There was a time when vintage porcelain signs were extensively used. Their durability meant that they could be used outside, where they were subjected to all weather conditions. It was in Germany that this technology was born and when it spread to the United States, manufacturers were initially forced to import experienced German craftsmen.
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 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.
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.
Many collectors focus on the signage used for the automotive industry, with gasoline signage being most popular. Other collectors prefer to focus on the signage that was used in country stores. It was used to sell just about every product one can think of, from cigars and beers to bread and butter.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Many collectors focus on the signage used for the automotive industry, with gasoline signage being most popular. Other collectors prefer to focus on the signage that was used in country stores. It was used to sell just about every product one can think of, from cigars and beers to bread and butter.
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.
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.
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