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 produced with a base metal of steel or iron, and later tin. The base was die cut into the desired shape and coated with multiple layers of powdered, colored glass. The glass fused to the metal when fired in a kiln at a very high temperature. The glass with its bold colors and graphics was fused to the base, a part of the metal, not a coating that could chip or peel.
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.
Coal was a common method of home heating. Many coal companies advertised with porcelain enamel signage. A vitally important means of communication, Western Union advertised their offices with porcelain enamel. Other popular signage advertised motor oil, tobacco, beer, soda pop, and telephone booths. Some collectors look for really unique items like restroom signage, warning placards for electric fences, even segregation placards for water fountains.
Interest in vintage porcelain signs has skyrocketed. Not surprisingly, prices are also on an upward trajectory, due to interest and scarcity. Thousands of signs were turned in for scrap metal drives during World War II. Other were used for target practice. Scarcity and interest has led to the production of reproductions popularly used to decorate restaurants, offices, and homes. Collectors need to beware of reproductions being deceptively sold as the real thing.
Porcelain enamel was used for outdoor advertising from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. Highway signage and station signs for railroads and gas stations are very popular with collectors. Anything from the western states, especially California, has a wide appeal. Other collectors favor country store advertisements selling anything from milk, to bread, toys, tobacco, paints and varnishes. Some collectors love the bright and colorful logos and the amazing variety of signage. Others collect signage to complement another collection or hobby. Railroad buffs love station signs. Car collectors like auto, gas, and oil signage.
Collectors look for condition, visual appeal, and scarcity. Many old signs were used for shooting practice. Others have rust or crazing from exposure to the elements. Today, collectors pay hundreds, even thousands, for items in mint condition. Signage with minor defects can often be restored to like new condition.
Vintage porcelain signs arouse feeling of nostalgia, memories of a simpler time. They're a slice of Americana from our recent past. They're stunning and attractive with their bold colors, logos, and graphics. Some represent companies and products that have come and gone. Some remain familiar today.
Vintage porcelain signs were produced with a base metal of steel or iron, and later tin. The base was die cut into the desired shape and coated with multiple layers of powdered, colored glass. The glass fused to the metal when fired in a kiln at a very high temperature. The glass with its bold colors and graphics was fused to the base, a part of the metal, not a coating that could chip or peel.
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.
Coal was a common method of home heating. Many coal companies advertised with porcelain enamel signage. A vitally important means of communication, Western Union advertised their offices with porcelain enamel. Other popular signage advertised motor oil, tobacco, beer, soda pop, and telephone booths. Some collectors look for really unique items like restroom signage, warning placards for electric fences, even segregation placards for water fountains.
Interest in vintage porcelain signs has skyrocketed. Not surprisingly, prices are also on an upward trajectory, due to interest and scarcity. Thousands of signs were turned in for scrap metal drives during World War II. Other were used for target practice. Scarcity and interest has led to the production of reproductions popularly used to decorate restaurants, offices, and homes. Collectors need to beware of reproductions being deceptively sold as the real thing.
Porcelain enamel was used for outdoor advertising from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's. Highway signage and station signs for railroads and gas stations are very popular with collectors. Anything from the western states, especially California, has a wide appeal. Other collectors favor country store advertisements selling anything from milk, to bread, toys, tobacco, paints and varnishes. Some collectors love the bright and colorful logos and the amazing variety of signage. Others collect signage to complement another collection or hobby. Railroad buffs love station signs. Car collectors like auto, gas, and oil signage.
Collectors look for condition, visual appeal, and scarcity. Many old signs were used for shooting practice. Others have rust or crazing from exposure to the elements. Today, collectors pay hundreds, even thousands, for items in mint condition. Signage with minor defects can often be restored to like new condition.
Vintage porcelain signs arouse feeling of nostalgia, memories of a simpler time. They're a slice of Americana from our recent past. They're stunning and attractive with their bold colors, logos, and graphics. Some represent companies and products that have come and gone. Some remain familiar today.
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