Chapter Directory

Fantasy/Fake Items

This pinback button is a fantasy creation. A photographed image of the Hires Boy was applied to a blank pinback button and coated with a protective Mylar covering.

(Fantasy-01, celluloid pinback button, 2.25” diameter)

Hires did not produce or distribute paperweights. This fantasy item was created by someone who "married" a photograph or trimmed down portion of an 1892 trade card (see Figure 1892-02) with a paperweight.

(Fantasy-02, glass paperweight)

This item was created by someone who inserted a photograph of the image of the young woman used for the Hires pocket mirror (see Figure 1907-30) into a glass paperweight. The original insert in the paperweight was removed leaving the gold-colored, oval “frame,” and then the reproduction photograph was trimmed and inserted into the back of the paperweight.

(Fantasy-03, glass paperweight)

Here's yet another fantasy paperweight created the same way as the previous example. The creator photographed the image used for the pocket mirror created by the Bastian Brothers of Rochester, New York (see Figure 1907-31). The poor workmanship on the homemade cloth backing is a huge clue this is a fantasy item.

(Fantasy-03.5, glass paperweight, front)

(Fantasy-03.5, glass paperweight, back)

The Hires Boy image inserted into this fantasy paperweight matches the one used for Figure 1910-07, a reverse-on-glass wall hanger. The image was carefully trimmed to fit into an existing paperweight. The back bears a sticker marked "WM. T. MURPHY & CO manufacturers of DECORATED GLASSWARE 72 Murray St. New York." The green coloring was caused because a bright green background was used when taking the illustrated photograph. The glass is clear.

(Fantasy-03.8, glass paperweight)

This brass-plated “Hires cash register topper” was offered at an on-line auction site. Hires did not produce or distribute this item; it is a fantasy creation, most likely imported from India or Asia.

(Fantasy-04, cash register topper, front)

(Fantasy-04, cash register topper, back)

This fantasy porcelain sign was not produced for or by Hires. If authentic it would date to 1918-1919.

(Fantasy-05, porcelain sign, 4.0” x 6.0”)

These brass and enameled belt buckles are English-made, fantasy items measuring 3.0" x 3.0". The backs bear two marks. The brazed-on belt loop depicts an eagle in flight and wording reading "WARRANTED FINEST MINTED BRASS," while the plate was cast (not die-stamped) with wording reading "MADE IN ENGLAND - THE CELEBRATED - E. GAYLORD - MASS. - PATENT BUCKLE - FINE PRESIDENTIAL AND ROYAL GRADE." To learn more about these fakes, visit https://bogusbuckles.com.

(Fantasy-06, brass-plated belt buckle)

(Fantasy-06.5, enameled belt buckle, front)

(Fantasy-06.5, enameled belt buckle, back)

This matching brass medallion is also an English-made, fantasy item and measures 2.5" in diameter.

(Fantasy-07, brass-plated medallion)

An on-line auction seller advertised this cloth patch as a “rare, original 1940s Hires Rootbeer soda patch,” while also describing it as “brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged.” Actually, it is fantasy item made circa 2017. If authentic, it would date to 1932-1934 as “Hires” is inside the circle, and the “For Real Juices” wording isn’t included. The words Hires and Root Beer, however, would not have been totally in the blue field, nor superimposed over the red R-J circle. The fraud artist who designed this patch didn’t do his/her homework.

(Fantasy-08, cloth patch, 3.0” diameter)

This fantasy item pictures the cover of Hires’ 1939 Football Book (see Figure 1939-25) as a cloth uniform patch. This example and thousands of other fantasy cloth patches are listed at an on-line auction site by a seller in the Philippines.

(Fantasy-09, cloth patch, 3.5” x 5.0”)

At first glance, this paper calendar appears to be authentic, as the upper portion bearing the Hires logo and the 1944 calendar pad both look genuine. Unfortunately, this is a fantasy “marriage.” The 1944 pad definitely isn’t original to the calendar, given that the Hires check mark logo wasn’t introduced until 1948. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-10, paper calendar, 9.0” x 16.75”)

Examples of this tin thermometer are frequently offered for sale at on-line auction sites. They don’t bear a Hires item number and are always in totally mint condition, strongly suggesting they are fantasy items. If authentic, they would date to circa 1948.

(Fantasy-11, tin thermometer, 3.5” x 13.0”)

This cardboard hanging sign is a reproduction made circa 1995.

