This early 20th C. lithographically printed tin sign for Cork Distilleries Co. Ltd Whisky is a truly gorgeous piece of advertising. The detailed pictorials, variety of typography, gilded detailing and warm colour-way are a feast for the eyes. The sign has a pot-bellied / convex form with a reeded outer edge that essentially gives the piece it's own frame. 

 

In 1867 the four distilleries of Cork merged to form the Cork Distilleries Company. This new firm would go on to distill whiskey until 1966 when the company merged with two other Irish distillers - Jameson and Powers, forming Irish Distillers. 

 

This particular sign is likely to date to the 1910s/'20s and for an inherently vulnerable piece has survived the decades well. There are scattering of surface scratches some of which have gone through to the metal and there's a little surface corrosion / rust leaching through (particularly around the outer edges). There's a slight crease on the right hand side where the sign curves, but I'd say the photographic lights have emphasised / highlighted this and it isn't as apparent in person. Generally though the piece has survived well, it's fully legible, the colours are bright and it displays beautifully. 

 

A rare survivor and a wonderful piece of antique advertising, the sign measures 41.5cm wide x 32cm high. 

 

S/N: #0752