What's it Worth?

The 1840 date on your sign commemorates the founding of the W & J Carling Brewing Company, in London, Ontario. In 1880, Carling entered the U.S. market by purchasing a Cleveland brewery. In 1884, Carling sold the plant, but chose to license some of its products. Then, after Prohibition, James A. Bohannon founded the Brewing Corporation of America in Cleveland in 1934, and in 1953 renamed it Carling Brewing Company. Acquisitions, mergers and different owners followed. This Lawson Wood “Nine Pints Under the Law” image continues to be licensed, appearing on mugs and modern prints. Your sign most likely dates from the late 1940s or early ’50s. An example on eBay was recently up for sale at $50 but failed to attract a bid. I think someone missed a bargain. I value your sign between $75 and $90. It has crossover appeal to police officers and advertising aficionados, in addition to “breweriana” collectors.