What does the T. Keeler Tavern Sign ornament show?

The hanging signboard of T. Keeler's tavern in Ridgefield, Connecticut: a painted wooden sign in a shaped frame on an iron bracket.

What happened at the Keeler tavern in 1777?

On April 27, 1777, during the Battle of Ridgefield, British troops marching down Main Street fired on the tavern, which Timothy Keeler had opened in 1772. A cannonball lodged in a corner post of the building and is still there.

What is the ornament made of, and how is it packaged?

A three-inch round of faceted crystal glass with a red ribbon. The line-drawn art is printed so the open areas let the crystal show through. It comes in a white or gold gift box, is made to order in the USA and ships free in the U.S.

Is this ornament an official Ridgefield souvenir?

No. It is original art by Merlin Classics, an independent shop, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any town office, museum or organization.

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Ridgefield Connecticut Holiday Ornament - T. Keeler Tavern Sign

$28.00 USD

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Shape Circle + White Gift Packaging Circle + Gold Gift Packaging

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T. Keeler's tavern sign, the old signboard of Ridgefield's Main Street, for the tree.

Before house numbers, a traveller looked for the sign. This ornament draws the one that hung outside T. Keeler's on Main Street: a painted board in its shaped frame, swinging from an iron bracket, lettered with the landlord's name.

Ridgefield people will know it at once, and it is a handsome object even to those who do not. It is a three-inch round of faceted crystal glass on a red ribbon, printed so the open areas of the drawing let the light through, in your choice of a white or gold gift box. Give it to the neighbour who never misses the December stroll, the friend with a colonial house and the patience to keep it, or anyone who collects early American signs and folk art.

Quick Facts — T. Keeler Tavern Sign Ornament

› Subject: The hanging signboard of T. Keeler's tavern on Main Street

› Town: Ridgefield, Connecticut

› Size: 3 in (76 mm) round, faceted edge, red ribbon

› Material: crystal glass, line-drawn art printed to let the crystal show through

› Packaging: white or gold gift box

› Made to order in the USA

› Ships free in the U.S.

Timothy Keeler opened his inn here in 1772, on the post road between New York and Boston. On April 27, 1777, during the Battle of Ridgefield, British troops marching down Main Street fired on the building, and a cannonball lodged in a corner post, where it can still be seen. In 1907 the architect Cass Gilbert bought the old tavern and made it his country home.

The cannonball gets the attention, but the sign is the friendlier relic. It promised a fire, a meal and news from the road, and it still stands for the village's long habit of taking people in.

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Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Every item is made to order, so please check the size chart on this page before you buy. Women's fitted tees run small; size up for a looser fit. Caps are one size with an adjustable strap.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item to order using premium blanks, embroidery and soft-hand prints. Production takes 2-5 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), then 4-10 days in transit via USPS, UPS or FedEx to U.S. addresses; most orders arrive within 6-15 business days. You'll get a tracking link the moment it ships. Any current shipping offer is shown in the bar at the top of every page and applies automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I send a gift?

Enter the recipient's address as the shipping address and your own as the billing address at checkout. Nothing ships with a price; the package includes a plain packing slip. Tracking goes to your email, not theirs. For birthdays and holidays, order two weeks ahead to be safe.

What's the return policy?

Made-to-order items can't be returned or exchanged for size or color, so please use the size chart and photos before ordering. If anything arrives defective, misprinted or damaged, send a photo and your order number within 30 days and we'll replace it or refund you.

How do I care for my item?

Apparel: wash cold, inside out, with like colors; no bleach; tumble dry low or hang dry. Embroidered pieces: iron inside out to protect the stitching. Caps: spot clean. Printed glasses and water bottles: hand wash only, no dishwasher, so the artwork lasts. Mugs and engraved glasses are dishwasher safe. Any item-specific care notes are in the description above.

Who makes this?

Merlin Classics is a small Connecticut brand making original retro designs for the towns people love. Every piece is printed, embroidered or engraved to order in the USA, and the business supports hunger relief in the communities our collections celebrate.