Saturday, March 23, 2013

Shopping On Line For 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.

The Coca-Cola company was one of the first to realize how effective a sign could be. Using their bold red and while back ground and distinctive logo they quickly became the most recognizable beverage company in the United States. A coke sign is still highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price at auction.

During World War II many porcelain signs were collected and melted down for their base metal content. Other became victims of the weather and eventually suffered irreparable damage. After the war the industry never really recovered and soon plastic took over as the preferred material for making a sign. It was much cheaper and easy to produce, however it did lack the charm of its original cousin.

Many collectors look for a sign advertising a particular company or product. Coca-Cola products always fetch good prices and make a great addition to any room. Having a bright and colorful sign to hang in the kitchen will create an instant talking point and make any room that much more special. A media room is also a perfect place to hang a fun and funky sign. They are so unique and each one has its own story to tell.

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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