"Bronze Signal"

The "Bronze Signal" was an ornamental traffic signal that was in use in New York City in the 20th century. Designed by Joseph Freedlander and manufactured by General Electric, the head had four sides, and red and green signal indications were in use. It was first unveiled in 1929 in Manhattan, and approximately 104 were in service on one segment of 5th Av. Each traffic signal had a statuette on the top, which depicted the Roman god Mercury. Until the 1960s, all 104 heads were still in operation. Before 1970, all heads were replaced by modern three-section traffic signals. In spite of this, a handful of the original Mercury statuettes were saved in the removal process, and those survivors remain in existence to this day.