On this page I will cover glass and vitrolite (transluscent glass) signs.  Glass signs typically have the text and images applied to the back of the sign (referred to as reverse-on glass or ROG) which allows for easy cleaning without damage to the paint.  Vitrolite signs have the text and images applied to the front side since the glass is not transparent.  Given the fragile nature of the signs, surviving examples are quite rare.  The following are several examples.



"Wm J. Lemp's lager Beer" reverse-on-glass sign with mother of pearl inlay within letters of "Wm. J. Lemp's", 10" x 22"; circa 1885.


Reverse-on-glass sign with ornate wood frame advertising "Wm J. Lemp St. Louis Lager Beer"; 16" x 22"; circa 1890.

Vitrolite #1 sign for "Lemp St. Louis Beer" with ornate wooden frame; 16" x 16"; circa 1898.


Vitrolite sign #2 for Lemp's St. Louis Lager Beer with ornate wooden frame; 16" x 16"; circa 1898.


"Lemp St. Louis On Draught" glass/mirrored sign; 13" x 13"; circa 1900.

"Falstaff" reverse-on-glass / mirrored sign; 9" x 10"; circa 1905.


"Extra Pale" reverse-on-glass / mirrored sign (companion piece to the Falstaff sign above); 9" x 10"; circa 1905.


"Falstaff" reverse-on-glass / mirrored sign; 9" x 10"; circa 1915.