Material guide

Advertising Materials and Construction

Use paper, metal, enamel, wood, glass, cardboard, celluloid, ceramic, and construction evidence to identify originals.

Start with the exact physical object, then narrow by printing, material, date, business, place, originality, and condition.
Material guide

Paper and Cardstock

Fiber, coating, thickness, sizing, brittleness, trimming, mounting, and print interaction.

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Material guide

Tin and Sheet Metal

Lithography, embossing, folded edges, grommets, oxidation, paint, seams, and later decorative reproductions.

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Material guide

Porcelain Enamel

Layered glass enamel, shelving, chips, mounting holes, backs, makers, and modern fantasy signs.

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Material guide

Painted and Carved Wood

Species, joinery, tool marks, paint layers, hanging hardware, weathering, and trade-sign form.

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Material guide

Glass and Reverse-Painted Glass

Window signs, mirrors, jars, globes, reverse paint, gilding, flaking, and replacement backing.

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Material guide

Cardboard and Fiberboard

Easel backs, die cuts, standees, displays, moisture damage, delamination, and replacement supports.

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Material guide

Celluloid

Pocket mirrors, buttons, signs, novelties, cracking, discoloration, flammability, and storage precautions.

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Material guide

Textile Advertising

Feed sacks, banners, aprons, flags, ribbons, pennants, printed cloth, and embroidery.

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Material guide

Ceramic and Stoneware

Jugs, crocks, match strikers, plaques, transfer decoration, impressed marks, and local merchants.

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Material guide

Cast Metal

Iron, brass, bronze, aluminum, trade figures, plaques, banks, hardware, and foundry evidence.

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Material guide

Wooden Crates and Boxes

Stenciling, paper labels, dovetails, nails, brands, fruit, soap, bottles, and shipping context.

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Material guide

Leather Advertising

Wallets, cases, key holders, sample books, embossed logos, and merchant premiums.

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