American Brewing Co., Baltimore, Maryland
Manufacturer: Unknown, possibly Gillco
Date of manufacture: Circa 1930s
Dimensions: Globe:10” diameter; overall 13”h (with base) x 7”d
As one of the more unusual globes in the hobby, with its smaller size and “Ladies Entrance” designation, this highly sought-after piece provides a historical connection to a bygone era. In the 1930s, “Ladies Entrance” signs were used primarily to mark the less-conspicuous way for women to enter a tavern by a side entrance. In the process, they were able to avoid running the gauntlet through front rooms—still undisputed male territory with their stand-up bars, spittoons and brass foot-rails.
This globe has a single glass lens with an open back. The milk glass housing has a hairline crack on the top. The ‘Ladies Entrance’ glass lens has some light scratches on the outside at about 8:00. The inside of the lens is in excellent condition with no lifting or scratches and the paint is a fired-on enamel, similar to a Gillco lens.
Very few breweries had ladies entrance globe signs made, possibly only American Beer, Arrow Beer and National Beer, all in the Baltimore area. Besides the subject example, it is believed there is one other single lens globe in lesser condition, and, possibly, one or two others.