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 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.
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.
It is often hard to find pieces in good condition. World War 11 was the biggest factor responsible for this as much of the remaining signage was melted down for the iron. Once the war ended, metal was in short supply and costs of production were just too high. Other metals like steel were used and eventually plastic signage became popular.
Although a limited number of porcelain signs are being made today, there are numerous reproductions available. Collectors need to be wary of these being sold as genuine items. It is important to have some knowledge about what to look for in order to distinguish genuine articles from reproductions. There are a number of online websites offering this information.
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 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.
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.
It is often hard to find pieces in good condition. World War 11 was the biggest factor responsible for this as much of the remaining signage was melted down for the iron. Once the war ended, metal was in short supply and costs of production were just too high. Other metals like steel were used and eventually plastic signage became popular.
Although a limited number of porcelain signs are being made today, there are numerous reproductions available. Collectors need to be wary of these being sold as genuine items. It is important to have some knowledge about what to look for in order to distinguish genuine articles from reproductions. There are a number of online websites offering this information.
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 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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