
Vintage Thermometers
Vintage advertising thermometers are thermometers that were used to advertise businesses, products, or services. These thermometers were typically made of metal or other durable materials and featured the name or logo of the business or product being advertised. The history of advertising thermometers dates back to the early 20th century, when thermometers became more widely available and affordable.
Advertising thermometers were often used to advertise businesses, such as hardware stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. These thermometers were prized for their ability to attract attention and were often displayed in a prominent location, such as the front window of a store or on the counter. Over time, advertising thermometers became less popular as other forms of advertising, such as billboards and television commercials, became more widespread.
Old Advertising Thermometers
Porcelain advertising thermometers are highly sought after and always on demand with collectors. Nowadays we have smart phones that can easily tell us the temperature. It wasn’t as easy in the 50’s and 60’s which is why many companies, along with creating advertising signs, made advertising thermometers. They knew that people, when stopping to acquire the temperature, would also look upon their advertised product. It was a great business proposition, not one that would work in today’s industry. It’s a sad fact that these vintage thermometers will never see an industrial use again. Their beauty is sometimes beyond words which make these porcelain thermometers very collectible.
Vintage Thermometers for Sale
Today, vintage advertising thermometers are highly sought after by collectors and are considered to be a form of folk art. These collectors value the history and nostalgia associated with advertising thermometers and are often willing to pay high prices for rare and unique examples.
Collecting vintage advertising thermometers can be a rewarding hobby for those who appreciate the history and design of these functional objects. These thermometers not only serve a practical purpose, but they also offer a glimpse into the past and provide a sense of nostalgia. Vintage advertising thermometers are an interesting and unique collectible that are sure to delight any seasoned collector or newbie.
Antique Thermometer Appraisals
At Porcelainsigns.com, we believe we are the best resource for those looking to get their vintage thermometers appraised. We offer free appraisals, making it easy and affordable for collectors to determine the value of their pieces. The process is simple, all you have to do is send a few clear photos of your vintage thermometer to us via email or text, and our team of experts will provide you with an estimated price. With our knowledge and expertise in the field, you can trust that our appraisals are accurate and fair.
How Accurate Were Thermometers in the 1800s?
The accuracy of thermometers in the 1800s varied depending on the quality of the instrument and the method of calibration. Early thermometers, such as those invented by Galileo in the 17th century, were often not very accurate, with errors of several degrees Fahrenheit. However, by the 1800s, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques had led to the development of more accurate thermometers. The best thermometers of the time were accurate to within about 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which was sufficient for many scientific and industrial applications.
What is the Oldest Thermometer?
The oldest thermometer on record is a water thermometer that was invented by the Greek philosopher and scientist, Hippocrates, in the 5th century BC. This thermometer consisted of a glass tube filled with water, with calibrated markings on the side to indicate temperature. However, this device was not very accurate and was superseded by later inventions, such as the air thermometer invented by Galileo in the 17th century.
Below are just a few examples of collectible gas pump globes.
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Are There Still Mercury Thermometers?
Yes, mercury thermometers are still used in some industries, such as in scientific research and in some medical applications. However, due to concerns about the toxicity of mercury, many countries have banned the sale of mercury thermometers, and alternatives such as alcohol or digital thermometers are now widely used.
What are the 4 Types of Thermometers?
The four main types of thermometers are:
- Mercury-in-glass thermometer: This type of thermometer uses a column of mercury to measure temperature.
- Digital thermometer: This type of thermometer uses electronic sensors to measure temperature and displays the results digitally.
- Infrared thermometer: This type of thermometer measures temperature by detecting the infrared energy emitted by an object.
- Bimetallic thermometer: This type of thermometer uses two different metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion to measure temperature.