Vintage “No Spitting” Metal Sign by Ande Rooney Inc. | 1987 Public Health Warning
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
“No Spitting” Public Health Warning Sign
United States, 1987
A boldly lettered blue-and-white metal sign issued as a public health warning, reproducing early 20th-century transit signage language. Manufactured by Ande Rooney Inc. in 1987, this piece intentionally mirrors the strict typography and uncompromising tone of historic station and platform notices.
The result is graphic, authoritarian, and oddly funny. Nothing decorative about the message. Everything decorative about the execution.
Historical Context
During the late 20th century, Ande Rooney Inc. became known for producing historically accurate reproductions of American signage, ephemera, and folk objects. Their work often referenced earlier public health and municipal warnings, originally used to combat tuberculosis and other communicable diseases in crowded urban spaces.
This sign recreates the language and formatting of early transit authority notices, when civic order was enforced with blunt typography and legal consequences rather than suggestion.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Ande Rooney Inc. |
| Origin | United States |
| Date | 1987 |
| Material | Painted metal |
| Color | Navy blue ground with white lettering |
| Text | “Spitting on stations, platforms and approaches…” |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled corner holes |
| Markings | Printed maker mark: “Ande Rooney Inc. Made in U.S.A. 1987” |
| Condition | Very good vintage condition |
Condition & Notes
The sign presents in strong, clean condition with light surface wear consistent with age. Minor scuffs and small marks visible on the reverse. Lettering remains crisp and legible. No bends, cracks, or structural damage observed.
This piece reads as display-ready.
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This sign is pure tone. It brings humor, authority, and historical bite into a space without trying to be clever. Perfect for kitchens, powder rooms, bars, studios, or anywhere that appreciates irony delivered in all caps.
It works especially well layered into darker interiors, industrial spaces, or curated walls where graphic contrast matters more than sentiment.
You don’t hang this because you agree with it.
You hang it because it refuses to soften itself.
From Viridian Eclection
We collect objects that speak plainly and age honestly. This sign isn’t precious. It’s direct, well-made, and culturally loaded in exactly the way we like—functional design turned accidental art.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
