Antique Colman’s Mustard Enamel Advertising Sign – c.1910s–1920s

I’d date this to the early 20th century, most likely c.1910s–1920s. That dating is supported by the Science Museum Group, which catalogues a very similar blue-on-yellow Colman’s Mustard enamel sign to the 1910s–1920s.

60 cm wide

28 cm tall

Displayed with other items illustration only not included

Colman’s signs have a healthy collector following. A 36 × 24 inch example with moderate wear sold at auction for £175 in October 2025, while stronger-condition examples can go considerably higher. Given the much heavier, wonderfully crusty condition of ours, at £145, seems a very price ( if it was whole could be £300 plus!!!!) this is totally original not reproduction!!!!

Antique Colman’s Mustard Enamel Advertising Sign – c.1910s–1920s

A wonderfully evocative original Colman’s Mustard enamel advertising sign, dating from the early decades of the 20th century and displaying the instantly recognisable bold navy-blue lettering against a vivid mustard-yellow ground.

The sign reads “COLMAN’S MUSTARD” in substantial block lettering, surrounded by a simple dark border. Despite many decades of exposure and use, the yellow and blue enamelling remains remarkably striking and gives the piece enormous decorative presence.

This is very much an “as found” survivor. There is extensive age-related wear including surface scratching, enamel loss, considerable corrosion around the edges and former fixing points, rusting, discolouration and areas of historic surface build-up. The reverse is equally weathered, with oxidation and remnants of old paint and surface deposits.

Rather than detracting from it, the wear gives the sign exactly the sort of authentic, timeworn character sought after in original advertising and industrial salvage. It would look superb displayed in a kitchen, pub, café, restaurant, shop interior, garden room or alongside a collection of vintage enamel signs and advertising memorabilia.

About Colman’s

The story of Colman’s began in Norfolk in 1814, when Jeremiah Colman established his mustard business at Stoke Holy Cross near Norwich. His nephew James joined him in 1823 and the company became J. & J. Colman.

During the Victorian period the business expanded enormously, with production moving to the famous Carrow Works in Norwich. Colman’s became one of Britain’s most recognisable food brands and was an enthusiastic early adopter of large-scale advertising, using posters, railway advertising, promotional material and hard-wearing enamel signs such as this example.

The combination of bright yellow and strong contrasting lettering became particularly effective for outdoor advertising: simple, unmistakable and readable from a considerable distance.

Original Colman’s advertising material is now increasingly collected, particularly substantial enamel signs that retain their genuine weathered surface and have not been artificially restored.

Condition

Original vintage/antique condition with substantial age and weather-related wear. There is considerable enamel loss, rust and corrosion, particularly around the perimeter and fixing areas, together with scratches, marks, staining and historic surface deposits. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

We have deliberately left the sign in its wonderfully weathered, untouched state rather than attempting restoration.

Why we love it

This is exactly how we like old advertising to look. Bold colour, instantly recognisable typography and decades of genuine wear combine to create a fabulous piece of British commercial history. There is no mistaking that it has lived a life.

A superb piece of original advertising for an industrial, vintage or eclectic interior.

As with all our antique and vintage pieces, this item is described to the best of our knowledge. Signs of age, wear and previous use are part of its history and character. Colours may vary slightly according to screen settings.