Overview
A vibrant, embossed lithographed tin advertisement featuring the clever 'DIETricious' pun used to market Dad's low-calorie root beer.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A vibrant, embossed lithographed tin advertisement featuring the clever 'DIETricious' pun used to market Dad's low-calorie root beer.
Story
The early 1960s sparked a revolution in the American beverage industry as the 'diet soda wars' began in earnest. Dad's Root Beer, a Chicago staple since 1937, introduced this specific 'Dietricious' branding to compete with the sudden rise of low-calorie options like Diet Rite and Tab.
Maker / Origin
The Press Sign Co. of St. Louis was one of the most prolific and respected manufacturers of metal advertising in the 20th century.
Condition & Value
The sign is in very good vintage condition with excellent color retention in the yellows and reds. There is minor oxidation and paint loss around the mounting holes and extreme edges, which is typical for its age. The central 'field' of the sign is remarkably clean, which is the primary factor in maintaining its value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375