In 1898 the city’s first “Manoli-Rad” - Manoli Hoop - an illuminated and seemingly mobile (it only appeared to be rotating) advertising sign was installed in Friedrichstraße in Berlin.

Shortly afterwards an identical light ad appeared on Alexanderplatz - on top of the later demolished historic building dubbed “Das Haus mit den 99. Schafsköpfen” (The House of 99 Sheep Heads).

This photo was taken around 1900. If you want to listen to the story behind the wheel, tune in this Wednesday for the next episode of my “Berlin Companion Podcast”.