It was in the 1880s that vintage porcelain signs began to be used and this continued until the 1950s. They could be used outside because they were hard wearing and could stand up to different weather conditions. Originally, this signage was manufactured in Germany and German craftsmen were brought out to the United States by manufacturers.
A wide variety of companies used this type of signage to advertise their products. The fact that it was attached to outside walls meant that potential customers were exposed to it daily. The information displayed usually consisted of the company name, logo and sometimes an image or a catch phrase.
These items were made from powdered glass fused onto iron. The rolled iron was die-cut and a base color was fired onto this. Graphics and text were stenciled onto the base and each color required was individually fired on to the surface in layers. This was a costly and labor intensive process.
When silkscreening was introduced instead of stenciling, it provided a way of keeping costs lower and increasing production. It was not long before intense competition arose between manufacturers. They were all seeking to produce the boldest colors and most memorable graphics.
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.
Some manufacturers are producing this type of signage today but in very limited quantities. Demand has led to many reproductions being made and for those who simply want them for decorative purposes, these items are perfectly acceptable. However, collectors need to be aware that reproductions are also being passed off as genuine antiques, making it essential for them to have some knowledge about what they are collecting.
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.
The condition of a sign is important for a collector and those in mint condition fetch high prices. Items being sold usually list information about the condition. Some have minor damage to the finish such as scratches or some rust and if the images are still good, they are still sought after.
Vintage porcelain signs are sought after by collectors. They can be very valuable and offer a taste of history. They are a beautiful form of artistic expression from an age that no longer exists and deserve to be preserved.
A wide variety of companies used this type of signage to advertise their products. The fact that it was attached to outside walls meant that potential customers were exposed to it daily. The information displayed usually consisted of the company name, logo and sometimes an image or a catch phrase.
These items were made from powdered glass fused onto iron. The rolled iron was die-cut and a base color was fired onto this. Graphics and text were stenciled onto the base and each color required was individually fired on to the surface in layers. This was a costly and labor intensive process.
When silkscreening was introduced instead of stenciling, it provided a way of keeping costs lower and increasing production. It was not long before intense competition arose between manufacturers. They were all seeking to produce the boldest colors and most memorable graphics.
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.
Some manufacturers are producing this type of signage today but in very limited quantities. Demand has led to many reproductions being made and for those who simply want them for decorative purposes, these items are perfectly acceptable. However, collectors need to be aware that reproductions are also being passed off as genuine antiques, making it essential for them to have some knowledge about what they are collecting.
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.
The condition of a sign is important for a collector and those in mint condition fetch high prices. Items being sold usually list information about the condition. Some have minor damage to the finish such as scratches or some rust and if the images are still good, they are still sought after.
Vintage porcelain signs are sought after by collectors. They can be very valuable and offer a taste of history. They are a beautiful form of artistic expression from an age that no longer exists and deserve to be preserved.
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