Where To Find Vintage Porcelain Signs

By Jill Faulkner


Collecting vintage porcelain signs is a wonderful hobby that can provide years of fun. These signs are becoming increasingly rare as the remaining ones are snapped up by enthusiastic collectors. They began to be manufactured in Germany in the 1880's and continued to be made into the early 1950's. After that production costs became too high and the cheaper plastic sign became the norm.

This style of sign was first made in Germany in the 1880's. A very labor intensive process was used that required layers of powdered glass to be added layer by layer. Each individual layer contained a different color and they had to be rolled onto an iron base. The finished sign was then cut to a particular shape and size.

Some of the characteristic features are bold graphics and bright colors. The signs were designed to be eye catching and the advertised everything from soda to cigarettes, gasoline to gun boots. By the turn of the nineteenth century the signs were being manufactured in the United States. Initially, craftsmen has to be brought over from Europe to show the workers how to accurately produce the colors and designs.

Probably the most common sign of the period are the ones used by the Coca-Cola company. Their bold red and white logo was so distinctive it was recognizable at a glance. Their artists designed some really wonderful and unique work that is highly sought after by collectors today. People all over the country drank the beverage due to the incredibly successful advertising campaign run by the company.

Most of the signs in existence today were made before the second world war. During the war many were melted down to generate much needed metals. Afterwards new materials were being developed, predominantly plastic that was much cheaper and also very durable. Plastic is now used everywhere, but it does not have the same charm and desirability as the beautiful old porcelain art work of the past.

Many of the older signs were melted down as scrap metal during world war two. Other were used as target practice by generations of teenagers. The ones that remain have become collectors items and are carefully preserved. New items come onto the market regularly when a beautiful of sign is found in an old barn or home. Estate sales are some of the best places for collectors to look for a great sign.

A bold and colorful sign makes a great addition to any room in the home. Kitchens often sport a sign from a food company that has bright colors and a cute logo. Sugar and flour companies often had their own distinctive advertising strategies that are still appealing today.

Collecting vintage porcelain signs is a wonderful hobby. Each new one will quickly find a place around the home or even outside. Most people are careful to find a sheltered spot out of the direct sun and rain. This will help to extend the life of the sign and keep it in the best possible condition.




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