late 19th or early 20th century new york city soho district tenement house embossed cast iron balcony notification sign with raised egg & dart border. 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. the brushed metal finish has been sealed with a clear coat lacquer. unusual size an shape.