Philips Radio - Advertising sign - Metal

Philips Radio – Vintage Enamel Advertising Sign – ca. 1930s – Blue / Yellow / Red – approx. 47.5 × 37 cm
1. Object Description
Offered here is an impressive vintage Philips Radio enamel advertising sign, believed to date from approximately the 1930s.
The sign features the classic early Philips colour scheme with a deep blue background, large yellow advertising field and the historic red-and-yellow Philips radio emblem with waves and stars.
With dimensions of approximately:
47.5 × 37 cm
it is a substantial and highly decorative piece of early radio and advertising history.
The front still displays very attractively, with:
- Strong blue, yellow and red colours
- Good enamel gloss
- Large PHILIPS RADIO lettering
- Historic Philips radio emblem
- Four original mounting holes
- Slightly raised / formed enamel construction
The reverse shows clear signs of age, including oxidation, rust spots and old surface traces. These have deliberately not been cleaned, polished or restored, as the aged reverse and patina form part of the character of the object.
There are also small chips and age-related traces around the edges and mounting holes.
Considering its age, the visible front remains particularly attractive and suitable for display.
Condition
The sign is offered in original, unrestored vintage condition.
There are:
- Minor enamel losses
- Small chips around some mounting points
- General age-related surface traces
- Rust and oxidation on the reverse
- Minor wear to edges and corners
No attempt has been made to artificially improve or restore the patina.
The photographs are an essential part of the description and show the actual condition in detail.
Please inspect all images carefully before bidding.
2. Philips Radio and the History of the Design
Philips is one of the most important names in the history of European radio, electronics and industrial design.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1891, the company initially specialised in electric lighting before expanding into radio technology during the early decades of the twentieth century.
By the 1920s and 1930s, radio had become one of the most exciting new technologies in European households, and Philips developed into one of the leading manufacturers of radio receivers, valves and broadcasting equipment.
Advertising from this period played an important role in establishing the Philips name across Europe.
The famous Philips radio emblem with its waves and stars became one of the company’s most recognisable visual motifs. The waves represented radio transmission, while the stars reinforced the idea of technological progress and modern communication.
This enamel sign reflects exactly that era of early mass communication, when brightly coloured advertising signs were mounted outside radio dealers, electrical shops and authorised Philips retailers.
Its strong primary colours and bold typography are characteristic of inter-war commercial design and make the sign not only attractive to Philips collectors, but also to collectors of:
- Historic advertising
- Enamel signs
- Radio and broadcasting memorabilia
- Industrial design
- European commercial graphics
- Vintage shop decoration
Age and attribution
Based on its design, dimensions, construction and visible ageing, the sign is believed to be an early vintage Philips advertising sign, approximately from the 1930s.
No independent laboratory analysis or specialist authentication has been carried out, so the age is stated to the best of the seller’s knowledge and based on the physical characteristics of the object.
3. Shipping
The enamel sign will be packed very carefully.
Because old enamel can chip if struck or bent, particular attention will be paid to protecting:
- All four corners
- The edges
- The mounting holes
- The enamelled front surface
The sign will be wrapped in several protective layers and placed between rigid protective material before being packed in a strong outer carton.
Shipping will be:
- Insured with DHL
- With online tracking
- Carefully and securely packed
The sign will not be cleaned, polished or treated before shipping, so the buyer receives it in the same unrestored condition shown in the photographs.
In the unlikely event of transport damage, the buyer is requested to photograph the unopened parcel, shipping label, packaging and item before disposing of any packaging material and to report the matter promptly through Catawiki.
4. Private Sale, Condition and Liability
This item is offered as a private sale from a private collection.
It is an old advertising object and therefore naturally shows traces of age, use, storage, oxidation and weathering.
These characteristics are expressly part of the condition of the object and are clearly documented in the photographs.
No restoration has been carried out by the seller.
The stated age and attribution are given to the best of the seller’s knowledge and belief. No independent certificate of authenticity or laboratory age determination is available.
The photographs form an integral part of the description and condition report. Please inspect all photographs carefully before placing a bid.
The statutory liability for defects is excluded to the extent permitted by law. No additional guarantee or warranty is provided.
This exclusion does not apply to fraudulently concealed defects, expressly assumed guarantees, intentional or grossly negligent conduct, or liability for injury to life, body or health.
No voluntary return or exchange is offered. Mandatory legal rights and the applicable Catawiki buyer-protection rules remain unaffected.
A striking piece of early Philips advertising history, combining strong inter-war graphic design with the authentic patina of an old enamel sign — a highly decorative object for collectors of Philips, radio history and vintage advertising.