Tin-Over-Cardboard signs hold a unique place in the world of collectibles, blending craftsmanship, advertising, and nostalgia. These signs also known as TOC signs, often used for advertising products or businesses, have a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when the industrial revolution spurred the mass production of consumer goods.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, tin became a popular material for advertising signs due to its durability and affordability. Cardboard, though less durable, was often used as a base to reduce costs. Tin over cardboard signs offered a balance between sturdiness and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for widespread advertising campaigns.
Some of the sign manufactures that produced these signs included companies like:
- Permanent Sign & Display Company
- Bastian Brother Company
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- Grammes Inc.
- American Can Company
One of the most iconic users of tin over cardboard signs were breweries, which began using them for advertising in the late 19th century. These signs, featuring the distinctive designs and became fixtures in taverns, bars, and distributors across the county. During World War II, tin became a valuable resource for the war effort, leading to a decline in the production of tin over cardboard signs. Many existing signs were repurposed or recycled to support the war effort, making surviving examples from this era particularly rare and sought after by collectors. After the war, the golden age of signs began to wane as new advertising mediums such as television and radio gained prominence. Many signs were discarded or replaced with newer materials, contributing to their scarcity today.
Despite their declining use in advertising, antique advertising signs experienced a resurgence of interest among collectors in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Their nostalgic appeal, coupled with their historical significance and artistic value, has led to a thriving market for vintage signage.
Today, collectors scour flea markets, antique shops, and auctions in search of these relics of a bygone era. Prices for rare or well-preserved examples can command significant sums, with some collectors amassing impressive collections spanning multiple themes and brands. In addition to their value as collectibles, antique signs offer a window into the past, providing insights into the advertising techniques, cultural trends, and technological advancements of previous generations.
As interest in vintage advertising continues to grow, the legacy of antique signs remains intact, serving as both artifacts of history and prized possessions for collectors passionate about preserving the past. Whether displayed in a museum, a private collection, or a nostalgic corner of a home, these signs continue to captivate audiences and evoke memories of a bygone era.
Below are a few examples of TOC advertising signs:
