was the historically important wrigley chewing gum factory porcelain enameled sign scrapped?

the image depicting the delicate porcelain enameled. multi-paneled wrigley chewing gum factory sign grasped tightly in the "claws" of a wrecker's backhoe did not look to very promising in regards to the sign's fate.

weeks later, a portion of the wrigley factory sign was discovered resting against the former guardhouse directly off of ashland avenue. clearly, damage to the porcelain enameled finish is evident. worse yet, where is the rest of the sign?

prior to being pulled out of the building, the sign appeared to be in great condition. the original custom-built frame housing the multi-paneled sign looked to be intact. the original cobalt blue and bright yellow vitreous enameled finish was amazingly intact, despite the sign's age.

i was told that the informational sign was relegated to an on-site factory building basement long ago. the sign likely dates to the early 1920's. if i had to guess, the sign may very well have been fabricated by burdick or possibly the veribrite sign company.

it has been months now and i have a gut feeling that the sign was likely scrapped. why? clearly there was an effort to recover the entrance wall sconces (all four of them) from the building's exterior. i was very fortunate to negotiate a deal where i managed to acquire them (a pair are safely stowed away in the bldg. 51 museum).

the sign however, should have been saved as well - in its entirety. it would have been a great addition to the chicago historical society's collection or perhaps the lobby of the wrigley building?

at the very least, we have the pictures that document the sign's existence. the heartbreaking image of the sign clenched tightly in the backhoe's grip seems almost deliberately staged.