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.
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.
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.
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.
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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This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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