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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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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When you want to look over a selection of vintage porcelain signs, go to the web pages at www.roadrelics.com today. You can see images and descriptions at http://www.roadrelics.com now.
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