(Fantasy-12, cardboard hanging sign, 23.0” x 6.0”)

An on-line auction seller described this reproduction "heavy baked metal" hanging sign as "vintage," being careful to note "do your own research as vintage does not necessarily mean original." Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-12.5, metal hanging sign, 12.0” x 4.0”)

This attractive “first day of issue” envelope is a fantasy “marriage.” The envelope is genuine, having been mailed November 19, 1954, the day the 4¢ Abraham Lincoln stamp was issued. Unfortunately, the envelope was subsequently altered by the addition of a Hires six-pack sign image (see Figure 1958-16) featuring the trapezoid Hires label and stripes introduced in 1957.

(Fantasy-13, first day cover)

This refrigerator magnet is a new fantasy creation. A photograph of a 1955 Hires metal sign (see Figure 1955-27) was applied to a magnet blank and coated with a protective Mylar covering.

(Fantasy-14, refrigerator magnet, 2.25” diameter)

Multiple examples of this 36.0" x 8.0" porcelain over steel thermometer sign started being offered at on-line auction sites in late 2018. One seller describes these signs as "used...possible new old stock." Actually, they are fantasy items produced and shipped by a Canadian firm specializing in manufacturing reproduction signs. Carefully investigate a seller's feedback rating and their other listings before you consider bidding.

(Fantasy-15, porcelain over steel thermometer)

The on-line auction seller offering this "Hires Root Beer porcelain metal sign" cautions potential bidders "Don't get confused with cheap thin porcelain signs!!! Or even worse powder coat/sublimation signs, that will fade and are nothing more then (sic) computer printed images...that most people sell as vintage or original...used...limited production." Actually, the original image was only used for cardboard blotters (see Figure 1932-11) and this "porcelain metal sign" is a fantasy item. As of this writing, the seller has 455 reproduction and fantasy signs listed along with negative feedback from several buyers who figured out the sign they purchased wasn't authentic.

(Fantasy-16, porcelain over metal sign)

Fortunately, the on-line auction seller offering this "Rare Telechron Hires Root Beer Soda - Diner - Cafe Wall Clock Sign" further revealed that "although the face of the clock is extremely nice it is NOT original & has been modified to give it that old soda shop appearance." While the clock is attractive, one has to wonder if future owners will realize it is a fantasy item. The plastic case measures 6.625" x 6.50" x 2.25" deep.

(Fantasy-17, plastic Telechron wall clock)

The same on-line auction seller listing the fantasy Telechron wall clock shown above is also offering a fantasy "vintage General Electric wall clock. Measures 7x7...The case has been done in gloss black and blends well with the Hires Root Beer logo that was added to enhance the appearance...vintage style cord has been added...Selling as is with no returns." Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-18, General Electric wall clock)

Although this Brunhoff Advertising Specialties glass change tray with a wooden base is authentic, the incorporated image of the Hires Boy holding a Villeroy & Boch mug appears to have been added at a much later date. On-line auction bidders drove the closing price up to $158.50 (+ $19.80 for P&H) for what is likely either a fantasy or at best a reproduction item.

(Fantasy-19, Brunhoff Advertising Specialties change tray)

This 1.5 ounce, clear, shot glass is a fantasy item offered by an on-line auction seller who also sells glass marbles, chinaware piggy banks, salt and pepper shakers, nightlights, etc., all bearing reproduction logos. Hires did not distribute shot glasses!

(Fantasy-20, clear shot glass)

This wooden barrel is a fantasy item, possibly created by lettering an otherwise unmarked barrel in an attempt to advertise Hires Root Beer. The metal chain attached to the top may have been used for display purposes. This barrel wasn't a dispenser and it wasn't used to distribute Hires Fountain Syrup; the bunghole located in the middle of the back side would have made dispensing or pouring impractical. Although the front lettering was neatly done, a very confused artist mistakenly combined upper case letters for the "HI" and lower case letters for the "res." Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-21, wooden barrel, 18.0" tall x 11.125" base diameter)

Here's an example of the numerous "Collector Metal Signs" produced and sold as reproductions by KoolCollectibles. The accompanying label properly notes "These signs are reproductions of originals, some may contain flaws or imperfections." No kidding! The good news is the seller who listed it at an on-line auction site properly labeled it as a reproduction and mentioned it "does have some imperfections that I've detailed in the photos." The bad news is neither the seller nor KoolCollectibles noticed or mentioned the sign is missing the words ROOT BEER below the R-J logo! (Figure 1939-01 illustrates an original version of this sign.) Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-22, tin sign, 14.0" diameter)

