original early 20th century new york city tenement house embossed cast iron balcony notification sign. building codes and/or ordinances established during that time period required the balcony or fire-escape manufacturer to securely fasten, in a conspicuous place, a cast-iron plate having suitable raised letters on same to read as follows " notice! any person placing any encumbrance on this balcony is liable to a penalty of $10 and imprisonment for 10 days." the raised and/or embossed lettering was finally revealed or visible after removing over a century of paint coatings. fabricator unknown. measures 11 x 3 inches.