1890s CHROMOLITHOGRAPH AMERICAN BEER ADVERTISING SIGN - GUINESS STOUT & BASS ALE

    This simply fantastic, late 19th century Chromolithograph Advertising Sign measures approx. 18” by 23 ½” including its original advertising frame. The top and bottom stretchers of the wood frame feature debossed text with gold gilt lettering that reads “White Label” and “Thomas Mc Mullen & Co.”.

    The Sign is printed on a heavyweight, textured surface, paper (or paperboard) stock giving it the look of an oil painting. It features a fantastic view in an 18th century “Beer Cellar” where two older men dressed in Colonial era garb sit flanking a wooden beer barrel that is labeled White Label”. Their clothing gives us the impression that they were Revolutionary War veterans. The barrel acts as a tavern table and atop the barrel there are two, long neck bottles of beer. One features an early Bass Ale label that is overprinted with the name of the American Bottler / Distributor Thomas McMullen & Co. while the other features an early Guinness Stout label that is overprinted with the name of the same American Bottler.

    The background of the Sign features the brick wall of the beer cellar with dozens of bottles stored in openings within the wall. A Brewmaster tends to the Bottles of Beer stored in the wall. There is gold gilt text at the top of the Sign that reads “White Label” / “Ball Ale / Guinness Stout”. This lettering appears to have tarnished over the years and fades somewhat into the background lithography.

    The chromolithography on this rare and beautiful Advertising Sign is of the very highest quality, however it does not carry a manufacturer’s mark. The image, however, is signed in the plate by the artist however, we have been unable to decipher the artist’s name.

    This beautiful, 19th century, American Advertising Beer Sign is in excellent condition. The colors are bright and vibrant - rich and warm and there is no damage and no repairs of any kind to the Sign itself. There are no tears, no scratches, no scuffs, no darkening and no creases – no physical damage or wear of any kind. As stated above, the gold gilt, over printed lettering at the top of the image area has tarnished and appears faded but otherwise the Sign is without flaw. The original advertising frame is also very well preserved with no significant damage or wear of any kind. The gold gilt lettering on the frame is also well preserved as can be seen in the scans below.

    Please Note: This rare, 1890’s Bass Pale Ale / Guinness Stout Advertising Sign is not a reproduction, reissue or restrike but is an original, late 19th century Advertising Sign manufactured and distributed to advertise the Beers bottled and sold in the United States by Thomas McMullen & Co. of New York City.

    A very rare, and very beautiful, American Bass Pale Ale & Guinness Stout / White Label Beer Advertising Sign and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!