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.