Here is an early Ale Smaltz Sign probably made for outside of a tavern or hotel. This early pre-prohibition era Ale Sign is probably from the early 1900s era and is in excellent condition considering how old it is.
It is approximately 34″ by 12″ and is made of smaltz painted metal; this style of sign is also known as a “trade sign”. The back of the sign has a grid-pattern patina on it which would suggest that this sign was part of a larger “Gate” sign. Gate signs were outdoor advertising signs that had fixed lettering or signs on backers that resembled chainlink fence or gates; click here to view a complete gate trade sign from my collection.