Vintage Shell Enamel Advertising Sign

Item Description

A Shell Stop double-sided enamel pediment sign, 60cm x 45cm.

One of several vintage enamel advertising signs on offer at this month's Antiques & Interiors Sale.

Are enamel signs worth anything?

Enamel signs that feature well-known brands can be very valuable, especially when in good condition, and the older, of course, the better. Vintage enamel advertising signs all but vanished after the 1950s due to advancements in printing, and those that were made prior to World War II seem to be the most coveted. Any featuring brands with a unique and interesting history hold the most value. The more iconic the brand, the more sought-after the sign, automotive brands such as Shell and popular food and drink brands such as Coca-Cola, and other consumables like Sunlight Soap can fetch a good price at auction. These classic and timeless signs are very collectable and will likely continue to increase in value should the trend continue. 

How to tell if an enamel sign is original?

Identifying original enamel signs can be tricky, as reproductions can be very good. There are a few things to always look out for. The condition of the sign is a good place to start. The signs should be in a used condition and should show age-appropriate wear, such as dents and rusting. Pay close attention to the mounting holes as they would have been pre-drilled, and the likelihood of rust residue is likely to remain from the bolts. Enamelled paint fades very slowly, so if it is very faded, it is likely a reproduction. Another key feature of an original is the weight. Original signs were made from cast steel and should feel dense and solid. Other things to look out for are the logos themselves, cross-referencing with online sources depicting the logos through the brand's history to verify its authenticity. And lastly, look out for any maker's marks and date stamps and ensure they match the style and content of the design they appear alongside.

Get a free no-obligation valuation from an expert

RWB Auctions offers monthly Antiques and Interiors Sales with a low seller's commission rate of 10% + VAT. This includes full cataloguing, expert photography and marketing of your items, and you will be kept up to date throughout your auction journey. So, if you have any signs you think might just be authentic, and you'd like to see how much they might fetch at auction, visit our Royal Wootton Bassett, High Street offices for a free valuation on a Monday or a Tuesday or drop us an email to office@rwbauctions.com and we can take it from there.