Many vintage porcelain sign for sale can be found at antique shops, auctions & flea markets. These old signs can be very collectible as well as a source of history. Antique collectors use them to decorate their homes, barns, garages & kitchens, and even use them to recreate vintage country stores or gas stations. Generally speaking, the most popular types of vintage porcelain signs for sale include those related to the oil industry, beer & soda industries. They also include a variety of general advertising signs as well.
Before the 1920’s, porcelain was one of the most common materials used in outdoor advertising. These signs were also known as enamel signs or porcelain enamel signs. The process of making these signs was extremely labor intensive. Layers of powdered glass were painstakingly fused, color by color, onto a base of heavy rolled iron that was diecut into whatever shape the sign needed to be. The result was a very durable and weather-resistant sign. This was the main reason that these signs were so prevalent between the 1880’s and the 1950’s.
The popularity of these signs began to decline with the invention of new technologies for outdoor advertising. The introduction of automobiles, mass production and modern neon signs made the porcelain signs less desirable for businesses. In addition, the signs were becoming very expensive to make.
Despite the declining popularity of porcelain signs, many were still being used by collectors and aficionados for their historical significance. When these signs were in top condition, they would fetch a nice sum at auctions or at flea markets. This was especially true for those that advertised famous brands or designs.
In recent years, the popularity of these antiques has been on the rise again. People are fascinated with the way that these pieces of history were once displayed & how they can be brought back to life by using them in their homes. This has created a new generation of collectors that are anxious to find their own piece of history.
It’s important to know how to authenticate a vintage porcelain sign when it is being sold. This is because there are a lot of fakes out there that can be difficult to spot unless you have some prior knowledge. In order to authenticate a porcelain sign, it’s necessary to look at the age of the sign as well as its design and material.
Typically, the older the sign is, the more valuable it will be. However, it’s also important to remember that just because a sign is old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s valuable. A lot of people get hung up on the date of the sign and don’t consider other factors. This includes the overall condition of the sign, as well as how it is being presented. Oftentimes, it’s best to have a professional examine the sign in order to determine its value. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get a free appraisal of a sign.