This similar sign includes the words "ROOT BEER," but close examination reveals it is equally as fake as the previous example. An on-line seller's description of this "vintage" sign declared "All of the signs that we have currently listed are being sold from a recent buyout of a sign/advertising collection. The man who I purchased the collection from only collected and held onto the best condition signs. There may be porcelain chips, rust, or dings depending on the sign...cool one sided porcelain sign...I cannot give an exact age as I am not a sign expert...I do not have the time or the money to sell these signs on a trial basis...these are sold as-is! I do not have time for people who buy a sign and then want to return it...You have more than a week to do all the research you want on this sign." Unfortunately, a buyer apparently didn't do any research and just paid $129.99 (plus $24.35 shipping) for this sign. The seller is currently offering 126 soda, gas, and oil signs, all featuring crudely-drilled mounting holes complete with rust (note the holes on this sign aren't at the 12-3-6-9 o'clock positions). All of the seller's signs are brand new and were likely manufactured in either China or India. Negative feedback from disgruntled customers loudly reveals the seller's signs are fakes and it is equally disappointing to note the auction service is doing nothing to shut down the seller. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-22.5, porcelain sign, 11.75" diameter)

An on-line auction seller described this 2.0" x 1.5" x .5" cardboard matchbox as "a 1940's box of wood matches advertising Hires Root Beer. Pin-up Girl. An advertising giveaway item from Knox Grocery in Westville, Ohio." Actually, this is a fantasy item with a poor quality copy of a 1917 Hires paper wall poster (see Figure 1917-19) illustrating the top of the box. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-23, cardboard matchbox - top with box partially open)

(Fantasy-23, cardboard matchbox - bottom)

An on-line auction listing describes this item as a "Vintage pocket mirror advertising Hires root beer. Appears to be celluloid on metal. Girl with curly hair on front. Edge appears to be discolored. Mirror on back side shows rust on the metal rim." Unfortunately, this mirror lacks any manufacturing information confirming it was either made by or for the Charles E. Hires Company, strongly suggesting it is at best a fantasy item. The "Girl with curly hair" was the "Hires Girl for 1917," a young woman whose image was utilized for a variety of Hires advertising items (see Figures 1917-09 and 1917-10).

(Fantasy-24, celluloid pocket mirror, 2.125" diameter - front and back)

The on-line auction seller offering this Starr X, zinc-plated, cast iron, wall mounted crown cap bottle opener lists hundreds of brand new, fantasy openers. This example measures 3.25" x 2.625" and includes an attached, authentic, Draft Hires Root Beer crown cap.

(Fantasy-25, crown cap bottle opener, new in box)

(Fantasy-25, crown cap bottle opener)

An uninformed on-line seller is offering five examples of this item described as a "vintage (possibly antique) 'HIRES' ROOT BEER stamped tin-clip badge (or fold-over lapel pin). It measures approx. 2" in diameter, and is in great shape commensurate with its age, never used, and comes in its original sealed wrapper." Actually, these badges are brand new, fantasy items featuring a poor attempt at reproducing the artwork utilized for a Josh Slinger tin tray (see Figure 1914-10). Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-26, tin badge)

Although an on-line auction seller describes this item as a "rare circa 1901 eye wash cup...2 1/2" tall, 1 3/4" wide at the base," this is definitely a fantasy item. Hires didn't produce or distribute eye wash glasses. The reference to 1901 is absurd given the application of a decal featuring Hires' check mark logo that wasn't introduced until 1948. The manufacturer and seller failed to do their homework. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-27, garnet-colored, glass eye wash cup)

This 11.5" x 14.5" tin sign is such an obviously fake item that it almost doesn't warrant bothering to include it in this chapter. After all, the on-line auction seller accurately described it as "brand new," and the rounded corners, rolled top and bottom edges, phony-looking surface aging, and "sturdy brass grommets for easy hanging and display" are dead giveaways. Then again, the sign bears no manufacturing information or permanent labeling clearly indicating it is a reproduction and after a few re-sales someone may think it is real. Check out Figure 1949-12 to see an example of the original sign.

