Railroad sign: Public Notice, Picking Coal From Right-of-Way is Strictly Prohibited. Hand painted replica sign on Hardwood.

In the late 1920s through 1930's the act of "coal picking" was commonplace. Most cases of coal picking were done by kids who would walk railroad tracks collecting loose lumps of coal that fell off steam locomotive tenders and coal hoppers to heat their homes. Other, more severe forms of coal picking would mean climbing onto loaded coal hoppers and throwing lumps off the side in large amounts for collecting later. Railroad companies quickly caught on to the theft and safety issues this was causing and occasionally posted signs forbidding the act. Most of these signs were found along heavy coal hauling roads like the Chesapeake & Ohio, Virginian, and Norfolk & Western.

This one is an original design that is hand-painted and hand-distressed on Poplar hardwood. Measurements are approximately 11 x 21 x 3/4 inches. 3/8 inch mounting holes are optional at no extra cost.

"Public Notice, Picking Coal From Right-of-Way is Strictly Prohibited."

Each sign is stamped with my initials, the year, and the production number on the back.

Since this sign is made to order, please allow 3 weeks to make and ship.

Also please note that since these are made-to-order signs, slight deviations from the sign in the photo should be expected, although the differences will be minor.