Frequently Asked Questions

Toronto's acorn street signs are a distinctive piece of the city's civic identity. Originally manufactured by Rosco in the early and mid 20th century, they're named for the upward-pointing acorn finial at the top centre of the frame.

They're still found throughout older Toronto neighbourhoods, though many have been replaced over the decades. Acorn416 produces miniature replicas that aim to capture their geometry, typography, and quiet authority at small scale.

Each sign is designed, printed, painted, and assembled by hand in Toronto - one at a time. The sign plates and frames are 3D printed, then finished with paint and ink. No two pieces are identical. Minor variations in finish are a natural result of the process and part of what makes each object its own thing.

Standard finish signs have a clean white background, sharp black lettering, and a matte black frame - close to how the signs looked when freshly installed. Weathered finish signs are intentionally aged, with rust tones on the background edges and frame that reference decades of Toronto winters. Both finishes are applied by hand.

All signs are between 45 and 46 mm tall including the finial. Width varies by sign:

• Extra Large - 120 mm
• Large - 110 mm
• Medium - 100 mm
• Small - 90 mm

Each product page includes in-hand photos so you can get a feel for the actual size.

The streets and neighbourhoods in each collection are selected for historical, geographic, or emotional resonance - they aren't chosen at random or by popularity. Custom street sign orders are available for real Toronto streets, including some historical streets that have since been renamed. If you're not sure whether your street qualifies, just ask before submitting a request.

Signs with proper names (people, businesses), corporate or promotional messaging, or content I consider inappropriate won't be made. I reserve the right to decline any custom request.

Yes. Custom street signs are available and made to order. Here's how the process works:

1. Submit a custom sign request using the form on this page
2. I review the request and either approve or decline - you'll hear back either way
3. If approved, I'll send an invoice
4. Once payment is received, production begins
5. Your sign ships within approximately two to three weeks of your order being placed

Custom signs are produced in Standard finish only and are priced at $295 CAD. Custom orders ship with tracked, signature-confirmed delivery included.

Currently shipping within Canada only. If you're outside Canada and interested in an order, get in touch - shipping options may expand based on demand.

Two shipping options are available at checkout:

• Untracked - Canada Post Oversize Lettermail via the Slotbox flat mailer. A low-cost option for buyers comfortable shipping without tracking. $8 flat anywhere in Canada.
• Tracked - Canada Post Oversize Lettermail with Registered Mail add-on. Includes tracking, signature confirmation, and $100 insurance. $20 flat anywhere in Canada.

Custom orders ship tracked at no additional charge.

In-stock orders are typically processed and shipped within one to two business days. Canada Post estimates delivery in two to four business days for most Canadian addresses once in the mail - allow up to a week to be safe. Custom orders require approximately two to three weeks from order confirmation to delivery, including production time.

Each sign ships in a protective foam cradle sized to fit the sign snugly, including a dedicated void for the finial - the most vulnerable point on the sign. The assembly sits tight within the Slotbox flat mailer and is designed to hold up through normal postal handling.

Yes - in-stock orders ship with tracking, signature confirmation, and $100 insurance via Canada Post Registered Mail. A lower-cost untracked option is also available at checkout.

Custom orders ship with tracking included at no extra charge.

If your order arrives damaged or with a structural defect, get in touch within 30 days of delivery and we'll make it right. Returns for change of mind aren't accepted. If you have a question about a specific piece before ordering, just ask.

A defect is anything structurally unresolved - a joint that moves, a frame that flexes, or damage that occurred in transit, including a snapped finial. Surface characteristics that are part of hand production - minor paint variation, slight texture, evidence of hand assembly - are not defects. These are features of objects made one at a time by a person, not a machine.

In-stock signs range from $175 to $195 CAD. Custom orders are $295 CAD. All prices are in Canadian dollars.

All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover) as well as Shop Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Prices shown do not include tax. Applicable taxes are calculated at checkout based on your province of delivery.