I am delighted to bring you this wonderful piece of French advertising history.
 
Chocolat Menier is the most iconic French chocolate brand, founded in 1816,  it was advertised prominently in France, making it a household name, and the advertising material is very sought after today. This painted metal sign with original mirror is particularly rare and collectible due to being a short printing run and the forst printed.
 
The advertising board dates from around 1895, the date  the first edition of this advertising sign was produced in Paris.
 
The distinction of this mirror's design is that the Chocolat Menier girl, Yvonne, is, in this first edition, larger than the mirror and she dosn't have the umberella she has in later images. She writes the slogan, 'Eviter les contrefactions' avoid counterfeit copies (of the chocolate) and has a basket full of Chocolat Menier goodies by her side.
 
This first release also has the product name on one like as opposed to the later two lines.
 
The mirror has the words 'Chocolat Menier' and 'Eviter les contrefactions' steryographed on the glass  and the manufacturer details L'Imprimerie Revon (obscured), 93 Rue Oberkampf, Paris.
 
The condition is good for an advertising piece that is about 130 years old. The three dimentional body is in good condition; the girl, building, mirror frame and tree as well as the Chocolat Menier lettering and border around the whole sign is raised.
 
There is heavy patination to the colour and texture of the paint, some foxing to the mirror and the back, which is lined with paper covered cardboard has lost some of its paper. There is slight damage to the corners.
 
All these are confirming signs of its age and authenticity . It has not been over cleaned or restored in any way. 
 
The sign measures 16" x 12"