2391e. [Massachusetts Humane Society porcelain sign c.1900]. The Massachusetts Humane Society was organized in 1787 and is generally considered to be the predecessor to the U. S. Life-Saving Service. It is extremely seldom that we are able to find any Massachusetts Humane Society items. We have been fortunate to find this scarce original porcelain on steel reward sign that once marked a Society boathouse or Hut of Refuge. Sign is white porcelain on heavy weight steel and lettered in green. Sign measure 10” x 8” and is lettered: “HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE – FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD for evidence leading to the conviction under the Genaral Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 266, Section 133, of any person injuring this property. Charles P. Curtis Chairman Standing Committee. William Caleb Loring, President.” Dr John Collins Warren was President from 1898 to 1918+, dating this sign to about 1900 or so. Marked in lower corner “Balto Enamel & Co. Balto 107 Eustis St. Boston”. Founded in 1898 as the Baltimore Enamel Company, this porcelain enamel giant quickly positioned itself to become the largest manufacturing company of its kind in the U.S. An important component of their success came from the manufacture of license plates for states, cities, and counties across the United States. Sign has moderate wear to corners and has seen much use, but is easily readable and will display well. Will look great on your wall. Extremely rare piece, only the third such sign that we have seen since the 1950’s. (VG). $595.