The Rathskeller St. Paul's Deutsches Wirthshaus Advertising Coaster Appraisal
Category: Advertising Ephemera
Description
This is a circular advertising piece, likely a coaster, for 'The Rathskeller, Max Tasler, Prop., St. Paul's Deutsches Wirthshaus.' The item is made of a thick, pressed cardboard or pulp material characteristic of vintage coasters. The primary color is a light tan or natural cardboard, with the text and border printed in a deep green ink. The text is arranged in concentric circles and lines, clearly stating the name of the establishment, the proprietor, and describing its offerings as 'Deutsche Küche und deutsche Delicatessen Specialität' (German Cuisine and German Delicatessen Speciality). A thin green line forms an inner and outer circular border. The edges appear slightly worn and perhaps discolored from age and use. There are no visible tears or significant damage, but the surface shows some light soiling consistent with its probable function as a coaster or advertising giveaway. The typography and design suggest a late 19th or early 20th-century origin. There are faint lines at the very bottom which might indicate a printer's mark or location, though they are too blurry to read clearly in the image. The quality of the printing appears basic but functional for an item of this type. It is a simple yet effective piece of advertising for a German restaurant.
Appraisal Report
Having examined the image of The Rathskeller St. Paul's advertising coaster, I assess its condition as good for a piece of ephemeral material from the late 19th or early 20th century. The pressed pulp material shows expected age-related toning and minor surface soiling consistent with its likely use, but appears free of significant damage like tears or creases. The printing in green ink remains clear and legible. Authenticity is suggested by the style of typography and design being appropriate for the period indicated by the name and description (German 'Rathskeller' establishments were popular). However, without in-person examination, I cannot definitively verify the material composition, printing process, or rule out the possibility of a later reproduction. Physical inspection would allow for assessment of paper fiber, ink analysis if necessary, and detection of any modern printing techniques. Provenance documentation, such as records from the restaurant or contemporary accounts, would further bolster claims of authenticity. Comparable sales of similar vintage advertising coasters and ephemera from regional restaurants and bars typically fall within a modest range. Demand for this specific item is likely driven by collectors of St. Paul memorabilia, brewery/bar advertising, or German-American historical items. Its rarity is difficult to ascertain from the image alone, but as mass-produced advertising, it was likely created in some quantity, though survival rates for such fragile items are low. The historical interest in St. Paul and its German heritage positively impacts value. Based on its condition, likely age, and specialized but not exceptionally broad collector base, I place its value in the lower range for vintage ephemera.
Appraisal Value
$20-40