Porcelain advertising signs have a long and fascinating history. The earliest known porcelain signs date back to the late 1800s, when they were used to advertise products such as soap, tobacco, breweries, and patent medicines. These early signs were often hand-painted and featured simple designs and bold text.
The Golden Age of Porcelain Signs began in the early 1900s, porcelain signs began to be mass-produced using new printing techniques. This allowed for the creation of more detailed and colorful designs, and led to a surge in popularity of porcelain signs as a form of advertising. Many of these signs featured images of popular products such as Coca-Cola, and Pepsi.
During the 1920s and 1930s, porcelain signs continued to evolve and became even more popular. Many signs featured Art Deco designs and were used to advertise a wide range of products, including automobiles, gasoline, and even political candidates.
By the 1940s and 1950s this advertising medium saw a decline in the popularity of porcelain signs as newer forms of advertising, such as television, began to take center stage. However, many porcelain signs from this period still survive and are highly sought after by collectors.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in porcelain signs as nostalgia for the “good old days” of advertising began to grow. Many of these signs featured images of vintage products and were popular with both collectors and businesses looking to add a retro touch to their decor.
Below are a few porcelain enamel advertising manufacturers:
In recent years, porcelain advertising signs have become increasingly popular with collectors, who prize them for their historical significance and striking designs. Many of these signs have become highly valuable, with some selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. These signs are not only a window into the past, but also a reflection of the advertising industry and the products and brands that have shaped our culture. They continue to be fascinating and highly sought after collectibles today.
In conclusion, advertising signs have a long and rich history, from the early hand-painted signs of the late 1800s to the mass-produced, colorful signs of the mid-20th century. They remain a popular collectible today, with many highly prized for their historical significance and striking designs.
Here are a few examples of enamel signs:
