This vertical painted sign on Vandam Street between Hudson and Varick in SoHo, just about washed out by the sun now, is the last vestige of Masback Hardware, which existed in some form from 1877 to 1996. It was founded by Jonathan Masbach and originally had a showroom at 3rd Avenue and East 64th Street uptown. After a spelling change around World War I and several moves around town, the Masback store ended up at 324-344 Hudson Street in 1936 and remained there until 1979. Specializing in home furnishings, Masback also sold toys. The company went out of business in 1996.
The company had beautifully bound and illustrated catalogs. Some are available for auction.
The Indispensable Walter Grutchfield has the whole story.
6/9/14