Until the middle of the 20th century, enamel signs were the primary advertising medium. This involved using powered glass in paint which was fused by firing between 750 and 850 °C (1,380 and 1,560 °F). The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. They were weather-proof and very hard-wearing.
Benjamin Baugh created the first purpose-built factory for making such signs in Selly Oak in 1889 — the Patent Enamel Company.
During WW2, metal was in high demand. Many enamel signs were recycled. After WW2, new cheaper forms of advertising had been established which replaced the enamel advertising sign.
The old enamel sign remains one of the most popular items we sell.
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