Antique and Vintage Telephone Signs

Porcelain telephone signs became common in the late 1800s, as the public needed to be directed to the nearest pay station. Typically blue and white with the Bell System logo (or a red shield for independent telcos), these signs generally featured the name of the local phone company (e.g. New England Telephone) plus a brief mention of their connection with long distance. Porcelain telephone signs are highly collectible, depending on rarity, condition and attractiveness.

Interviews & Articles

Antique Telephone Collector Gary Goff Talks Candlesticks and Desk Sets

How did I get started collecting antique telephones? As a kid I always liked phones, using them, talking on them. As a teenager I … [more]

The Disappearing Art of Porcelain Signs

I liked to collect things even as a child. Things that didn’t cost anything, like different colors of stones. There was somethin… [more]

Signs, Tins, and Other Advertising Antiques

How did I get started collecting advertising antiques? My dad was a lecturer and tutor in graphics and art from the 1960s onwards,… [more]

Uncovering Lost Treasure - Antique Art Deco Telephones In Storage Since 1945

Every collector dreams of being the person to uncover cities of lost gold, the next Tutankhamen's tomb, or if not that, an overgro… [more]



Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)

The Telephone Archive

The Telephone Archive

If you're into old phones, check out this 600-page repository of images and historical information. Includes an ext… [read review or visit site]

Advertising Antiques

Advertising Antiques

This classy looking British site features hundreds of high resolution photos of antique porcelain pre-war (enamel) … [read review or visit site]

Historical Marker Database

Historical Marker Database

If you're the type who pulls over when you see a 'historic marker ahead' sign, you'll love this site. Orchestrated … [read review or visit site]

Pittsburgh Signs Project

Pittsburgh Signs Project

This group artistic effort to catalog the signs of Pittsburgh captures many vintage signs (porcelain, neon, wood, t… [read review or visit site]

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [read review or visit site]



Clubs & Associations: Telephones

Discussion Forums: Telephones

Other Great Reference Sites: Telephones

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