Posted 13 years ago
collector57
(2 items)
I am 63 years old. As long as I can remember this was in my grandfathers basement in Baltimore. I've heard of American Beer. What I want to know is how old it is and is there any value in it. It measures 13" X 19". Thanks for any help.
Advertising sign / back bar / counter display / from American Breweries in Baltimore, Maryland.
You don't say what it is made of -- and look to see if there is a mark on it that says who made it. Might have a date too. Looks like plaster/chalk. Looks to be in excellent condition. A similar one sold on ebay for $33, but yours is much nicer. I'd estimate $75-$100 value.
History of American Brewery:
Built in 1887 by John Frederick Wiessner, a German immigrant, the American Brewery in East Baltimore was one of the largest breweries in the state of Maryland. At its peak, the brewery employed 61 workers; 16 in brewery work, 17 drivers, 14 bottling house, 8 garage men, and 6 office workers.[3] The central tower of the building housed a 10,000 bushel grain elevator.[4] Prohibition forced the shut down of the facility in 1920. The Weissner family sold the brewery to the American Malt Company in 1931,[5] who modernized the interior equipment and operated the brewery until 1973.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Brewery_(building)
Link to similar sign that sold on ebay - but like I said, yours is nicer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Heidelberg-Beer-Chalk-Plaster-Bar-Display-/360314203383?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e4666cf7