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Description:

Olympia Beer 1909 Vintage Advertising Poster - Framed




Item Description


A striking early 20th-century advertising poster for Olympia Beer, circa 1909, professionally framed in a timber frame with decorative gilt inner border. The poster features the iconic Olympia Brewing Company branding and their celebrated slogan "It's the Water" prominently displayed.




Specifications


Brand: Olympia Brewing Company

Origin: Olympia, Washington, USA

Era: 1909 (Edwardian period)

Poster Type: Lithographic advertising print

Frame Material: Timber with gilt decorative moulding

Frame Condition: Solid, well-maintained timber frame with traditional joinery

Poster Condition: Original period print with characteristic patina consistent with age



Design Details


The poster showcases a beautifully rendered portrait of a fashionable Edwardian woman wearing an elaborate feathered hat and flowing golden garment with a striking red silk scarf. The composition is oval-framed with ornamental gilt borders featuring scrollwork and decorative flourishes typical of early 1900s commercial art. The colour palette includes rich purples, golds, reds, and cream tones, demonstrating the quality of period lithographic printing techniques.




Condition Notes


The poster displays authentic ageing consistent with a genuine 1909 original. The paper shows period-appropriate toning and patina. The frame is structurally sound with minor wear to the timber consistent with age. The gilt inner border remains largely intact with expected fading. The overall presentation is museum-quality for a piece of this age and origin.




Historical Significance


This is a genuine example of early American brewery advertising art from the pre-Prohibition era. Olympia Brewing Company was established in 1896 and became one of the Pacific Northwest's most successful breweries. The "It's the Water" campaign became legendary in brewing history, emphasising the purity of Olympia's water source. Advertising posters from this period are highly sought by collectors of Americana, brewery memorabilia, and vintage commercial art.




Provenance


Authentic period piece. The poster has been professionally framed to preserve and display this important piece of advertising history.




Sold as described. Buyer to inspect prior to bidding. Suitable for display in period interiors, advertising collections, or as a significant example of early 20th-century commercial art.

Location of item: 4-10 Keon Parade, Thomastown, VIC, Australia




Lloyds Verified LLOYDS VERIFIED

We take immense pride in offering you this genuine item, which exemplifies exceptional quality. It is important to note that while this is an authentic product, in rare cases provenance may be unknown or aftermarket items may have been added to enhance its overall appeal and uniqueness. We value transparency and strive to provide you with accurate information, ensuring that you are fully informed about the product you are considering. Rest assured, our commitment to offering genuine products remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to your utmost satisfaction with your purchase.

Quantity:
1
Auction Details:
Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers
Auction Date:
05-Sep-2026 11:00
Auction Address:
Australia Wide
QLD, NSW, SA, VIC, WA, ACT, TAS, NT QLD 4211
Auctioneer Contact:
Lloyds Auctions
+61 7 5559 1999 AUS
Other contact options:
United States
+1 725 235 3877 LV
+1 561 709 3362 PB
United Kingdom
+44 20 4534 8418 UK
India
+91 80 6793 5648 BLR
+91 22 6884 1570 BOM
+91 12 0682 9420 DEL
Bidding Centre
Estimated time until auction:
10d 18h 22m
Starting Bid:
€12.27
There are no bids on this lot.
Buyer's Premium:
19.75%
Note:
All amounts are shown in €EUR