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Lighted Ceramic Hot Dog Diner by Jerry Berta - Broken Top Neon Sign - $650 (Wilmington - River Lights)
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Offering for sale this authentic American studio art pottery piece by pop-art ceramicist Jerry Berta, titled "Hot Dog Diner." This large, whimsical sculpture features a brilliant glazed hot dog stand modeled after classic mid-century roadside architecture (like Tail O' the Pup). Jerry Berta’s "Hot Dog Diner" sculpture is a masterful piece of 20th-century pop art studio pottery that encapsulates the heart of nostalgic American roadside kitsch.
Item Specifics:
• Brand / Artist: Jerry Berta
• Type: Lighted Sculpture / Studio Art Pottery
• Condition: See Below
• Material: Glazed Ceramic
• Subject: Hot Dog Stand / Diner / Americana
• Style: Pop Art / Vintage / Roadside Kitsch
• Features: Illuminated Interior, Hand-Signed, Includes Broken Neon Pieces for Template
• Production Technique: Studio Pottery
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Original/Reproduction: Original Studio Piece
From the artist: "I make sculptures American Roadside Attractions, complete with detailed interiors. I want to take you on a little roadside trip. You are driving down a highway, you see a classic diner. You park your car and go inside. You get the same feeling viewing my artwork."
The Artistry & Design:
• Mimetic Architecture Tribute: The piece celebrates "mimetic" or novelty architecture—buildings constructed to look like the products they sold. Berta modeled this design closely after the iconic Tail O' the Pup stand built in Los Angeles in 1946.
• Intricate Interior Diorama: While the outside portrays a glossy, deeply glazed hot dog nestled in a split bun, peering into the window reveals a beautifully detailed diner interior. It includes tiny sculpted bar stools, counters, and decorative window curtains.
• Contrasting Glazes: Berta utilized a combination of vibrant, highly reflective glazes to create texture. The rich browns and tans mimic a toasted bun, while metallic, chrome-like overglazes line the entry door and counter framework to mimic authentic retro stainless steel diner siding.
• The Signature Clock Motif: Above the metallic door sits a stylized vintage clock graphic displaying the classic slogan "Time to Eat", anchoring the piece's playful diner theme.
The Lighting Element:
What sets this sculpture apart from basic collectibles is its hidden complexity. Hidden inside the thick ceramic walls is a small electrical transformer. When plugged in, it powers the internal illumination, creating a beautiful contrast between the warm exterior glazes and the dramatic, cool blue glow projecting from the interior windows.
Even without the top "EAT" sign operational, the sculpture serves as a stunning freestanding architectural light box and a fantastic example of studio-crafted Americana folk art.
PLEASE NOTE (CRITICAL CONDITION DETAILS):
• The neon glass "EAT" sign that sits on top has been broken and is in pieces (as pictured in the provided photo). The broken pieces of the sign will be included in the shipment if the buyer wishes to use them as a template for a professional neon glass restoration.
• The rest of the sculpture is in excellent, functional condition. The interior blue lighting still works perfectly, emitting a vibrant turquoise neon-style glow through the window and door.
• The glazed ceramic body, bun, awning, and base are in beautiful shape with no structural chips or cracks.
• The piece is hand-signed on the reverse by Jerry Berta.
Because of the broken neon glass top, this item is being sold AS-IS for parts, repair, or restoration. It remains a fantastic opportunity to own a rare, large-scale Berta piece at a heavily discounted price point for someone willing to have the glass sign remade.
Measurements:
• 21 inches wide x 10 inches deep x 13 inches tall
• Weighs 25 pounds
We're running a 3000 square foot multi-generation estate sale. You can click the "more ads by this user" link to see the items we've listed so far. You're also welcome to make an appointment to come look at the entire estate. We're located on Independence between Carolina Beach and River Rd. in Wilmington. We take virtually every form of payment, including credit cards with a 3% fee, and we'd be happy to hold items with a deposit. Hope to see you soon!