Buenos Aires house number plates
 

One thing that I found charming about Buenos Aries was the house numbers on the buildings. These are white clay oval markers with the number painted on in black in a rather Victorian font.

I would love to have one as a keepsake (ideally with my office number on it - so I can be cheered up at work). When I was down there I was told however that:

1) They are antiques
2) They are therefore expensive
3) This also makes them illegal to export - and if you're going to rot in prison, you want a more colorful reputation than "the stupid gringo that tried to smuggle an address marker out of the country" if you want to survive.

It occurs to me, however, that it is very likely that someone makes decent replicas that are both relatively inexpensive and unlikely to end up with a roommate named Sr. Bubba). Does anyone know of a source for these?

There should be a few shops selling the replicas, but there's one for sure at the corner of Reconquista and Lavalle, right in the heart of the microcentro. I used to work round the corner, and passed every day when going/coming from lunch.
They make every kind of signs, and I remember seeing the number plaques at the window. If they don't make it, they will probably be able to tell you who does.

Whats illegal to export are the original blue signs with white letters featuring the street names.... but they have replicas of those also.

BTW, the doodes at Argentine prisons are usually known as "El Albondiga", or "El Oso"... or "El Gato". If you happen to be a roommate of one of these gentlemen... make sure you can pay daily protection $$$ or else be prepared to do special chores... :eek: :eek: :eek:

Good to know that these are obtainable - any idea of cost for a good replica (or an original)?

Thanks "El Borracho", it's always interesting to get an insider's view!