From the 1880s until the 1950s most exterior advertising signage was made of porcelain as it was durable and could withstand any weather conditions. This type of signage originated in Germany and when manufacturers in the United States began producing it, they had to import craftsmen from Germany. Collectors today who spend large amounts of money for vintage porcelain signs in good condition.
Many companies used this form of media to advertise their businesses. The signage usually contained all of the information about the company, as well as their logo and sometimes a catch phrase. Hundreds of potential consumers would see them on a daily basis. Some of them were double sided and hung outside the business on brackets. Others were attached to outside walls.
The way this signage was manufactured was to die cut iron into shapes and then fuse powdered glass onto it. The first coat would be fired and formed a base on which to stencil the images and text. The stencil would show the areas of color and these colors would be fused on one at a time. This whole process was costly and labor intensive.
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.
Some manufacturers are producing this type of signage today but in very limited quantities. Demand has led to many reproductions being made and for those who simply want them for decorative purposes, these items are perfectly acceptable. However, collectors need to be aware that reproductions are also being passed off as genuine antiques, making it essential for them to have some knowledge about what they are collecting.
Many collectors focus on the signage used for the automotive industry, with gasoline signage being most popular. Other collectors prefer to focus on the signage that was used in country stores. It was used to sell just about every product one can think of, from cigars and beers to bread and butter.
The condition of a sign is important for a collector and those in mint condition fetch high prices. Items being sold usually list information about the condition. Some have minor damage to the finish such as scratches or some rust and if the images are still good, they are still sought after.
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.
Many companies used this form of media to advertise their businesses. The signage usually contained all of the information about the company, as well as their logo and sometimes a catch phrase. Hundreds of potential consumers would see them on a daily basis. Some of them were double sided and hung outside the business on brackets. Others were attached to outside walls.
The way this signage was manufactured was to die cut iron into shapes and then fuse powdered glass onto it. The first coat would be fired and formed a base on which to stencil the images and text. The stencil would show the areas of color and these colors would be fused on one at a time. This whole process was costly and labor intensive.
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.
Some manufacturers are producing this type of signage today but in very limited quantities. Demand has led to many reproductions being made and for those who simply want them for decorative purposes, these items are perfectly acceptable. However, collectors need to be aware that reproductions are also being passed off as genuine antiques, making it essential for them to have some knowledge about what they are collecting.
Many collectors focus on the signage used for the automotive industry, with gasoline signage being most popular. Other collectors prefer to focus on the signage that was used in country stores. It was used to sell just about every product one can think of, from cigars and beers to bread and butter.
The condition of a sign is important for a collector and those in mint condition fetch high prices. Items being sold usually list information about the condition. Some have minor damage to the finish such as scratches or some rust and if the images are still good, they are still sought after.
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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