Here is a Roehrich and Raab Tin Charger Sign from the Roehrich & Raab Brewery located in Reading, PA. From what I’m told from other PA collectors this pre-prohibition era tin charger sign is one of only 3 known in existence; this Roehrich and Raab Tin Charger Sign is the best and most complete example of the 3 known. The only issue with this Roehrich and Raab Tin Charger Sign is that the text “Roehrich & Raab Brewery Reading, PA” and “Porter” has been painted over. I do plan to have the paint removed by a restoration professional in the near future.
This Roehrich and Raab Tin Charger Sign also has the word Porter above the graphic referring to the porter beer style; in speculation there may have been other variations to this charger sign with other graphics advertising other styles of beer. I have seen another Porter variation in a friend’s collection but his has an image of a stag deer on it.
The Roehrich and Raab Brewery was open from 1890 to 1903 and is considered a pre-prohibition brewery because it was in operation prior to prohibition in 1920 as the Roehrich & Raab Brewery; eventually changing hands and names over time. The Deppen Brewing Company eventually purchased the brewery and equipment in 1893 and ran it all the way till it closed the Roehrich & Raab Brewery in 1903.
I love the lithograph graphics that are on this charger, it depicts 3 Trappist monks sharing and enjoying ale from an ale tankard. Charger signs from pre-prohibition breweries like this one are very hard to find in any condition. I’ve heard from another PA collector that this same image was used on calendar lithographs by the brewery as well. I am very lucky to have this incredible piece in my collection and I hope to find other Roehrich & Raab Brewery items to go with it in the future!