The value of old metal signs has increased in the past few decades because they have been become highly collectible. People like to use these items as decorative pieces of art, although originally they were used for purposes of marketing. These types of advertising pieces are most commonly found in old barns, stores or homes.
Early Romans used to advertise on the outside of their buildings using paint. Later, in the 1800s and in other areas, this type of advertising transitioned into using wooden signs to show what skills, trade or products were offered inside. When products began to be mass produced, marketing gurus decided to create signage out of metal and give it to the shop owners for display.
In the early 1900s, most signs were made of tin as it was found to be highly durable. Later, steel was used as there was a much larger supply and seemed to hold up even better. Marketers highlighted certain types of products, the price and the purpose by stamping and painting these materials. Once World War II began, metal was considered highly valuable and the items ceased to be produced any longer.
After the war, this type of marketing found a new material to serve its purpose in plastic. Metal signs, therefore, became highly collectable. Today, many people travel around and seek out these old signs for decoration within their home or on their property. The values have continued to rise over the years.
You should be careful when seeking out these types of antiques that you do not accidently end up with a replica. Whenever a product becomes popular amongst collectors, replicators will seek to make items that closely resemble the real thing. They will even go so far as to make it look worn and add some rust. These copies, however, are not highly valuable like the real ones are.
You may wish to have your sign restored, or you may wish to leave it in its original state. This really depends on whether you feel that restoration adds value or detracts from it. Some people are of the mindset that original is best, no matter what the shape it is in. Others, however, believe that the antique should look as good as possible.
You should be very careful when cleaning one of these pieces of marketing history, so that you do not take any more of the paint off. You want to only use a small amount of dish soap and warm water when cleaning. Gently wipe the soiled area of the piece, quickly removing the soapy water with a clean, dry cloth after.
Individuals that are looking to decorate their home or yard with these types of old metal signs should be able to find them highlighting several different products and brands. Although these marketing pieces were popular before WWII, the fact that they ceased to be made after rendered them antiques. Collectors should be careful not to be fooled by replicas and should be very careful when cleaning, so as not to further damage the item.
Early Romans used to advertise on the outside of their buildings using paint. Later, in the 1800s and in other areas, this type of advertising transitioned into using wooden signs to show what skills, trade or products were offered inside. When products began to be mass produced, marketing gurus decided to create signage out of metal and give it to the shop owners for display.
In the early 1900s, most signs were made of tin as it was found to be highly durable. Later, steel was used as there was a much larger supply and seemed to hold up even better. Marketers highlighted certain types of products, the price and the purpose by stamping and painting these materials. Once World War II began, metal was considered highly valuable and the items ceased to be produced any longer.
After the war, this type of marketing found a new material to serve its purpose in plastic. Metal signs, therefore, became highly collectable. Today, many people travel around and seek out these old signs for decoration within their home or on their property. The values have continued to rise over the years.
You should be careful when seeking out these types of antiques that you do not accidently end up with a replica. Whenever a product becomes popular amongst collectors, replicators will seek to make items that closely resemble the real thing. They will even go so far as to make it look worn and add some rust. These copies, however, are not highly valuable like the real ones are.
You may wish to have your sign restored, or you may wish to leave it in its original state. This really depends on whether you feel that restoration adds value or detracts from it. Some people are of the mindset that original is best, no matter what the shape it is in. Others, however, believe that the antique should look as good as possible.
You should be very careful when cleaning one of these pieces of marketing history, so that you do not take any more of the paint off. You want to only use a small amount of dish soap and warm water when cleaning. Gently wipe the soiled area of the piece, quickly removing the soapy water with a clean, dry cloth after.
Individuals that are looking to decorate their home or yard with these types of old metal signs should be able to find them highlighting several different products and brands. Although these marketing pieces were popular before WWII, the fact that they ceased to be made after rendered them antiques. Collectors should be careful not to be fooled by replicas and should be very careful when cleaning, so as not to further damage the item.
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