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Identification

Vintage Art Deco Protect-O-Shield Plastic Switch Plate Wall Protector

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The reverse of the item clearly features molded text reading 'PROTECT-O-SHIELD' and 'PAT. NO. 1790225'. This specific patent was granted in January 1931 for a wall protector, firmly dating the piece to the 1930s or 1940s.

Story

Manufactured by Gits Molding Corp of Chicago under the 'Protect-O-Shield' brand. Patent 1790225 was granted in 1931, placing this firmly in the Art Deco period of the 1930s-1940s. These were early mass-produced plastic homewares designed to protect wallpaper from dirty hands. The secondary market for vintage architectural salvage and homewares is driven by restorers and interior designers looking for period-accurate details.

Maker / Origin

Protect-O-Shield

Condition & Value

Based on the evidence state, the item appears generally intact with clear molded lettering on the reverse. There is potential blue paint residue on the back edge, which is common for salvaged architectural items and usually doesn't impact the front display value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for vintage architectural salvage and homewares is driven by restorers and interior designers looking for period-accurate details. Art Deco plastic switch plates by Gits Molding Corp (Protect-O-Shield) are moderately common but have a highly specific appeal. Single plates move steadily but at low price points; matching sets or rare colors (like seafoam green or baby pink) command premiums and sell much faster.

Value Drivers

▲ Clear Protect-O-Shield molded branding and 1931 patent number guarantee authenticity and period accuracy.

▲ Classic stepped Art Deco ziggurat design appeals strongly to period restorers.

▲ Verified comparable sales establish a firm $15 baseline for single plates.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the inner opening does not fit standard modern or period toggle switches, utility value drops significantly.

▼ Potential hairline cracks or chips (pending confirmation) would severely impact display value.

▼ Single plates are harder to sell to buyers needing to outfit a whole room, limiting upside compared to matching sets.

Best Venue

List on eBay or Etsy, as these platforms have the strongest audience for vintage architectural salvage and small homewares. Include the exact dimensions of the outer shield and the inner switch opening to ensure buyers can verify fit. Price around $15 for a steady sale, or bundle with similar plates if available.

Upside Potential

If this plate is part of a larger matching set (not currently pictured) or is a rare pastel color rather than standard ecru/white, the value would shift toward the $30-$50 range for a bundled lot.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay
    Vintage GITS Molding Corp. 2 Gang Combo Switch Outlet Light Blue Pastel
    Link could not be verified.
    $20
  • Etsy
    Vintage Bakelite Switch Plate Cover / Ivory Cream Art Deco single Light Switch Cover ribbed smoothie old house parts
    Different material (Bakelite) and not Protect-O-Shield brand.
    $13
  • Etsy
    Vintage Brown Bakelite Triple Rocker Switch Cover, Ribbed Uniline Wall Plate
    Different material (Bakelite), brand, and configuration (triple rocker).
    $12
  • eBay
    Antique Light Switch Cover Art Deco/Southwestern look Vintage Protect-o-shield
    Link could not be verified.
    $10
  • eBay
    Protect-O Shield / Protecto Shield Light Switch Surround Switch Plate Antique
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Retro on 8th
    Vintage Deco Switch Plate Covers
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • eBay
    4 Vtg Blue Art Deco De Luxe Protect-O-Shield Light Switch / Outlet Plate Covers
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Etsy
    Vintage Art Deco Light Switch Plate Covers, Set of 4 Protect-o-shield Art Nouveau Light Switch Shields, Hollywood Regency Design
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price