(Fantasy-28, tin sign)

In addition to the "TO BE USED FOR PEPSI-COLA ONLY" wording stamped into the base, the red, white, and blue color scheme used for the syrup container cover is another clue this was originally a Pepsi-Cola dispenser. The front and back of the dispenser feature a Pepsi-Cola crown cap image with "ON DRAUGHT" printed below the cap. Someone, perhaps a store owner with a soda fountain, apparently decided to reuse this fixture to dispense Hires Root Beer. Two Hires decals were trimmed slightly and applied directly over the original Pepsi-Cola signage, creating an attractive fantasy item.

(Fantasy-29, Pepsi-Cola syrup dispenser, 20.0" tall)

The on-line auction seller offering multiple examples of this "old school retro vintage sign remake banner" is careful to indicate this fantasy item is "brand-new." Unfortunately, there's no permanent labeling documenting this is fantasy item and it is only a matter of time until others will be attempting to re-sell them as "vintage" banners. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-30, vinyl banner, 2.0' x 4.0')

This is one of the thousands of fantasy tin signs offered at an on-line auction. The seller describes the item as an "1895 Hires Root Beer Vintage Rustic Retro Metal Tin Sign" while also being careful to clearly indicate it is "brand-new." The source of the original image is an 1895 newspaper advertisement (see Figure 1895-20). The sign has been "aged" to make it appear to be weathered with rusty edges.

(Fantasy-31, tin sign, 8.0' x 12.0')

Ingraham and Company of Bristol, Connecticut produced this electric wall clock during the 1950s or 1960s. The addition of a Josh Slinger image from a 1914 Hires sign (see Figure 1914-07) to the face of the clock makes it more attractive, but also clearly indicates this is a fantasy item. It is unknown whether the Josh Slinger image was originally added by Ingraham and Company, or added later to make the clock appear to be more "vintage." This fantasy clock definitely wasn't produced for the Charles E. Hires Company, as they totally ceased using Josh Slinger's image after 1914. The pictured example was recently listed at an on-line auction site and drew several bids before the seller suddenly cancelled the auction "because the item was lost or broken."

(Fantasy-32, electric wall clock, 7.5" diameter, 2.5" deep)

The seller listing this fantasy sign at an on-line auction site described it as a "vintage porcelain machine or chest sign advertising Hires Root Beer." The choice of a white background apparently inspired the designer to enlarge the dark blue circle portion of the logo to fill the entire area behind the word "Hires." The addition of grommets, lack of a Hires item number, and the age "chips" in the lower left and upper right corners are additional clues that this is a fantasy item. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-33, porcelain sign, 10.5" x 6.5")

Here are two homemade fantasy items created by re-using the Hickory, Inc. poster picturing a young boy riding in a two-wheeled cart being pulled by a rooster (see Figure 1976-01). Although an on-line auction seller described this first example as an "Antique Hires Root Beer Soda Pop Wood Advertising Hanging Memo Grocery List," it is simply a cut-down version of the Hickory, Inc. poster.

(Fantasy-34, wooden grocery list)

This second example was created by attaching the Hickory, Inc. poster to a wooden plaque with tacks and coating it with varnish ("decoupage") in an attempt to give it an antique look. An on-line auction seller accurately described the item as "circa 1970s."

(Fantasy-34, wooden plaque, 9.0" x 7.5")

And here's yet another fantasy item featuring the poster picturing a young boy riding in a two-wheeled cart being pulled by a rooster. This wooden crate appears to have been commercially made during the 1970s.

(Fantasy-34.5, wooden crate, 12.0" long, 6.0" wide, 9.0" high)

The artistic designer of these glass mugs apparently had free reign, as the lettering of the word "Hires" is unlike anything Hires ever utilized.

(Fantasy-35, glass mugs, 5.5" tall)

An on-line auction seller described this item as a "Vintage Porcelain DRINK HIRES ROOT BEER SODA PIN UP GIRL ADVERTISING RARE SIGN." Wrong! This is a fantasy sign created by using the artwork from a 1933 Hires magazine advertisement picturing an attractive young woman (see Figure 1933-07). The artist goofed when designing the logos, showing both as "R.J" instead of the correct "R-J." It is difficult to tell if the surface of the sign was intentionally distressed (looks like a shotgun blast hit it) or simply poorly made. Either way, caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-36, porcelain sign, 11.25" diameter)

This is one of almost 4,000 different reproduction signs offered by an on-line auction seller. The image originally appeared as a 1941 tin door pusher (see Figure 1941-11). The seller describes the item as a "New, Reproduction Tin Sign...Laser Print Adhered to Tin." The sign image matches the original except for the background which has the appearance of particle board, apparently intended to make the sign look older and/or distressed. The original "559-W" item number and "MADE IN U.S.A." wording near the base are missing and there are four drilled holes for hanging, while the original door pusher has single holes, centered near the top and bottom. Check the seller's feedback carefully for item quality and shipping concerns while considering spending $24.95 for this reproduction.

