Enhancing Text In Old Image (sketch over enlargement)

[FlexAce]

Any suggestions on how to enhance the text on the sign this man appears to be holding?
I tried playing with levels, but that did not do much.
My PS skills are very basic.

[Peru Bob]

There is not much to work with in that image.

[FlexAce]

Agreed. I'm trying to see if I can decipher what it might say.

[jane-e]

It's not really text, it's just pixels and they are pretty faded out and sparse. It's curious that he doesn't seem to be holding it either.

Jane

[FlexAce]

Crayon Portrait - Sketch over enlargement from a smaller photo. (c.1890)
Most of the time they are just the head & shoulders. 
When the artist had to do body parts like hands & feet, that challenged many. 
So they often look not right. 

[jane-e]

I'm enchanted with the photo, @FlexAce. You might enjoy making a copy and trying the new Photo Restoration Neural Filter on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaaILl8Zpeg

Jane

[Semaphoric]

Using your sample, I added a Curve adjustment layer with a steep curve at the edge transition, and selected the two point, like so:

Drag the two points around a bit, and you can start to pick up little details, but there's still not much. Looks like it says Charles [something].