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.
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.
The signage initially consisted of layers of powdered glass fused onto rolled iron. The iron was die-cut into various different shapes. A base coat of one color would be fired and then text and graphics would be stenciled on, representing the different areas of color. The colors would be fired on top of one another until the whole graphic was completed. This was a labor intensive process and fairly costly.
It was not long before the technique of silkscreening began to be used instead of stenciling. This increased production and cut costs. Manufacturers soon began to compete with one another to produce the most colorful and eye-catching graphics. Collectors are attracted today by signage with memorable graphics more than anything else.
Not much of this signage has survived, thanks to the fact that it was discarded and vandalized. The main factor contributing to its destruction was World War II when the iron was melted down for the war effort. In the post war years, it was just too expensive to manufacture. Companies began to use other metals like steel and tin. Later plastic began to be used extensively and internally lit plastic items replaced most previous signage.
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.
Most collectors of this signage are divided into two main categories. The first category includes everything to do with the automobile. Gasoline signage is highly prized, with its distinctive logos. The second group focuses on signage used in country stores, advertising anything from bread to cigars.
The condition of a sign is important to collectors. They will pay good money for those in mint condition. Most of this signage has some rusting and wear and this is acceptable as it adds to its history. There are experts who repair signage that is not too extensively damaged.
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.
The signage initially consisted of layers of powdered glass fused onto rolled iron. The iron was die-cut into various different shapes. A base coat of one color would be fired and then text and graphics would be stenciled on, representing the different areas of color. The colors would be fired on top of one another until the whole graphic was completed. This was a labor intensive process and fairly costly.
It was not long before the technique of silkscreening began to be used instead of stenciling. This increased production and cut costs. Manufacturers soon began to compete with one another to produce the most colorful and eye-catching graphics. Collectors are attracted today by signage with memorable graphics more than anything else.
Not much of this signage has survived, thanks to the fact that it was discarded and vandalized. The main factor contributing to its destruction was World War II when the iron was melted down for the war effort. In the post war years, it was just too expensive to manufacture. Companies began to use other metals like steel and tin. Later plastic began to be used extensively and internally lit plastic items replaced most previous signage.
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.
Most collectors of this signage are divided into two main categories. The first category includes everything to do with the automobile. Gasoline signage is highly prized, with its distinctive logos. The second group focuses on signage used in country stores, advertising anything from bread to cigars.
The condition of a sign is important to collectors. They will pay good money for those in mint condition. Most of this signage has some rusting and wear and this is acceptable as it adds to its history. There are experts who repair signage that is not too extensively damaged.
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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