This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/20/2023
Original metal street sign for Baker Street, “Borough of St. Marylebone. Baker Street, W. 1.”. [London: ca. 1950s].
Printed metal sign in original mounting frame (18 ¼ x 32 ¼”; 465 x 821 mm ). Some tarnishing, weather wear to frame, sign has some areas of partial fading, but is still easily legible.
Baker Street is in the Marylebone district of London and is most famous for being the home address of Sherlock Holmes and his friend and colleague, Dr. John Watson (sharing rooms at the fictional 221b). In real life, the address was that of the Abbey National Building Society (they took over the premises in 1932 - occupying 219-229 Baker St); there’s a famous (and true) story that they received so many inquiries for the great detective that they had a full-time employee answering all mail inquiries. Now, The Sherlock Holmes Museum lays claim to the official address of 221b Baker, although there is some controversy. This sign was replaced at some point when most street signs for the area were removed.