This lot is for what I believe to be the best sign that Rail & Road Auctions has offered to date. This sign transcends beyond the railroad hobby to sign collectors, art deco collectors, and so many other arenas of collecting and decor. I also believe that this is the best example of this sign offered at public auction any time in recent memory.This stainless steel Indian head sign was used on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Alco PA and PB locomotives which were dressed in their famed warbonnet paint scheme. The construction and quality of this sign is just outstanding. The stainless steel has etched reliefs which allowed the color to sit just below the surface of the sign making for crisp / sharp color lines and a feel that just isn't present in other signs such as porcelain.The sign measures just a touch over 84" from the tip of the Chief's nose to the end of his tail feather. This is a confirmed correct measurement from multiple owners of these signs. The sign also has the correct reliefs to accept the pan head screws that were used to install the sign. The overall dimensions of the sign are 84" x 26 1/4".As to the history of the sign, we know that the consignor who passed away in 1994 acquired the sign long before the reproductions became available in the marketplace. His residence was approximately an hour and a half from Pilot Brothers in Argo,Illinois where the PAs went to be scrapped after being retired from the Santa Fe roster. We have seen photos of the PA deadline at McCook and it is a sad sight, but also lends to how this sign ended up residing in the Chicagoland area for so many decades.As to the overall condition of the sign, it is really outstanding for the number of miles that these locomotives likely saw. There a NO major scratches, chips, dents, etc. I think the largest issue with the sign could be attributed to the blushing on the face has worn from time and from the wind moving over the leading edge of the sign. This seems to be common with the surviving examples of this sign and we can also say with certainty that this sign has not had the paint touched up or altered in any way. The only other cosmetic issue with the sign is some very very light warping from being attached to the car body. There is no creasing, just some very faint waves. I'm being incredibly nit-picky about this sign, because it is that special and the condition deserves to be shown and told just how good it is.This sign can be picked up at our Lafayette, Indiana warehouse, delivered to the show at Gaithersburg, Maryland in November, or be crated and shipped anywhere else that it may need to go. Do not miss out on this incredible sign!