Posted 13 years ago
kschwartz
(1 item)
I found this metal advertising tin in the attic of a home I purchased in PA in the 70's. Research says it is around 1890 vintage manufactured by the Frank Tuchfarber Co. Cin. Ohio. Can anyone tell me more about it? Anyone have any idea on what it may be worth today. It's in good condition. Thanks
kschwartz, I know nothing about signs but after reading about Tuchfarber, I can tell you that your sign IS valuable. That's a beautiful sign that targets collectors in many categories. The eagle and condition make it even more desirable.
If you are interested in an auction estimate, the only auction house I know that specializes in advertising is James D. Julia but again, it targets collectors in several fields. I'm not familiar with breweriana auction houses. You could also email Heritage Auctions for an estimate and inquire if they have a future specialty auction scheduled. Hopefully one of the contributors in this category will come along and give you more information.
This sign by Tuchfarber sold in 2007 for $2,750:
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/3398171
Excerpted from Tuchfarber's biography on askart dot com:
"...
In the latter half of the 19th Century, Tuchfarber began as a lithographic artist for Donaldson Lithographic Company before starting his own business, which in 1903 declined so badly he asked Mr. Donaldson to take over.
Tuchfarber, when he had his own business, manufactured enamel iron show cards and chromolithographs under the business name of F. Tuchfarber. He also developed a process to eliminate the wrinkling of prints not mounted on canvas. In his book, The Democratic Art, Peter Marzio writes that the firm of F. Tuchfarber produced some of the most outstanding chromos in the history of Cincinnati.
Source: Trompe l'oeil: The Art of Deception by Nancy Dawson, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery"
Here is a video from the Antiques Roadshow that discusses Tuchfarber towards the end of the video. A lady brought her Goodwin commode for appraisal and Brian Witherwell found the Tuchfarber chromolithograph under the top:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/201002A38.html
Its definitely early,as they were still using the "B" in the logo (for Phillip Best Brewing) as they transitioned over to just Pabst.I'll save my fingers some typing-heres a little history:
http://scripophily.stores.yahoo.net/phbebrco18si.html
Its got the graphics,colors and age.I'd commission it to an auction house with other brewery items and watch it go.
I'd drop a considerable amount for the chance at something this epic.
Great find-thanks for sharing.
Wonderful sign. The Pabst Mansion does not have one :-( If you decide to sell it or you need a tax write off it would be nice for it to hang in our mansion for many many vistors to see at Pabst House . Which is still open to public with tours . Many area's roped off for displays . It is beautiful building and long history
Great Find !
Great sign!!! Have you thought about what you would like to do with it. I may have a few connections that could help move the sign. Thanks
Do you still have it?