An old pub sign belonging to the Drum Major in Deal has been found, although it might not be the one the owners have been searching for.

Steve Lohan and Karen Siggins, who took over the pub in 2014, have sent out numerous appeals to find a missing sign, which is an original painting by Bill Pearce, believed to be worth about £4,000.

On Sunday, Mr Lohan received the news a sign had been found.

He said: “A friend of mine lives in Worth. There’s an old barn there and they were clearing it out and found it. I went and picked it up. I think that the one we are looking for is still out there, but this one could be an older sign.”

The sign is slightly different to some of the pictures Mr Lohan has of the one he is after.

The key difference is the wording of Charrington along the top. The sign still missing reads Bass Charrington, but it is known that the two breweries merged later, which is why the recovered sign is thought to be older.

Mr Lohan, who is responsible for changing the pub’s name back to its original, said: “I’m going to restore it and have it on a wall inside.

"When we first took over, I managed to find another sign down at the scrap metal merchants in Southwall Road.”

In December last year, the sought-after sign was replicated by self-employed artist Derrick Brazier of College Road, Deal.

Former landlord David Wilson, who joined the appeal to find the pub’s missing sign, said: “I
think it’s awesome that they’ve found it. I’d keep it as it is and hang it inside with maybe a vinyl copy outside.”

Mr Lohan would like people to continue their search for Bill Pearce’s sign.

If anyone feels they could help restore it, pop into the pub in Dover Road and speak to Steve or Karen