Showa Enamel Sign "Mitsuuroko Briquettes and Briquettes" This enamel sign, displayed nationwide around the 1950s, was a special dealer sign for Mitsuuroko (Shinano Sanuroko Co., Ltd.), which sold briquettes and briquettes. The white lettering on a crimson background, with the "three scales" mark shining at the top, symbolized a trusted brand of fuel essential for cold winters. Mitsuuroko (officially Sanuroko Shoji, later the Mitsuuroko Group) grew famous nationwide as a supplier of household energy alternatives to coal and firewood during the postwar fuel shortage era. The "three scales" mark was originally known as the family crest of the Hojo clan, and also symbolized "solidity, integrity, and prosperity." This strong, striking logo design evoked the image of "reliable fuel" among the common people of the time, establishing the company as a trusted brand. From the post-war period through the 1960s, charcoal briquettes and charcoal briquettes were the staple fuel in Japanese homes. Made by crushing coal and solidifying it with a binder, briquettes and charcoal briquettes produce little smoke, last a long time, and provide stable heat. They were useful for all kinds of household purposes, from cooking to heating and bathwater heating. Mitsuuroko established a nationwide supply system, and they became widely used as "a reliable fuel that can be purchased anywhere." Authorized dealers in each region displayed these signs, and they decorated the eaves of fuel shops and general stores on street corners with their red signs. The white text on a red background made them highly visible even from a distance, making them particularly eye-catching against the cool colors of winter scenery. The bold vertical writing of "briquettes and charcoal briquettes" in the center and the symmetrical composition of the "three scales mark" made up of triangles emblemishes the aesthetics of Showa-era sign design. The shining red luster of the enamel embodies a warmth that has helped to ease the winter chill and warm people's lives. This sign, which once hung on eaves across Japan, was not just an advertisement but a symbol of trust, promising a life where people could gather around the fire in peace. Even today, it remains a classic Showa-era retro sign and remains highly sought after among collectors. [Size] Approximately 91x15cm [Condition] Good vintage condition. Although it shows signs of use, the letters and designs remain clearly visible. Please check the photos. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.