Saturday, January 25, 2014

Looking For Vintage Signs For Sale

By Judy Sullivan


The difference between antique and vintage signs for sale is three fold. The age of a sign is the most well known, followed closely by subject matter, and whether or not it is the original or a reproduction of an original sign. Another difference is the value or cost of the sign. The value of an original pre-war twenty four gage steel porcelain or enameled sign is infinitely higher than a tin reproduction regardless of how perfectly the sign has been reproduced.

The twenty four gage steel signs are very rare today because after WWII ended they were too expensive to make and the advertising companies used tin in its place. They continued to use enamel paints for enhanced color performance. The tin examples are easier to find than their predecessors because more were produced and displayed after the war ended.

The companies that create the reproductions artificially age them so that they appear to be older than they are. This is accomplished by letting the pieces rust and then punching holes in the corners to facilitate hanging on the wall. Many collectors use these items for decorating the walls in their dens or garages. Cars and automotive related items are some of your most sought out items by collectors.

Vintage signs can be made of nearly anything that can be written on or displayed. There are examples in glass, neon, wood and metal. The artistry that is demonstrated in many of the different motifs can be amazing. The pallets that were used included push plates for doors and hangings for walls made of glass or metal.

Metal is the most popular material for collectors. It is more durable and lasts much longer than some other venues. Most casual collectors do not mind if the sign they purchase is antique or a reproduction. The goal of most is to have a well rounded decor for the den or man-cave. The call for this style of advertising has all but died in the modern world. Never the less, the charm and skilled art of this type of sign will take you back to the days of your youth.

When you are looking for treasures in the form of a metal sign some of the best places to look are yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets. There is always a chance that you will find something of value in any of these locations. Some of the merchandise can be authenticated and shown to be valuable.

When driving around the country side stopping at the little country stores can be a good thing. Many of these stores have buildings with signage nailed to the sides or items that they simply have not removed from the walls inside the store. Asking about whether or not the pieces are for sale may get it for a very reasonable price.

When starting to collect vintage signs for sale the only things you should bear in mind is how much room you have to hang it and how much excess money you have to spend on it. You will be hard pressed to make a mistake and the method you use can be selective or random. Whichever style you use you are sure to find enough signage to satisfy your needs.




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