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.
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.
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 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.
Vividly beautiful vintage porcelain signs attract collectors because they are a nostalgic symbol of our recent past. They remind us of businesses and products that were part of our life and history at a time when the pace of life was slower, and life was simpler. Some of these businesses and products are extinct, others are still a familiar part of our lives.
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.
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.
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 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.
Vividly beautiful vintage porcelain signs attract collectors because they are a nostalgic symbol of our recent past. They remind us of businesses and products that were part of our life and history at a time when the pace of life was slower, and life was simpler. Some of these businesses and products are extinct, others are still a familiar part of our lives.
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