Weather resistant and durable, vintage porcelain signs were a favorite means of advertisement from the 1880's to 1950's. Inexpensive to produce, they quickly became a piece of Americana with bold colors and graphics. Some were made to be hung on a wall. Others had 2 sides, made to be placed on a hinged stand so both sides were visible. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Vintage porcelain signs were made of durable metal fused with a smooth and thick enamel coating. Layers of powdered glass were fused color by color onto a base of heavy rolled iron, then fired in a kiln at very high temperatures. When the glass melted, colors were fused into the metal so they stay bright and colorful and are resistant to weather.
Stenciling was the earlier production method. Later changes included screen printing on a steel base instead of iron. Later tin bases replaced steel but these weren't as durable. After World War II plastic became the less expensive, easier to produce alternative.
Porcelain enamel signage adorned Western Union offices, gas stations, even telephone booths, and segregation warnings for restrooms and water fountains. Coal companies advertised their clean burning coal. Tobacco, beer, soda pop, and food items advertised with durable porcelain enamel signs. Farms used this weather resistant product to post warnings notices on electric fences.
In the past 10 years, prices have skyrocketed, and popularity has risen. It's hard to find vintage porcelain signs in excellent condition. During World War II many were melted down for the metal. Reproductions are being manufactured to fill the void. These are great if your purpose is art and decor. They're popular for decorating businesses and offices, and even homes. Collectors need to be wary of reproductions being sold as historical items. If in doubt, have the item appraised before completing a purchase.
Porcelain was the medium for advertising exposed to elements from the late 1800's to mid 1900's. Especially popular with collectors are those with logos of current and extinct brands of gasoline. Also popular are country store advertisements promoting anything from bread to tobacco to house paint. Some collectors are fascinated by signage in general. Others look for logos related to another hobby or collection. For example, auto buffs like petrol and car signage. Also popular is anything from out west, especially anything from California. Highway signage and rare station signs for old railroads are sought after items.
Factors affecting value are visual appeal, scarcity, and condition. These sturdy placards were popular for target shooting leaving many scarred with bullet holes. Hardy as they are, a hundred years later, some have rust and/or crazing from exposure to sun, wind, snow, and rain. Collectors have been known to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, for items in mint condition. Signs with rust and other minor defects can be restored.
Vintage porcelain signs are bright and colorful. They're a symbol of our past. They represent a time and place, a vanishing way of life. They represent businesses and products for which we have fond memories. Many of these businesses and products no longer exist. Others continue to thrive their logos still familiar to us all.
Vintage porcelain signs were made of durable metal fused with a smooth and thick enamel coating. Layers of powdered glass were fused color by color onto a base of heavy rolled iron, then fired in a kiln at very high temperatures. When the glass melted, colors were fused into the metal so they stay bright and colorful and are resistant to weather.
Stenciling was the earlier production method. Later changes included screen printing on a steel base instead of iron. Later tin bases replaced steel but these weren't as durable. After World War II plastic became the less expensive, easier to produce alternative.
Porcelain enamel signage adorned Western Union offices, gas stations, even telephone booths, and segregation warnings for restrooms and water fountains. Coal companies advertised their clean burning coal. Tobacco, beer, soda pop, and food items advertised with durable porcelain enamel signs. Farms used this weather resistant product to post warnings notices on electric fences.
In the past 10 years, prices have skyrocketed, and popularity has risen. It's hard to find vintage porcelain signs in excellent condition. During World War II many were melted down for the metal. Reproductions are being manufactured to fill the void. These are great if your purpose is art and decor. They're popular for decorating businesses and offices, and even homes. Collectors need to be wary of reproductions being sold as historical items. If in doubt, have the item appraised before completing a purchase.
Porcelain was the medium for advertising exposed to elements from the late 1800's to mid 1900's. Especially popular with collectors are those with logos of current and extinct brands of gasoline. Also popular are country store advertisements promoting anything from bread to tobacco to house paint. Some collectors are fascinated by signage in general. Others look for logos related to another hobby or collection. For example, auto buffs like petrol and car signage. Also popular is anything from out west, especially anything from California. Highway signage and rare station signs for old railroads are sought after items.
Factors affecting value are visual appeal, scarcity, and condition. These sturdy placards were popular for target shooting leaving many scarred with bullet holes. Hardy as they are, a hundred years later, some have rust and/or crazing from exposure to sun, wind, snow, and rain. Collectors have been known to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, for items in mint condition. Signs with rust and other minor defects can be restored.
Vintage porcelain signs are bright and colorful. They're a symbol of our past. They represent a time and place, a vanishing way of life. They represent businesses and products for which we have fond memories. Many of these businesses and products no longer exist. Others continue to thrive their logos still familiar to us all.
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