Offered is an exceptionally scarce original early New Mexico U.S. Route 66 highway shield, measuring approximately 16” x 16.5”.

This is a fantastic piece of early Route 66 and American highway history featuring the highly desirable NEW MEXICO / US / 66 configuration.

This sign is being offered for sale, not “on sale.” I’m simply seeing if someone wants it more than I do. It’s an amazing piece that fits right into my collection of very early automotive and highway memorabilia, so I’m in no hurry to sell it.

Unlike later flat highway markers, this early heavy-gauge steel shield is extensively embossed. The NEW MEXICO lettering, US designation, large 66 numerals, divider and perimeter borders are all formed directly into the metal, giving the sign tremendous dimension and character.

Based on its construction, small early format and New Mexico highway-sign chronology, this shield is believed to date to the early Route 66 era, approximately late 1920s–1940s.

The sign retains substantial original black-and-white finish with fantastic age, surface wear and patina. The sign remains unrestored and has not been repainted.

The reverse exhibits the deep embossing of the shield along with decades of natural age and wear.

DETAILS

• Route: Historic U.S. Route 66

• State: New Mexico

• Era: Early Route 66 era, believed c. late 1920s–1940s

• Size: Approximately 16” x 16.5”

• Material: Heavy embossed steel

• Construction: Deep embossed lettering, numerals, divider and perimeter borders

• Finish: Black and white

• Condition: Original aged condition with paint loss, oxidation, scratches, wear and patina consistent with age

• Restoration: None

• Mounting: Original upper and lower mounting holes

Early state-name Route 66 shields are considerably more difficult to find than later generic US 66 markers. New Mexico is also one of the states most closely associated with the history and imagery of the legendary Mother Road.

With Route 66 celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a genuine early piece of New Mexico Route 66 history.

Despite its compact early size, this shield has tremendous display presence. The combination of the NEW MEXICO header, large embossed 66 numerals, heavy steel construction and untouched aged character makes it an exceptional piece for an advanced collection of Route 66, early highway signs, road signs, transportation memorabilia, automobilia or Western Americana.

This is not a sign I need to sell. It is simply being made available at a price where I would be willing to let it leave my collection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the sign’s present condition in detail.

A fantastic piece of early New Mexico Route 66 history and one that would be very difficult to replace.