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.
Logos and graphics were originally done by stenciling. Later screen printing was preferred as a less expensive, less labor intensive production method. Iron was replaced by steel. After World War II, some signage was produced on a tin base, but these weren't as durable. Soon plastic became the weather resistant material of choice for outdoor signage.
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.
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 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.
Condition, scarcity, and visual appeal are factors affecting price. Old signage was once a favorite item for shooting practice. Many survived this practice but are scarred with bullet holes. Popular as outdoor advertising, many have crazing or rust from their exposure to wind, rain, or snow. Collectors have been known to pay hundred, occasionally even thousands, for signage in top 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.
Logos and graphics were originally done by stenciling. Later screen printing was preferred as a less expensive, less labor intensive production method. Iron was replaced by steel. After World War II, some signage was produced on a tin base, but these weren't as durable. Soon plastic became the weather resistant material of choice for outdoor signage.
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.
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 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.
Condition, scarcity, and visual appeal are factors affecting price. Old signage was once a favorite item for shooting practice. Many survived this practice but are scarred with bullet holes. Popular as outdoor advertising, many have crazing or rust from their exposure to wind, rain, or snow. Collectors have been known to pay hundred, occasionally even thousands, for signage in top 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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