NYSE Last Sale Indicator: 1929–1980, Walnut Display Box

Own a rare artifact from Wall Street’s trading-floor legacy. The NYSE Last Sale Indicator originates from the era when the main NYSE building opened in 1903 and featured 16 tall wood-paneled trading posts with padded benches around each base, capable of accommodating 24 stocks per post. To handle rising volume, 17 additional horseshoe-shaped trading posts were installed between 1929 and 1932, remaining in service until 1980. The last sale indicators displayed a plus or minus followed by the last three-digit price, reflecting real-time activity on the floor. The made indicators that displayed both horizontally and vertically. This is an example of the verticle design indicator.

In 1981, these indicators were placed into wooden display boxes and distributed to Floor Traders from NYSE leadership. The remainder found homes in universities or museums. This piece includes a copy of the original letter from the NYSE President and CEO, underscoring its authenticity. The numbers and dials move letting you set the last sale value.

NYSE Last Sale Indicator

Dates of Use: 1929 – 1980
Display Box: Walnut, 7.5" H x 6 7/8" W x 3.75" D
Weight: 4 lbs 4 oz
Includes: Copy of NYSE President & CEO letter
Condition: as pictured
Shipping: Insured with signature required upon delivery

Provenance & Presentation

The lot includes the original letter from the NYSE President & CEO, reinforcing provenance and historical connection to the exchange’s leadership. The walnut display box complements the dial and numbers, making this a compelling centerpiece for a museum, study, office, or gallery of market history.

Why This Item Stands Out

Rarity: A scarce find in today’s market, representing a pre-digital era of floor signaling
Historical Context: Reflects the evolution of the NYSE’s trading-floor operations from 1929 through 1980
Display-Ready: The wooden box and preserved dial offer an authentic, museum-like presentation

Display & Gift Potential

Ideal for finance historians, trading-room enthusiasts, and Wall Street collectors. This Last Sale Indicator provides a tangible link to the days of manual signaling on the NYSE floor.