This is an authentic New York City subway roll sign used in service (with traces of authentic dust, dirt, and scuffs!) on one of the city's iconic "Redbird" subway cars between the 1980s and early 200s. This sign would have been mounted at the front of the train in a box of signs cranked by the motorman or conductor to indicate the train's destination, right beside a similar box showing the route number. The sign is made of a sturdy and translucent material called mylar, and reveals light through the white when lit from the back. The sign is set in iconic Helvetica, as standardized by Massimo Vignelli for the NYC subway in the 1960s and 1970s. This segment measures roughly 19" x 14", though other segments (including longer portions) are available for sale from other destinations.
The location depicted is Utica Avenue, a terminus of the #4 service in Brooklyn. Many other signs available.