Vintage Salada Tea Porcelain Advertising Sign
Updated September 3, 2026
| Lot number | 5 |
| Category | Pottery, China & Glass |
| Auction | Santa's Auction #1 |
| Date | September 19, 2026 at 11:30 AM EDT |
| Auction house | Santa's Auction |
| Location | Sacramento, California |
This authentic vintage Salada Tea porcelain enamel advertising sign is an exceptional piece of early general store memorabilia. Designed with a distinctive die-cut perspective border that simulates the company's product box, the sign features bold navy blue lettering reading "SALADA TEA" accompanied by the side panel message "IN METAL PACKETS ONLY." Crafted on heavy-gauge steel with a deep porcelain finish, the piece exhibits excellent gloss and bold contrast, complete with original corner mounting holes and authentic edge wear that underscores its historic authenticity. Founded in Toronto in 1892 by Peter Charles Larkin, the Salada Tea Company revolutionized the tea trade by introducing sealed foil-lined metal packages to protect delicate tea leaves from air and humidity. Before this innovation, tea was commonly sold loose from wooden chests, leading to rapid deterioration. The tagline "In Metal Packets Only" served as Salada's hallmark guarantee of freshness across North America during the early 20th century, making original porcelain signs featuring this iconic slogan highly prized by collectors of antique advertising and Canadiana.
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