Vintage porcelain signs are a favorite of collectors. With logos in bold colors, they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are wall hangings. Others are displayed on a stand with both sides visible to passers-by. They retained their color and gloss when exposed to rain and snow. They were inexpensive to purchase. They were the most used form of signage from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's.
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.
Some of the many businesses who advertised with porcelain enamel include anthracite companies advertising how well their coal burned. Western Union advertised telegram services. Gas companies advertised their stations. There are advertisements for food, motor oil, telephone booths, tobacco, beer, and soda pop. Particularly unique are restroom notices, segregation warnings for water fountains, and warning notices for electric fences.
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 the most common material used for outdoor advertisements from the 1880's through the 1950's. There are 2 main categories of collectibles. Country store includes anything and everything shoppers would have bought at the local general store. Advertisements for bread, soda, tobacco, and household paint are the easiest to find. The 2nd category is gas and oil signage including cars and station signs. This category also includes highway signage and rare railroad station signs. Some collectors are fascinated by and collect a variety of bold and colorful signage. Others collect as an adjunct to another hobby. Auto collectors like auto related signage, while railroad buffs look for railroad placards to add to their railroading collection.
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.
Some of the many businesses who advertised with porcelain enamel include anthracite companies advertising how well their coal burned. Western Union advertised telegram services. Gas companies advertised their stations. There are advertisements for food, motor oil, telephone booths, tobacco, beer, and soda pop. Particularly unique are restroom notices, segregation warnings for water fountains, and warning notices for electric fences.
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 the most common material used for outdoor advertisements from the 1880's through the 1950's. There are 2 main categories of collectibles. Country store includes anything and everything shoppers would have bought at the local general store. Advertisements for bread, soda, tobacco, and household paint are the easiest to find. The 2nd category is gas and oil signage including cars and station signs. This category also includes highway signage and rare railroad station signs. Some collectors are fascinated by and collect a variety of bold and colorful signage. Others collect as an adjunct to another hobby. Auto collectors like auto related signage, while railroad buffs look for railroad placards to add to their railroading collection.
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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