The top sign is an integral part of any antique cash register. Over the years, they were donated to scrap metal drives in WWI, hidden away, or simply removed to give the cashier a better view. As a result, top signs are almost always missing when purchasing an antique cash register. Because of this “scarcity”, they have become a separate collectible, independent of the cash register they were designed to sit atop.
All cash register top signs have the words “Amount Purchased” unless otherwise noted. Nickel plating is available. The price listed is for polished and drilled signs. If you have an “unpolished” cash register, we can sell the sign without lacquer, so it will age to match the patina of your machine.
When National manufactured brass cash registers, most machines were either red brass (copper) or nickel plated. A few models were available in an oxidized copper finish. Since National owned the largest brass foundry at the turn of the century, if the brass was a different color, it was nickel plated. If your cash register has a solid nickel drawer face, chances are it was nickel plated or originally nickel plated.
Due to the fact that these cash registers are over 100 years old, it’s likely that someone removed the original nickel plating at some point, and your cash register now has two or three different colors. This is why we offer some top signs in yellow brass. Below is a picture of two top signs, the left one in yellow brass and the right one in red brass (copper).
Yellow brass and red brass cash register top signs
Early National Cash Registers were typically made of brass and could be nickel-plated, red brass, or oxidized copper. Determining if a National Cash Register top sign is authentic requires expertise and experience. Some factors to consider include material, style, color, wear patterns, and construction techniques.
For 300 series machines, the signs often feature a dolphin design. Screw hole size and spacing will vary depending on the specific model.
Signs for the National Cash Register model 324 or 325 have a distinctive design for the Woolworth sized machine. They are typically available in red brass or nickel plated.
400 series machines often have signs with an Empire motif. Glass signs were also available for certain models.
National Cash Register 200 series machines typically feature a fleur-de-lis design. There are various sizes and styles depending on the specific model.
Some 200 series signs have raised lettering, adding an extra touch of elegance to the cash register.
Signs for the 1000 series machines have a simpler design and are usually available in red brass or nickel plated.
Art Nouveau style cash registers often have signs with elaborate designs and unique patterns.
Some 400 series machines feature lighted signs, using electricity to illuminate from within.
Finally, some early machines have signs with four pedestals.
