For sale in this lot is a fine piece of Montana history, in the form of a Smith Coal, counter top advertising sign. The piece is constructed of cardboard, and has red neon plastic inserts for the words "SMITH COAL", which would illuminate when the sign was back-lit. Smith Coal was based out of Bearcreek, Montana during the Second World War. The Smith Coal company is mostly known for its catastrophic mining accident which occurred on February 27th, 1943, in which 74 of its 77 employees perished in a tragic explosion. The Bear Creek site was infamous for its work related deaths while the company ramped up production to support the war effort, though the 1943 explosion turned out to be the second most deadly Montana mining accident in history - Seconded only by the Granite Mountain Fire of 1917. The sign itself shows awesome lithograph graphics, and reads "SMITH COAL - MORE HEAT PER DOLLAR - "MONTANA'S BEST FUEL"". Overall, the sign shows good condition, with edge wear on the two bottom corners. The sign measures 12 5/8" wide, and 12 1/2" tall. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer