It could have been damages all around because of the frame that probably would have been around it. How else would it hang on the wall or in a bracket?

 I have just been reliably informed that this Webbs sign is featured on page C7 (colour pages ) of Street Jewellery revised edition published  1988 . So there can be no argument re. authenticity .

 Steve Burton rang me a couple of days ago ,and mentioned  this sign . When he was a "rookie " , new to the game , he was offered this sign by one of the old-timers ,who has subsequently passed on , for about £200 , which at the time ,in the early eighties , was serious money . He declined it as he says he lacked the confidence to buy it , and the guy then later sold it to someone from Relic Designs .  Later still it was then offered to John Gaunt at Beamish museum , where it still resides .