Hi, a new user here! just wanted a bit of advice about enamel signs, if possible.  I just wondered if the colour can fade on enamel signs, or appear bleached out if they have been left out for many years? many thanks, Colin

Yes they certainly can, pictures are particularly prone to being burn't out- remember these signs have been outside in all weathers, sometimes for over a hundred years. They have survived world wars and fog/smog which  was acompanied by the acid rain of industrial pollution, way before the clean air act and the banning of coal burning fires in cities.

Thanks, The reason I ask is that I think I have one of the actual signs in this old pic, but the 'Blue Cross Teas' writing does not appear black on mine, but there are traces of faded colour on the lettering, particularly round the edge.

 

Good answer Batleycar1...Col is there anyway you can post a picture of the sign plz mate for us to have a look at and then perhaps you can get some more advice on it?? By the way i love that old photo you posted..That dog makes me smile with his head just popping out the cellar..

I had no idea coal fires have been banned in cities? My neighbour is always having one and I/we live in Plymouth!!

Nice story Col..It would be great to think that, that is "the" same enamel that you found on your dads allotment..If i was you mate ide get straight back on them allotments and look for the other one,plus the Sunlight Soap thats on the top left hand side of the window..Good luck..

having looked back at the sign i'm 99% sure it is the one, the bits which are black on the old photo have a faint black outline and a yellowish tint and are rough to the touch, whereas the areas which are white on both do not.  Now i'm wondering if it's the sign on the left or the right! 

There were other signs on the alloment years ago, not the sunlight one or the other Blue Cross one though.  I seem to remember a massive one which entirely formed a shed roof! and I had a brook bond's tea one as well from there. 

Further along on another fence was one which I now recognise as the blue and white Borax one with a picture of a woman on it.

I looked up there recentl and couldn't see any, but it was too overgrown really.