Exceptional early 20th-century double-sided wooden trade sign, hand-painted in gold serif lettering against a richly oxidized black Japan-paint ground. Retaining original forged iron hanging eyelets and period construction with early cut nails, the sign exhibits a superb, untouched surface with pronounced age, granular oxidation, and deep patina from long-term outdoor exposure. The textured black field retains its original sanded tooth, while the gold lettering shows authentic bronze-powder oxidation and subtle brushwork, undisturbed by restoration or overpaint.

The sign is almost certainly attributable to Dr. Means, dentist, documented on Main Street in Lincoln, Illinois, and visible on a circa 1910 real-photo postcard streetscape of the town. Its materials, typography, and construction align precisely with professional Midwestern signwork of the period.

A rare and visually powerful example of early Illinois professional advertising, retaining outstanding original surface and historical attribution.