Pair of Johnnie Walker Whisky and Fry’s Chocolate Advertising Tin Signs
This lot offers two advertising signs from two well-known British and Scottish brands: a Johnnie Walker Whisky sign and a Fry’s Chocolate sign. Both are presented in the style of early twentieth-century advertising, a popular theme for collectors of breweriana, shop signage and nostalgic wall decor. The Johnnie Walker piece features the words “Born 1820” and “Still going Strong” beside a striding gentleman in a red coat and top hat, with the slogan “Now Older & Better Than Ever” along the base. The Fry’s sign has a deep purple ground with a white central panel showing six facial expressions, labelled Desperation, Pacification, Expectation, Acclamation and Realization, above the tagline “It’s Fry’s” and the words “Makers to T.M. the King & Queen” and “Makers to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales”. Both designs use bold lettering and a deliberately aged, weathered finish with simulated chipping and rust-style edging.
Condition and Collector Appeal
Both signs are offered in good used condition, with the distressed, aged appearance forming part of their intended character. Some surface wear, minor marks and edge chipping are visible in the photograph, and the finish on the Johnnie Walker sign shows some natural variation in tone. These signs appear to be modern reproductions styled after original advertising, so they should not be assumed to be period originals; buyers should view them as decorative pieces rather than genuine antiques. Their bold graphics, recognisable brand imagery and compact, matching size make them appealing to collectors of advertising memorabilia, to anyone decorating a kitchen, bar, games room or man cave, and to those seeking a themed gift.