(Fantasy-37, tin sign, 10.75" x 4.25")

The on-line auction seller offering this item describes it as an "OLD VINTAGE 1960'S HIRES ROOT BEER DIE CUT PORCELAIN ADVERTISING SIGN." It is one of 83 signs the seller currently has listed. Actually, this sign is a reproduction of a 1957 tin sign (see Figure 1957-24). The original sign is embossed and measures 18.0" x 27.0" while this reproduction is flat and 8.0" x 12.0". Negative feedback from disgruntled sign buyers hasn't deterred the seller or new customers. In response to negative feedback the seller stated "You need to research before you buy. We are a TOP RATED SELLER. No repo's here." Research indeed; caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-38, porcelain sign)

The designer of this wood-framed, fantasy mirror incorporated the image of a young girl/woman (printed on paper) to make the item appear old, but failed to do his/her homework and included the tan and orange arcs Hires didn't introduce until the 1960s. This "home decor" item was apparently produced in the 1970s or 1980s.

(Fantasy-39, wood-framed mirror, 18.75" x 14.5")

Although an on-line auction seller headlines this item as a "Great Old Hires Root Beer Advertising Sign For Bar Kitchen Diner Man Cave," the fine print describes the condition as "New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item." This fantasy item is not "Old" and simply a 3.5" x 7.5" copy of a 1914 Hires embossed tin sign featuring Josh Slinger (see Figure 1914-07) that has been mounted inside a 14.0" x 13.5" x 2.5" wooden frame. With an asking price of $125.00 plus $25.00 for shipping, caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-40, wood-framed sign)

A Knob Creek Lamp Company designer styled this fantasy electric table lamp after the hourglass-shaped, ceramic syrup jar Hires introduced in 1919. Although the lamp is attractive and would certainly be an interesting conversation piece, the jar portion differs substantially from the original design (see Figure 1919-11). Note in particular the different letter spacing, split horizontal lines, and omission of the TRADE MARK REG lettering.

(Fantasy-41, dispenser-shaped, electric table lamp)

The on-line auction seller offering this fantasy item described it as a "vintage porcelain metal enamel...old Hires Root Beer...license plate holder sign...(with) some light wear and possible rust and/or scratches and paint loss...measurements are about 11" x 6". Just like the numerous other fantasy signs the seller is promoting as "vintage," this is actually a new sign with fake aging characteristics. Despite considerable negative feedback from previously defrauded customers, the auction service continues to take no action to shut down the seller. Caveat emptor! To view an authentic Hires license plate from this era, see Figure 1949-15.

(Fantasy-42, license plate topper)

An on-line auction seller listed this fantasy item as an "Original Vintage Hires Root Beer Celluloid Advertising Pocket Mirror." The mirror side appears to indeed be "vintage," but otherwise someone has added the flapper girl image Hires used for signs during 1926 to the front (see Figure 1926-05). Note the edges of the mirror side and to see the Hires image was "married" to an existing pocket mirror. This item measures 3.0" x 2.0".

(Fantasy-43, pocket mirror - front)

(Fantasy-43, pocket mirror - back)

Here's one side of a 3.5" x 3.5" x 5.5" wooden box to which someone glued a very poor copy of the Hires' 1891 "An Unwanted Guest" trade card image and then varnished it (see Figure 1891-06). This fantasy item was likely created during the 1970s when "decoupaging" was popular.

