Collecting Vintage Signs

People collect all kinds of things these days. From cars to salt and pepper shakers, there seems to be a collector for everything. Vintage signs are no exception, they have been collected by people for decades and there is a huge market these days for vintage signs. There are many factors in signs that people collect, some people collect specific company brand signs and some collect only iron, tin or wooden signs. Some have large collections that consist of nothing but vintage road signs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to vintage signs. Years ago it was the only way to advertise products. This article includes a brief overview of the history of signage then follows with some tips on acquiring vintage signs for your self.

In North America, most outdoor signs made between 1890 and 1950 were made out of porcelain enamel. This involved a base of heavily rolled iron, die cut to the desired shape, coated with many layers of powdered glass and then kiln fired. Obviously this process made the outdoor signs durable and weather resistant. This process originated in Germany and was brought over to North America in the later 19th century. North Americans experimented with bright, bold colors and interesting new designs for advertising. Early designs were stenciled; however they switched to silkscreen designs and changed the iron base to tin for price and ease of production. It is almost impossible to find a porcelain enamel sign in good condition these days. Finding one could cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Their rareness is caused by many factors; many were vandalized, discarded or melted down for the metal during the Second World War
After which signs were made of tin and other materials and painted with enamel paint. You come across these vintage types of signs frequently today but will be hard pressed to find one which isn’t rusted, scratched or distressed. Collectors should be aware of distressed reproductions. Vintage signs are stamped with the date they were manufactured, but research and information on vintage signs is always best to discern between real and forgery. So go to your local library, get on the internet or go to bookstores. As with anything collected, you will be better off knowing exactly what you are looking for and what you are not.

Tips for new collectors

1- One of the best resources for obtaining a wide selection of vintage signs is shopping online. Whether it is an auction on EBay, or directly from an antique store, you are sure to find a varied selection for your tastes at the click of a mouse.

2- Garage sales can be a goldmine of vintage signs. There still exist people out there who do not know what the values of their signs are. Alternately, second hand and thrift stores are also a great place to find some treasures. These places are usually a bit savvier, so be on your toes and know what the prices are before going in to barter.

3- Last but certainly not least, go to a roadside diner, old fashioned soda fountain or restaurant when traveling by car. Even if there is no price on the old signs hanging on the wall for décor, you can always ask and make an offer. You would be surprised to find that they might sell it.