Small framed Joyner Coal & Coke advertising thermometer with cottage landscape art, warm aged frame wear, and strong 1930s-1950s display appeal.
Details
• What it is: Framed advertising picture thermometer for Joyner Coal & Coke Company, Saginaw, Michigan
• Era: Likely 1930s–1950s based on the four-digit phone number on the back and the period advertising style noted for these framed thermometer displays
• Size: 6 x 5 inches
• Materials: Wood frame, glass front, printed scenic insert, mounted thermometer element, cardboard back
• Advertising text on back: Joyner Coal & Coke Company, Downtown Office – 100 North Washington Ave., Eddy Building; Yard – 6th Street Dock; Saginaw, Mich.; “Highest Quality Pocahontas and Soft Coals” and “Exclusive Dealers for Wyandotte Coke”
Style notes:
• Artwork: European-style cottage landscape with tall cypress trees, lake view, flowering garden, and a warm yellow roof
• Color palette: Deep brown and gold-toned frame, soft blue sky and water, vivid green lawn, cream cottage, and golden ochre roof
• Texture / finish: Glossy glass front with a timeworn painted wood frame showing visible edge wear and finish loss
Notes: This type of scenic framed advertising thermometer was a popular mid-century promotional display format, and Newton Manufacturing of Newton, Iowa is well documented as a maker of similar advertising thermometers and framed examples
Suggested uses: Shelf display, wall display, Michigan advertising collection, coal and fuel memorabilia, small office or study decor, cottagecore or farmhouse vignette with a vintage twist
Condition Grade: Good
Positives:
• Glass front is present and the picture displays well
• Scenic cottage image is still bright and attractive for display
• Backing is intact and the company advertising text remains readable
• Hanging loop is present on the back
• Compact size makes it easy to display on a wall, shelf, or easel
Issues / Wear:
• Thermometer is not working
• Noticeable frame wear with rubbed edges, paint loss, finish wear, and age-darkening throughout
• Visible glare in the photos is from lighting, but there also appears to be light surface wear and a faint line/scratch visible under the glass at the upper left area
• General age wear to the back paperboard, including discoloration and small edge wear around the retaining points
• Overall wear is consistent with age and long-term use, and it is being sold primarily as a decorative advertising collectible rather than a functional thermometer
Collector’s Notes
This is a nice small piece of regional advertising with strong everyday-history appeal. Coal and coke thermometers like this bridge home decor and industrial history in a way that fits especially well with collectors of Michigan advertising, fuel memorabilia, and framed promotional pieces from the mid-century period.
A character-rich find for someone who enjoys useful old advertising even when the function is gone.
Please review all photos closely—they’re part of the description and show the exact item you’ll receive
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
∙Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
