1900 Pre-Prohibition Brewery Advertising in a Lithographed Serving Tray

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On offer is a highly sought-after pre-Prohibition era lithographed tin serving tray from around 1900, advertising the historic Ruhstaller Brewing … Read more On offer is a highly sought-after pre-Prohibition era lithographed tin serving tray from around 1900, advertising the historic Ruhstaller Brewing Company based in Sacramento, California.
The center graphic showcases the massive brick Ruhstaller brewery building that once stood in downtown Sacramento. Horse-drawn carriages, early delivery wagons and pedestrians drawn in a late 19th-century/early 1900s style.
Collectors frequently note a fascinating quirk about this specific tray; it does not actually show any beer. Unlike most brewery advertisements of the era that feature frothy mugs, glasses or bottles, this design completely relies on the grand building and text to sell the brand.
Most trays from this era only featured a single flagship product. This unusual variant explicitly advertises two separate major lines: Ruhstaller Lager and its Gilt Edge Steam Beer. "Steam beer" refers to a highly popular style of California-born lager brewed at higher, ale-like temperatures.
The rim features a rich, autumnal border of turning maple oak leaves, flanked on the left and right sides by Art Nouveau-style vignettes depicting idyllic nature scenes. There’s a waterfall on the left and a lakeside church on the right.
Founded by Swiss immigrant Frank Ruhstaller, the brewery grew to be an absolute powerhouse. Before Prohibition went into effect in 1919, Sacramento was the largest brewing city in the Western United States, largely due to the region's massive hop farming industry. Ruhstaller was at the absolute heart of that success until Prohibition forced its closure.
With its California history, triple branding and age, this original pre-Prohibition tray is a premium “breweriana” piece. While this tray shows age-appropriate craquelure, minor flaking/scratches and reverse-side oxidation, it remains an authentic survivor with strong historical value.
Incidentally, in 2010, a Sacramento local named Jan-Erik Paino tracked down the history of Captain Frank Ruhstaller and officially revived the defunct Ruhstaller Beer brand. This effort survived for another 15 years.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. See less