It was in the 1880s that vintage porcelain signs began to be used and this continued until the 1950s. They could be used outside because they were hard wearing and could stand up to different weather conditions. Originally, this signage was manufactured in Germany and German craftsmen were brought out to the United States by manufacturers.
This form of advertising was used by numerous businesses, from stove and food companies to paint stores to promote their wares. Everything from beer and soft drinks like Coca cola to detergents and gasoline were all advertised in this manner. The name of the company and the logo as well as catch phrases were displayed and this information was seen by many potential customers on a daily basis as they passed by. Signage was not only affixed to walls but double sided items were hung from brackets too.
These items were made from powdered glass fused onto iron. The rolled iron was die-cut and a base color was fired onto this. Graphics and text were stenciled onto the base and each color required was individually fired on to the surface in layers. This was a costly and labor intensive process.
When silkscreening was introduced instead of stenciling, it provided a way of keeping costs lower and increasing production. It was not long before intense competition arose between manufacturers. They were all seeking to produce the boldest colors and most memorable graphics.
Not much of this signage has survived, thanks to the fact that it was discarded and vandalized. The main factor contributing to its destruction was World War II when the iron was melted down for the war effort. In the post war years, it was just too expensive to manufacture. Companies began to use other metals like steel and tin. Later plastic began to be used extensively and internally lit plastic items replaced most previous signage.
Although a limited number of porcelain signs are being made today, there are numerous reproductions available. Collectors need to be wary of these being sold as genuine items. It is important to have some knowledge about what to look for in order to distinguish genuine articles from reproductions. There are a number of online websites offering this information.
Many collectors of these items go for those that were used by the automotive industry. Old gasoline signs with their distinctive logos are a favorite. Collecting pump plates is often a good way for a beginner to start collecting. These plates would be used at every gasoline pump giving the brand and octane rating. Another popular category of collectors is those who go for signage used in country stores, where anything from loaves of bread to cigarettes were advertised.
The condition of a sign is important to collectors. They will pay good money for those in mint condition. Most of this signage has some rusting and wear and this is acceptable as it adds to its history. There are experts who repair signage that is not too extensively damaged.
Vintage porcelain signs are sought after by collectors. They can be very valuable and offer a taste of history. They are a beautiful form of artistic expression from an age that no longer exists and deserve to be preserved.
This form of advertising was used by numerous businesses, from stove and food companies to paint stores to promote their wares. Everything from beer and soft drinks like Coca cola to detergents and gasoline were all advertised in this manner. The name of the company and the logo as well as catch phrases were displayed and this information was seen by many potential customers on a daily basis as they passed by. Signage was not only affixed to walls but double sided items were hung from brackets too.
These items were made from powdered glass fused onto iron. The rolled iron was die-cut and a base color was fired onto this. Graphics and text were stenciled onto the base and each color required was individually fired on to the surface in layers. This was a costly and labor intensive process.
When silkscreening was introduced instead of stenciling, it provided a way of keeping costs lower and increasing production. It was not long before intense competition arose between manufacturers. They were all seeking to produce the boldest colors and most memorable graphics.
Not much of this signage has survived, thanks to the fact that it was discarded and vandalized. The main factor contributing to its destruction was World War II when the iron was melted down for the war effort. In the post war years, it was just too expensive to manufacture. Companies began to use other metals like steel and tin. Later plastic began to be used extensively and internally lit plastic items replaced most previous signage.
Although a limited number of porcelain signs are being made today, there are numerous reproductions available. Collectors need to be wary of these being sold as genuine items. It is important to have some knowledge about what to look for in order to distinguish genuine articles from reproductions. There are a number of online websites offering this information.
Many collectors of these items go for those that were used by the automotive industry. Old gasoline signs with their distinctive logos are a favorite. Collecting pump plates is often a good way for a beginner to start collecting. These plates would be used at every gasoline pump giving the brand and octane rating. Another popular category of collectors is those who go for signage used in country stores, where anything from loaves of bread to cigarettes were advertised.
The condition of a sign is important to collectors. They will pay good money for those in mint condition. Most of this signage has some rusting and wear and this is acceptable as it adds to its history. There are experts who repair signage that is not too extensively damaged.
Vintage porcelain signs are sought after by collectors. They can be very valuable and offer a taste of history. They are a beautiful form of artistic expression from an age that no longer exists and deserve to be preserved.
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