TORONTO – The iconic brass signs that once adorned the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) flagship location in Toronto are now available for bidding. Heffel Fine Art Auction House has put up a total of eight signs from the Queen Street building in an online auction that will run until April 21, 2026.
Each of the signs features the company’s name, its historic coat of arms, and the phrase indicating that HBC was incorporated on May 2, 1670. With estimated values ranging between $1,000 and $1,500, these pieces of history are expected to fetch significantly higher prices. Notably, a similar sign was sold in February for an impressive sum of $55,250, demonstrating the potential market interest in these artifacts.
The auction of the HBC signs is part of a larger effort by Heffel to sell off over 4,400 pieces of art and historical items associated with the Hudson's Bay Company. This initiative began after the venerable department store filed for creditor protection and closed all of its retail locations. The auction house has been engaged in this endeavor since the previous year, aiming to find new homes for these culturally and historically significant items.
In addition to the signs, the auction features a diverse collection that includes stuffed animals, vintage clothing, and First Nation and Inuit art. These items highlight the extensive history and cultural significance of HBC, which has been a prominent establishment in Canada for centuries.
The HBC signs represent not only a connection to the company’s storied past but also to Toronto's retail landscape, where the flagship store has long served as a landmark. The sale of these items is attracting attention from collectors, history buffs, and those with a sentimental attachment to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s legacy.
The auction mechanism allows participants to bid online, making it accessible to a wider audience interested in acquiring a piece of HBC history. As the auction date approaches, the excitement surrounding these brass signs and other artifacts continues to grow, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Hudson's Bay Company.
