It’s amazing how much New Old Stock continues to come out of old stores, basements, attics, closets, junk drawers. Remember the big New York Times story about Retro Renovation last fall? “New old stock is golden,” and “…surfing the blog is like visiting a time-warp Home Depot.” Yup: That’s my goal! Today in the RR depot: Script house numbers — but check first that these are approved in your town; some towns ban them… some pastel sinks… and homey needlepoint. Once you’re into the seller’s listing, there’s generally even more. DOUBLE ALERT: Dig the one at the very end — that seller has oodles of stock, all kinds of numbers!
[ebay carousel now defunct]
To go to a particular item, click on its photo (NOT on the ebay logo) — then, click on the lime green “View and Bid” box, which will take you to ebay. Disclosure: When you buy anything from these ebay carousels or after you click into ebay here, it nets me a teensy commission.
Also, thanks to seller iwaslookin4that, for giving me permission to feature the listing photo.
hannah says
Oops, wrong page. Feel free to delete Pam!
pam kueber says
not to worry, we regulars know what you are talking about: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/01/05/vintage-towels-galore-on-etsy-see-my-treasury/
hannah says
I spied that ‘towel gown’ some time back and thought, “How FAB!” Especially since it was made to be that, and not something someone home-made (that would be cool too). Glad an RR’r snagged it!
clampers says
Does anyone have tips (or photos) on how the spellout numbers can be arranged on your siding? That is where I am stuck with my visualization…can’t figure out how I would arrange them.
(Considering I checked with my building officials first.)
BK31 says
Comment EDITED by Pam. BK31 talks about the Life Safety Code and its references to how house numbers can/should be posted. BK also says: its always best to check with your local building officials. PLEASE DO. Don’t take safety advice off the internet; consult with pro’s.
Ami says
What a great find! I just snatched up a “Sixteen” and cannot wait to display it on our 1959 brick ranch! Thanks Pam!!
pam kueber says
Ok, like Bronwen said — check with your municipality to ensure it’s legal to use these. I am assuming it’s some kind of Fire Department / Police issue….
Woody says
I have the toilet to match that sink if anyone is looking for one. its a Universal Rundle date stamped 1953. It came out of my neighbors house. I grabbed it, but I really need a green one.
pam kueber says
Be careful, though, colors do differ manufacturer-to-manufacturer. This is one of the things that makes putting together bathrooms so difficult. If you’re at all picky (I am) you wanna get same manufacturer, similar model year.
sally says
wait…so..if my house is 4044..it will be ”forty forty four”? or do I need a dash or something? “forty forty-four”? I think it is best with one or two digit numbers? I have ALWAYS loved these and I was asking hardware store clerk about them and he had no idea what in the world I was asking for…
pam kueber says
According to the Associated Press style book, when you are writing a story any number 10 and above is not written out. So heck if I know!
Chad says
My grandmother had eight hundred twenty one written out on her house, in old English style lettering like a newspaper headline. I was in awe of it when I was little.
Ann-Marie Meyers says
I am writing “Twenty Forty Seven” Of course those are not the actual numbers. No way am I giving out my real house number on the internet on an open forum.
Eartha Kitsch says
We have those script numbers and they’re actually the thing that drew us towards our house the very first time that we pulled up to it to go to a yard sale. : )
pam kueber says
Funny how it’s the little things, isn’t it!
sally says
Thank you! been looking for these
Bronwen says
Just a warning – some towns ban spelled-out house numbers and only allow actual numbers. Mine does. Boo!
pam kueber says
I did not know this — thanks!
Ann-Marie Meyers says
Oh, shoot. I bet La Crosse does. It would be just my luck.
Ann-Marie Meyers says
I just checked with the La Crosse fire department. No problems with script numbers, as long as they are at least three inches tall and visible from the street. These are and they will be.
pam kueber says
Great that you checked!