France

The language of signs often made use of puns: here the H’d’Or sign (hache d’or = golden axe) also refers to l’âge d’or (the golden age) and what establishment offered a better guarantee of a golden age than an inn, where the customer should be welcomed with open arms? The grapes are an invitation to enjoy good wine. The monogram of its owner, at the centre of a medallion, spells the letters MD.