Authentic vintage signs have become a popular collector's item in recent years. These charming antiques make wonderful decorations and conversation pieces for one's home or business and are appreciated for their historical value. When looking to buy vintage signs for sale the buyer should keep the following points in mind.
First made from porcelain enamel in late 19th century Europe, these earliest designs had their designs stenciled or silkscreened on and featured separate colors of powdered glass which were fired onto a rolled iron slab. Tin later replaced porcelain as the predominate material used, and was most popular by the 1920's. During World War II many tin and porcelain signs were gathered up and melted down for scrap metal, which explains why there are not a lot left.
Neon signage was seen more prevalently by the 1920's and 1930's. They were made from hollow glass tubes filled with neon or another inert gas with a voltage running through them to illuminate them. Although fragile and costly to manufacture, they continued to be made both for small businesses and large commercial industries.
Some people also collect mid 20th century cardboard advertising posters for assorted products, special events and such, and other unique kinds of signage like those made to be displayed on doors. Many collectors focus their collections on signs from a specific industry, whereas others have a collection of many different types.
The vintage sign collector must be aware that there are many fakes out there being sold as authentic by dishonest sellers. These mass-produced replicas may look genuine, but with closer inspection usually one can spot the differences which set them apart from the real ones.
With so many imposters being sold, the buyer must know how to distinguish them from the genuine ones. Sometimes the type of material used, would not have been used at the time it claims to be from. A price listed, is another indication the piece is fake, as these details were not usually shown. A truly aged sign will show rust, chips, pitting and such throughout, not just on the edges, which is a trick some sellers use to make a new sign look weathered. If there are many copies of the same sign for sale, this is another hint that it is fake.
Authentic signs show slight irregularities in the lettering as they were either done by hand or using a hand cut silk screen. Brush strokes will usually be visible, and they were made in standard sizes. True aging happens unevenly, rather than evenly like those which are "aged" using chemicals, producing an even effect. Old metal signs are magnetic too, as opposed to knock-offs made of enamel painted aluminum.
Vintage signs for sale can be quite pricey items. However it is possible to find the occasional bargain. Buyers can check out auctions and online auctions, antique stores, and also estate or garage sales. Some people do not know the worth of these pieces and will sell them for cheap.
First made from porcelain enamel in late 19th century Europe, these earliest designs had their designs stenciled or silkscreened on and featured separate colors of powdered glass which were fired onto a rolled iron slab. Tin later replaced porcelain as the predominate material used, and was most popular by the 1920's. During World War II many tin and porcelain signs were gathered up and melted down for scrap metal, which explains why there are not a lot left.
Neon signage was seen more prevalently by the 1920's and 1930's. They were made from hollow glass tubes filled with neon or another inert gas with a voltage running through them to illuminate them. Although fragile and costly to manufacture, they continued to be made both for small businesses and large commercial industries.
Some people also collect mid 20th century cardboard advertising posters for assorted products, special events and such, and other unique kinds of signage like those made to be displayed on doors. Many collectors focus their collections on signs from a specific industry, whereas others have a collection of many different types.
The vintage sign collector must be aware that there are many fakes out there being sold as authentic by dishonest sellers. These mass-produced replicas may look genuine, but with closer inspection usually one can spot the differences which set them apart from the real ones.
With so many imposters being sold, the buyer must know how to distinguish them from the genuine ones. Sometimes the type of material used, would not have been used at the time it claims to be from. A price listed, is another indication the piece is fake, as these details were not usually shown. A truly aged sign will show rust, chips, pitting and such throughout, not just on the edges, which is a trick some sellers use to make a new sign look weathered. If there are many copies of the same sign for sale, this is another hint that it is fake.
Authentic signs show slight irregularities in the lettering as they were either done by hand or using a hand cut silk screen. Brush strokes will usually be visible, and they were made in standard sizes. True aging happens unevenly, rather than evenly like those which are "aged" using chemicals, producing an even effect. Old metal signs are magnetic too, as opposed to knock-offs made of enamel painted aluminum.
Vintage signs for sale can be quite pricey items. However it is possible to find the occasional bargain. Buyers can check out auctions and online auctions, antique stores, and also estate or garage sales. Some people do not know the worth of these pieces and will sell them for cheap.
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