Crush soda advertising — particularly character-driven examples featuring “Crushy” — represents one of the more colorful segments of mid-century beverage signage.
While often overshadowed by Coca-Cola collections, vintage Pepsi advertising signs, popular retro 7Up soda signage, and classic Americana from Mid Century life.
Finding authentic signs from 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s soda fountains, candy shop, and retro diner collectibles and memorabilia including national and smaller regional brands selling antique or vintage drive-in Root Beer signs.
Original Orange Crush Soda porcelain & real neon pieces are just as striking and, in some cases, rarer. In fact, one of the highest priced soda signs ever sold was created by Crush featuring Crushy.
This guide breaks down the history, construction, authentication tips, and what affects value when buying or evaluating a Crush soda sign.
When collectors search for Crush soda signs for sale or Orange Crush neon signs, they’re usually looking for two things: Authenticity and Visual Impact.
Crush launched Orange Crush in 1911.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the brand had expanded nationally and invested heavily in eye-catching signage for drugstores, diners, and roadside Americana like those littered along USA’s most famed highway, the infamous and nostalgic Route 66.
Crush leaned into bold color psychology.
Bright orange backgrounds weren’t accidental — they were designed to stand out from across the street and reinforce flavor identity instantly.
During the mid-century period, Crush introduced playful character advertising, including the figure collectors often refer to as “Crushy.” These character pieces are among the most visually dynamic examples in soda advertising.
If you are actively searching for:
The most common sources include:
Specialty advertising and petroliana auctions occasionally feature soda signage, including Crush examples.
Reputable dealers with documented expertise in porcelain enamel signs are safer than random marketplace listings.
Private collections can yield higher-quality examples, though verification is critical.
For collectors who want the look and feel of authentic porcelain without paying original auction premiums, properly constructed kiln-fired reproductions are often the most practical option.
The key distinction is material — not simply artwork.
Nobody wants a sign that looks good online and disappoints them when it arrives. That’s why Porcelain Advertising is dedicated to providing true enthusiasts and those who appreciate true craftsmanship and authentic quality an option that never existed prior at a price customers can afford.
Support our mission to bring back vintage quality craftsmanship by recreating nostalgic imagery and designs step-by-step like the original signage the USA was known for, to not simply honor and celebrate those who shaped the advertising industry throughout Mid Century life.
👉🏼 How To Spot Cheap Neon & Porcelain Reproductions (Before You Buy)
Our goal is simple; to preserve the traditional crafts using authentic materials to create a premium handcrafted vintage replica or reproduction that feels original, because it is.
Don’t settle for the mass produced copies flooding the market and auction houses nationwide. Buy American and help us remind everyone, despite the rise of AI and technological advances;
Our Mission: We believe some things never should’ve changed and we’re bringing back true craftsmanship and authentic handcrafted quality made with genuine materials for a piece that looks right but more importantly feels right.
For those who remember when “American Made” used to mean something.
Character-based advertising often commands more attention than simple logo panels.
Crushy signs typically feature:
From a display standpoint, these pieces work well in:
Character signage adds personality beyond branding. That visual storytelling increases desirability.
If you’re researching “how much is a Crush porcelain sign worth,” condition drives everything.
Key factors include:
Porcelain examples generally outperform tin litho versions because:
When buyers search for “real Crush porcelain sign” or “authentic Orange Crush sign,” the material matters more than the artwork.
Authentic porcelain enamel signs are:
The orange pigment on true porcelain has dimensional richness. Under light, it reflects differently than aluminum reproductions or modern digital prints.
Modern reproductions frequently use:
These lack the weight, enamel layering, and depth found in genuine porcelain construction.
If you’re researching “how much is a Crush porcelain sign worth,” condition drives everything.
Key factors include:
Porcelain examples generally outperform tin litho versions because:
Larger, double-sided porcelain examples typically bring stronger auction results than small single-sided panels.
Before buying a Crush soda sign, examine:
If a piece feels unusually light or flat, it is likely aluminum or a reproduction.
Be cautious of “aged” signs that show uniform artificial wear. Authentic age tends to show uneven edge chipping and natural oxidation around mounting holes.
👉🏼 How To Tell If a Porcelain Sign Is Real
Crush signage occupies a niche between mainstream soda advertising and specialty character collectibles.
Because most collectors focus on Coca-Cola, high-quality Crush porcelain examples often trade at comparatively lower prices relative to visual impact.
For buyers building:
Crush signage offers bold color and character without the premium associated with more saturated brands.
When buyers search for “real Crush porcelain sign” or “authentic Orange Crush sign,” the material matters more than the artwork.
Authentic porcelain enamel signs are:
The orange pigment on true porcelain has dimensional richness. Under light, it reflects differently than aluminum reproductions or modern digital prints.
Modern reproductions frequently use:
These lack the weight, enamel layering, and depth found in genuine porcelain construction.
If you are searching for:
Focus on construction first, artwork second.
Real porcelain enamel signs offer longevity, gloss depth, and physical presence that reproductions cannot replicate. Whether original or high-quality reproduction made with proper materials, construction integrity determines long-term satisfaction and display quality.
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We keep things simple and honest—just like the signs we make. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our materials, process, shipping, returns, and what makes our porcelain signs different from the rest. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Our signs are crafted using a 20-step vintage finishing technique that ensures authenticity and unmatched quality. Each piece is handmade to replicate the look and feel of original vintage porcelain signs, setting us apart from cheaper, mass-produced reproductions.
No, our signs are high-quality reproductions. We focus on recreating classic designs with the same materials and craftsmanship used in the originals. However, we do not sell them as antiques, and we ask our customers to avoid reselling them as originals.
We use heavy-gauge steel and baked enamel porcelain coatings, just like the original manufacturing methods. This process ensures durability, vibrant colors, and a timeless appearance.
Absolutely not. While our signs are incredibly authentic in appearance, they are modern reproductions. Misrepresenting them as originals violates our values and transparency as a company.
Yes, we do offer custom designs, and you will have the exclusive rights to your design. Please inquire via email at support@porcelainadvertising.com for more information.
Shipping is Free.
We carefully package each sign to prevent damage during transit. Shipping is handled through trusted carriers, and tracking information is provided once your order ships.
Returns are FREE and accepted for any reason within 30 days for either a refund of the purchase price or an exchange if available. We even cover return shipping costs.
Simply wipe your sign with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to protect the enamel finish.
Yes, we are able to offer direct wholesale pricing and dropshipping capabilities. Please contact us via email at support@porcelainadvertising.com for more information.
Feel free to reach out to us via email at support@porcelainadvertising.com or use our Contact Us page for inquiries. We’re here to help!
