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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 are made with a base of heavy rolled iron, die cut into a desired shape, then coated with layers of colored, powdered glass. Fired in a kiln at 800 degrees, the glass melts and fuses with the background. The colors are part of the surface, not a coating, so they don't fade. The result is an extremely durable metal piece with a smooth, thick enamel coating.
When first manufactured in the U. S., colors and graphics were applied as stencils. Later improvements led to screen printing on a steel base. After World War II, tin replaced steel as the base metal but it wasn't as durable or weather resistant. Inexpensive plastic soon became the preferred material for outdoor advertising.
Porcelain enamel signage adorned Western Union offices, gas stations, even telephone booths, and segregation warnings for restrooms and water fountains. Coal companies advertised their clean burning coal. Tobacco, beer, soda pop, and food items advertised with durable porcelain enamel signs. Farms used this weather resistant product to post warnings notices on electric fences.
In the past 10 years, prices have skyrocketed, and popularity has risen. It's hard to find vintage porcelain signs in excellent condition. During World War II many were melted down for the metal. Reproductions are being manufactured to fill the void. These are great if your purpose is art and decor. They're popular for decorating businesses and offices, and even homes. Collectors need to be wary of reproductions being sold as historical items. If in doubt, have the item appraised before completing a purchase.
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.
Vintage porcelain signs are bright and colorful. They're a symbol of our past. They represent a time and place, a vanishing way of life. They represent businesses and products for which we have fond memories. Many of these businesses and products no longer exist. Others continue to thrive their logos still familiar to us all.
Vintage porcelain signs are made with a base of heavy rolled iron, die cut into a desired shape, then coated with layers of colored, powdered glass. Fired in a kiln at 800 degrees, the glass melts and fuses with the background. The colors are part of the surface, not a coating, so they don't fade. The result is an extremely durable metal piece with a smooth, thick enamel coating.
When first manufactured in the U. S., colors and graphics were applied as stencils. Later improvements led to screen printing on a steel base. After World War II, tin replaced steel as the base metal but it wasn't as durable or weather resistant. Inexpensive plastic soon became the preferred material for outdoor advertising.
Porcelain enamel signage adorned Western Union offices, gas stations, even telephone booths, and segregation warnings for restrooms and water fountains. Coal companies advertised their clean burning coal. Tobacco, beer, soda pop, and food items advertised with durable porcelain enamel signs. Farms used this weather resistant product to post warnings notices on electric fences.
In the past 10 years, prices have skyrocketed, and popularity has risen. It's hard to find vintage porcelain signs in excellent condition. During World War II many were melted down for the metal. Reproductions are being manufactured to fill the void. These are great if your purpose is art and decor. They're popular for decorating businesses and offices, and even homes. Collectors need to be wary of reproductions being sold as historical items. If in doubt, have the item appraised before completing a purchase.
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.
Vintage porcelain signs are bright and colorful. They're a symbol of our past. They represent a time and place, a vanishing way of life. They represent businesses and products for which we have fond memories. Many of these businesses and products no longer exist. Others continue to thrive their logos still familiar to us all.
About the Author:
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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