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 are made with a base of heavy rolled iron, die cut into a desired shape, then coated with layers of colored, powdered glass. Fired in a kiln at 800 degrees, the glass melts and fuses with the background. The colors are part of the surface, not a coating, so they don't fade. The result is an extremely durable metal piece with a smooth, thick enamel coating.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 are made with a base of heavy rolled iron, die cut into a desired shape, then coated with layers of colored, powdered glass. Fired in a kiln at 800 degrees, the glass melts and fuses with the background. The colors are part of the surface, not a coating, so they don't fade. The result is an extremely durable metal piece with a smooth, thick enamel coating.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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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