Willis Lamm's
Traffic Signal Collection

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Presto Brite Sign Boxes

Presto Brite sign boxes were common sights under 4-way signals in Seattle and a few other locations in the Pacific Northwest. They appeared around World War II which could explain what appears to be the use of a few recycled materials in their construction. Typical Presto Brites consisted of a box frame constructed of 1/2" angle iron with four 12" x 18" openings for signs, a sheet metal top that was screwed down to the frame, four light sockets with one placed in front of each sign panel, and translucent fiberglass sign panels. The panels were held in place by short pieces of angle iron held in each corner by 1/4" machine screws.

Box frame and light socket layout.

Interior view including sockets and angle iron fastners.

The sign lit under the restored Seattle Marbelite signal.

Here are some Presto Brite boxes still in service in Seattle. The photos were taken in August, 2010. (Click on each photo to bring up a larger view in a new window.)

Presto Brite under a Marbelite cluster. Presto Brite under an Eagle beacon.

A slightly larger view of the intersection. Newer style Presto Brite under an Econolite cluster.

View Details of the Signal the Sign Hangs From

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