This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
From the 1930s all the way through the 1960s, Billy Smith was employed as the exclusive track artist responsible for making all of the signs for Churchill Downs. The 32" x 36" sturdy tin sign with wood framing offered here was created by Billy Smith and actually hung at Churchill Downs in the early 1940s, directing spectators from the parking lot to the turnstiles. The white sign features bold black print announcing "Churchill Downs." Also in black are a picture of a jockey on a horse and "Billy Smith" at the bottom. There are red arrows denoting the location of the turnstiles. The border is done in a mint julep color to represent the traditional drink of the Derby. Churchill Downs employees thought that this sign was destroyed for scrap metal, but it seems to be the only one to have survived. Considering that it hung outside for years, the sign is in very good condition, with just a few rust spots and scrapes on the paint. This is simply a perfect piece for a racing aficionado.