(Fantasy-44, wooden box)

An on-line auction seller describes this fantasy tin sign as "a brand-new, unused...Hires tin sign...made to look weathered...more than 10 available." Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-45, tin sign, 12.0" x 8.0")

These two packages of marbles are but two of the almost 600 different similar packages offered by an on-line seller. Each package consists of 25 brand new marbles in a plastic bag topped with a wide assortment of reproduction advertisements. These are fantasy items. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-46, promotional marble packages)

This pocketwatch recently sold at an on-line auction site. The metal case shows considerable wear and the face is dirty, probably due to the large crack in the plastic lens. What really catches the eye, of course, is the Hires logo. Having never seen a Hires pocketwatch before, we naturally questioned the item's authenticity. The maker's information printed below the numeral six indicates the clock was produced by the Pam Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York. We are quite familiar with the beautiful advertising wall clocks Pam has been producing since the 1940s, but have never seen a Pam-produced pocketwatch of any type. Consequently, we are considering this a fantasy item into which someone inserted a reduced copy of a Pam wall clock face. Figure 1957-04 pictures a Pam wall clock with the identical face.

(Fantasy-47, metal pocketwatch, 2.0" diameter)

An on-line auction seller describes this "Hires Root Beer porcelain thermometer" as "pre-owned," apparently believing the Chinese or East Indian manufacturer of this fantasy item qualifies as a previous owner. Not surprisingly, the seller is also offering identically-shaped thermometers bearing advertisements for Orange Crush, Pepsi-Cola, Dad's Root Beer, Oilzum Motor Oil, Winchester Guns and Ammo, and Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. The asking price is $425.00 plus $14.95 P&H. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-48, porcelain thermometer, 6.0" x 18.0")

This item was listed at an on-line auction as a "Good Luck Pocket Piece 39 mm. Octagon Bronze Medal." Wrong. It is the remains of a brass watch fob with the bracket for the leather strap removed (see Figure 1915-24) and letters and Hieroglyphics added.

(Fantasy-49, altered brass watch fob - front)

(Fantasy-49, altered brass watch fob - back)

Available for $34.99 with free shipping directly from India, this is but one of 203 different reproduction/fake signs the seller currently has listed at an on-line auction site. It is hard to tell which is worse, the strange color selection, the poor art work, or the fake age characteristics. Although dissatisfied buyers continually post negative feedback, new buyers fail to do their homework and keep the seller in business. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-50, porcelain sign, 12.0" x 4.0")

This fantasy card is patterned after the series of baseball cards Hires distributed in 1958. Even so, it is hard not to smile and laugh looking at a card picturing Kevin Costner as Crash Davis and remembering how entertaining the movie Bull Durham was when released in 1988. The on-line auction seller was very careful to clearly describe it as "a novelty card that is custom made. It has no value, it is for collecting only."

(Fantasy-51, novelty baseball card, front)

(Fantasy-51, novelty baseball card, back)

The next two items are examples of the over 38,000 original and reproduction signs, magazine advertisements, and other advertising items available via an on-line auction site and the manufacturer's web site. Both of these signs are new, steel, and 24.0" x 30.0" with "a high quality baked on gloss finish." We've yet to see original versions of these two signs which were likely printed on either paper or cardboard in 1952.

(Fantasy-52, steel sign)

(Fantasy-53, steel sign)

This year 2000 paper calendar was distributed by the Victorian Gallery in Burlington, Kansas. The reproduced Hires image is from an 1892 trade card (see Figure 1892-02).

(Fantasy-54, paper calendar, 6.0" x 2.5")

This "great clock for your garage, Bar or Man Cave...the front lens is made of glass" is just one of the 1,500+ fantasy clocks and signs offered by an on-line seller. The fine print specifies it is "a brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item." Caveat emptor.

(Fantasy-55, plastic, battery-powered wall clock, 8.75" diameter)

These orange posters are often found framed, masking "© 1967 ART FAIR, Inc. All Rights Reserved" printed in the lower, left hand corner. The original Hires advertisement was published in July, 1893 (see Figure 1893-13).

(Fantasy-56, paper poster, 11.0" x 14.0")

An on-line auction seller in Kon, Maharashtra, India recently sold a "Porcelain Hires Root Beer Enamel Metal Sign Size 24" x 9" Inches" for $108.99. Currently an auction seller using a different ID in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India is offering a "Porcelain Hires Root Beer Enamel Sign 60 x 22 Inches" for $347.49. Besides the similar wording and location(s), both listings include identical photos of this low quality reproduction, major clues the sign is fake (Figure 1929-06 illustrates the original tin sign). The seller(s) don't mention the sign is a reproduction and the auction service won't take any action lest they lose their major slice of the fees, leaving potential bidders to fend for themselves. Caveat emptor!

(Fantasy-57, tin sign - 9.0" x 24.0" and 22.0" x 60.0")