Posts
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, costs were reduced and production improved. Soon the different manufacturing companies were competing fiercely to create the brightest colors and most arresting graphics. In the process they produced some pieces that were artworks in their own right and collectors fight over the best of these today.
Today it is difficult to find this signage in excellent condition. Much of it was vandalized, discarded or melted down for the metal during World War II. After the war, the cost of production was simply too expensive. Different metals like tin and steel were used but the results were lower quality and had less eye appeal.
This type of signage is still being produced by some manufacturers today but this is on a limited basis. Many reproductions are being made too and collectors need to have some knowledge to discern a knockoff from a real antique. Aging techniques are being used to produce knockoffs that look very convincing.
Many collectors of these items go for those that were used by the automotive industry. Old gasoline signs with their distinctive logos are a favorite. Collecting pump plates is often a good way for a beginner to start collecting. These plates would be used at every gasoline pump giving the brand and octane rating. Another popular category of collectors is those who go for signage used in country stores, where anything from loaves of bread to cigarettes were advertised.
When it comes to this signage, the condition is an obvious factor in determining price. If an item is in mint condition, it is more expensive. Some items with little damage, like some rusting or scratching still fetch good prices. A large item may be purchased at a cheaper price than a smaller one as it is more difficult to display.
No matter what they were used for, vintage porcelain signs are great collectibles. They come at many different prices, depending on rarity and condition. Collecting these items offers an opportunity of preserving a part of history.
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, costs were reduced and production improved. Soon the different manufacturing companies were competing fiercely to create the brightest colors and most arresting graphics. In the process they produced some pieces that were artworks in their own right and collectors fight over the best of these today.
Today it is difficult to find this signage in excellent condition. Much of it was vandalized, discarded or melted down for the metal during World War II. After the war, the cost of production was simply too expensive. Different metals like tin and steel were used but the results were lower quality and had less eye appeal.
This type of signage is still being produced by some manufacturers today but this is on a limited basis. Many reproductions are being made too and collectors need to have some knowledge to discern a knockoff from a real antique. Aging techniques are being used to produce knockoffs that look very convincing.
Many collectors of these items go for those that were used by the automotive industry. Old gasoline signs with their distinctive logos are a favorite. Collecting pump plates is often a good way for a beginner to start collecting. These plates would be used at every gasoline pump giving the brand and octane rating. Another popular category of collectors is those who go for signage used in country stores, where anything from loaves of bread to cigarettes were advertised.
When it comes to this signage, the condition is an obvious factor in determining price. If an item is in mint condition, it is more expensive. Some items with little damage, like some rusting or scratching still fetch good prices. A large item may be purchased at a cheaper price than a smaller one as it is more difficult to display.
No matter what they were used for, vintage porcelain signs are great collectibles. They come at many different prices, depending on rarity and condition. Collecting these items offers an opportunity of preserving a part of history.
About the Author:
Read more about Some Historical Facts About Vintage Porcelain Signs visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment