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Nugget Boot Polish Enamel Signs Price Guide

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Established in 1898 by Paul Fitte and H. C. Lane in Kennington, London, England, the Nugget Polish Company swiftly emerged as a leading boot and shoe polish shoe care company. There range of proved very popular, especially overseas in Australia and New Zealand. Nugget Polish joined forces with the esteemed Chiswick Polish Company, creating Chiswick Products, Ltd. Their polish tins have become collectable, but in this feature we take a look at some Nugget Boot Polish enamel signs examples along with a realised auction Nugget Boot Polish enamel signs price guide.

There are several main styles of sign observed: one with a bright yellow background with black writing; a pictorial example showing a ladies shoe and a boot; and a red background example with white writing..

A Nugget Boot Polish Enamel Advertising Sign Early 20th C
A Nugget Boot Polish Enamel Advertising Sign, Early 20th Century, in black and yellow, 24ins x 48ins. Sold for £220 at Canterbury Auction Galleries, February 2024.

The yellow examples just feature the words NUGGET in bold and the words BOOT POLISH below.

Large original Nugget Boot Polish enamel sign 122cm x 45cm
Large original Nugget Boot Polish enamel sign 122cm x 45cm. Sold for £150 at Reeman Dansie, March 2024.

The pictorial examples advertise the Tiger Brand and features the words “NUGGET” BOOT POLISH, with images of a lady using polish on her black shoe in a circle, another circle featuring tan boots and a tiger roaring to centre.

A rare Nugget Tiger Brand Boot Polish pictorial enamel sign
A rare Nugget Tiger Brand Boot Polish pictorial enamel sign with good gloss, 48 x 24″. Sold for £1,600 at Chippenham Auction Rooms, April 2023.
A Nugget Boot Polish Tiger Brand pictorial enamel sign
A Nugget Boot Polish Tiger Brand pictorial enamel sign with some wear. Sold for £440 at Chippenham Auction Rooms, July 2023.

The signs were made by fusing powdered glass to a steel base at extremely high temperatures, resulting in an exceptionally durable, weather-resistant finish.

A red Nugget Boot Polish Enamel Advertising Sign with white writing
A red Nugget Boot Polish Enamel Advertising Sign with white writing. Sold for £180 at Barry L Hawkins, March 2019.

Reproductions – There are reproductions of the signs being produced. These are actually made to appear to be aged and have wear.

A late 20th century Nugget Boot Polish enamel sign 102cm x 51cm
A late 20th century Nugget Boot Polish enamel sign 102cm x 51cm. Sold for £150 at Bourne End Auction Rooms, April 2024.

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