1940-1950s. Tin over cardboard (TOC). This sign was made for the Northern Brewing Company of Superior, Wisconsin. The misspelling in the "pic-me" slogan was an intentional marketing play on words. The product was sold in 7-ounce bottles, so "Pic" was a play on "pygmy," emphasizing these were little bottles and a perfect size for a "pick-me-up". Brands frequently misspell words to look like a unique brand name rather than a common phrase. While advertising continued into the 1950s, production of metal signs during WWII was halted due to wartime restrictions. From the Pat and Late Geoff Hopps Collection. (TAC #501669). All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for free delivery to the Check the Oil Show on June 26, 2026. 5.5" x 11.5".

Size
5.5" x 11.5".

Condition
Grade: 9.75. Excellent colour and gloss. Minor scuffs and scratches, particularly on embossed gold lettering. Retains original cardboard backing with hanging string.

Medium
Scioto was one of America’s early advertising companies, established in Kenton, Ohio in 1897. The company originally produced advertising specialties like paper and cardboard signs, muslin banners (a fabric that was typically used for presidential campaign banners), aprons and other novelties. In the 1920s–1933, the company expanded into manufacturing tin signs for various companies including Chevrolet, Harley Davidson and Coca-Cola. With the end of prohibition in 1933, Scioto’s primary clients were breweries, who commissioned embossed tin signs, flange signs, custom signs and TOC (tin over cardboard) signs. The company is best known for serving the brewery industry and for being one of the very few, original sign companies that are still in business (as of 2025).

Provenance
From the Pat and Late Geoff Hopps Collection.