Emaillerie Koekelberg - CYGN-ALE Special – DEMETS – Large enamelled Belgian advertising plaque – 1954 – 137 × 47 cm - Enamel plate - Enamel

CYGN-ALE Spéciale – DEMETS – Large Belgian enameled advertising plaque – 1954 – 137 × 47 cm

General description

Magnificent and imposing old enamel advertising plaque CYGN-ALE Spéciale – DEMETS, of Belgian origin, bearing the date 1954.

This large horizontal plaque, 137 cm long and 47 cm high, features a graphic design particularly representative of Belgian brewer advertisements from the 1950s.

It stands out for its superb bright yellow background, the large red lettering “CYGN-ALE” underlined with a black shadow effect, and the stylized white stork depicted inside a black circular medallion.

Below the main name appears the inscription “Spéciale” in red slanted characters, and the name “DEMETS” written in black in an oval cartouche.

The combination of these bold colors and the stork drawing gives this advertisement a particularly decorative composition, immediately recognizable and highly representative of mid-20th-century commercial aesthetics.

Features

* Brand: CYGN-ALE Spéciale – DEMETS
* Type: antique enameled advertising plaque for beer
* Origin: Belgium
* Date on the plaque: 1954
* Manufacturer: Émaillerie Koekelberg S.A., Brussels
* Material: enameled sheet metal
* Dimensions: 137 × 47 cm
* Format: large horizontal advertising banner
* Colors: yellow, red, black and white
* Subject: Belgian brewery advertisement, stylized stork
* Period: mid-20th century

Original production and markings

The plaque has two particularly interesting markings still visible on its front.

In the lower left portion is the inscription:

“EMAL. KOEKELBERG S.A. BRUX.”

This marking identifies the company responsible for its manufacture: Émaillerie Koekelberg S.A., located in Brussels, Belgium.

In the lower right portion appears a second mark:

“T.P. BRUX. 372/132/1954”

This reference clearly bears the year 1954, allowing precise dating of the plaque from its period inscription.

These two markings are photographed in detail and constitute important elements for its identification and historical interest.

Graphic design and presentation

The advertising composition relies on a particularly successful contrast between the yellow background, the intense red lettering, and the black and white elements.

The stork plays a prominent role in the graphics. Its stylized drawing, with wings spread and a long neck, gives this advertisement a distinctive visual identity.

The large letters “CYGN-ALE,” with their graphic relief effect created by black shadows, further reinforce its unmistakably 1950s character.

The plaque features embossed metal edges painted red, as well as mounting points intended for its installation.

With its 1.37 meters in length, it has a remarkable visual presence and makes for a beautiful decorative antique piece.

Condition

The plaque presents a very good overall display condition considering its age, with a patina and signs of use visible.

Its main strengths are excellent legibility of the entire graphic, vivid colors, and the remaining shine on a large part of the enamel surface.

The white stork, its black medallion and the large red lettering are well preserved overall.

However, the plaque shows various flaws typical of its age and use:

* Several chips and enamel losses, mainly on the borders and at mounting points.
* Signs of oxidation and rust where the metal is exposed, notably on the upper left and near some mounting holes.
* Wear marks, scratches and small superficial alterations on the front face.
* Some traces and surface variations on the yellow background and on certain red characters.
* Wear to the edges and corners, particularly visible in close-up photographs.

These defects are disclosed openly in the detailed photographs.

Despite these signs of time, the plaque retains a very handsome overall presentation, with colors still vivid and a graphic design clearly identifiable.

No assertion is made about a total lack of restoration, as no deep technical assessment has been conducted.

The photographs are part of the description and allow evaluation of its exact condition.

Historical and collectible interest

This plaque brings together several interesting characteristics for collectors of vintage advertising:

* A Belgian advertisement related to beer
* A 1954 date clearly visible on the object
* Manufacture identified as Émaillerie Koekelberg of Brussels
* Large format of 137 × 47 cm
* Original figurative graphic with a stylized stork
* Particularly attractive colors and strong decorative impact
* An antique patina reflecting decades of use

It will naturally have its place in a collection of enameled plaques, Belgian brewery advertisements, or 20th-century advertising objects.

Its large size also makes it especially suited for decorating a brewery, café, bar, restaurant, collection space, or vintage interior.

Beautiful CYGN-ALE Spéciale – DEMETS enamel advertising plaque, dated 1954, manufactured in Brussels by Émaillerie Koekelberg S.A., featuring striking stork graphics and preserving all the charm of its era."