially in later examples. This is rumored to represent veins and arteries, but more likely the blue fell into the color scheme as a nod to American patriotism.
Poles varied greatly, and it is unclear if a barber who offered a mix of services typically displayed more than one pole to do it. Although pairs of matching poles in two different colors are known to existâfor example, one with a red & white helix, and one black & whiteâthese are far from the norm. With such a tiny population in any given town, and resources being what they were, it seems likely that in most cases a barber displayed only one. Because modern barber poles are sometimes black and white, though no services past shaves and hair cutting are offered, reality is a bit of a mystery.
What can be said with certainty about this black and white example is that itâs terrific among its counterparts. The paint surface is exceptional, dry and very appealing. The diminutive scale makes it easy to place, and the utilitarian sculpture is easily mountable by way of an early iron bracket.
Condition: Minor, expected wear. Original surface with no repaint.
