  Whenever we go to Bavaria in southern Germany we stop in an old walled town, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The town is called "Rothenburg ob der Tauber". There are wonderful old buildings and cobbled streets. Many hotels, pubs and restaurants have the old trade signs in front of their entrance doors. They are usually made of wrought iron, and painted and many signs show a specific animal whose name is used for the pub or hotel such as "Zum Goldenen Lamm" (golden lamb) "Weisses Rössl" (white horse) etc. The most common animals are lions, horses, deer, lambs, oxen, etc.  Some specialty shops also used to have such trade signs, especially the butcher`s shop, the baker`s shop or the pharmacy. You will identify the Brezel which was a typical trade sign in front of the baker`s shops. These signs have a long tradition in Germany, and they go back to the Middle Ages. Of course, some had to be replaced and they have to be repainted again and again.  PLEASE ENJOY DIETER'S PHOTOS OF THE TRADE SIGNS AND ROOFTOPS OF SOUTHERN GERMANY!    
3 Comments
Sean Lynam
7/10/2011 07:42:37 am
Very interesting, such signs give atmosphere to an otherwise dull street what a pity that such signs are disappearing all over Europe. In Dublin we have the sign of three brass balls for a pawnbrokers shop
Ben Miyares
1/8/2012 09:05:33 pm
We have acquired a wood butcher shop trade sign - of an aproned man whose legs are a pair or ram's horns holding a lantern (wood frame, glass encasing) in his left hand. His right hand tucked under his apron. Item purchased from antique dealer who says it was purchased from an antique shop in Freiburg, Germany. Where might I be able to learn more about this item?
Emily
4/9/2012 05:23:32 pm
I love these pictures and this site! I lived in Germany for much of my childhood, and miss it immensely so seeing these shop signs brought a lot of wonderful memories of the various towns my family and I explored, back to me. Thank you for sharing! Leave a Reply. |
 Maria & DieterWe are a German couple living near the romantic Rhine valley and the cities of Cologne and Bonn in Germany. Three years ago we met Susan through the internet and have become great friends. We have so much in common and share a passion for antiques, good food and traveling, that it is fun to meet and do things together. Over the last 3 years we have met Susan and her sister Eileen in Paris, Germany and the USA. We are already planning our next trips to Provence and Prague and Dieter and I feel honored to provide photos, comments, reports and recipes from Europe to Susan and Eileen's blog. Archives
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