Vintage porcelain signs represent a slice of Americana. They were used for road markers, railroad stations, gas stations, all types of outdoor advertising. Logos were displayed in bold colors that withstood rain and snow. Some hung on walls. Others were stenciled on both sides, placed on a stand so passers-by from both directions would take notice.
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.
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.
Many of these colorful and historical advertisements were lost during World War II, melted down for desperately needed metal. Due to scarcity and rising demand, prices have increased significantly over the last decade. Finding signage in really good condition is difficult. To fulfill the demand, manufacture of reproductions has become a burgeoning business. Reproductions decorate restaurants, offices, and homes. Collectors looking to purchase antique signage need to beware of reproductions deceptively being sold as vintage.
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.
Factors affecting value are visual appeal, scarcity, and condition. These sturdy placards were popular for target shooting leaving many scarred with bullet holes. Hardy as they are, a hundred years later, some have rust and/or crazing from exposure to sun, wind, snow, and rain. Collectors have been known to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, for items in mint condition. Signs with rust and other minor defects can be restored.
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.
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.
Many of these colorful and historical advertisements were lost during World War II, melted down for desperately needed metal. Due to scarcity and rising demand, prices have increased significantly over the last decade. Finding signage in really good condition is difficult. To fulfill the demand, manufacture of reproductions has become a burgeoning business. Reproductions decorate restaurants, offices, and homes. Collectors looking to purchase antique signage need to beware of reproductions deceptively being sold as vintage.
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.
Factors affecting value are visual appeal, scarcity, and condition. These sturdy placards were popular for target shooting leaving many scarred with bullet holes. Hardy as they are, a hundred years later, some have rust and/or crazing from exposure to sun, wind, snow, and rain. Collectors have been known to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, for items in mint condition. Signs with rust and other minor defects can be restored.
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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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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