Friday, May 24, 2013

Collectors Are Now Collecting Antique Advertising Signs

By Vicki Diaz


As people try to revisit history, collecting antique advertising signs has become popular. There are those depicting a particular brand that a person likes. Some even collect particular types or styles. There is a huge variety from which to choose. Prices vary as much as do styles. You can expect to pay from just a few dollars up to thousands. Their size may make them a bit awkward to collect, but that doesn't deter true diehards of this particular collectible.

Some people want to collect everything they can about a particular brand. Drink product brands are always popular. Many like to collect old cigarette advertisements. Car parts, car models, and old medicines are just some of the types collected. Their prices vary based on condition, popularity, and the scarcity of the item.

Some go for particular types of materials, such as neon, or glass, porcelain, or metal. Condition often doesn't matter. The older an item is, generally the higher the price and the more popular. However, if condition severely suffers, price will be negatively impacted. So, age, condition, product, and material all combine to help determine the value of any one item.

Popular reality shows have caused a resurgence in all things vintage. Signs are no exception. As these reality TV programs show collectors digging out old, imperfect items and getting or giving top dollar for them, people begin to realize that there may be a treasure in old things out in the barn or shed. They may not have thought about them before, but begin to desire collecting them.

There are a variety of materials from which these items are made. There are porcelain, neon, and tin. Some collectors only want one particular type of material, while others collect any of them. Different factors affect the value in either case. Age and scarcity are two very important ones. Manufacture was between 1900 and 1960, but during the war in the 1940's, not many were manufactured because materials were scarce. This makes any item from that time period even more valuable.

The condition of an item is a huge determining factor. They were typically hung outside and not taken care of, so are normally in bad condition. Thus, when an item in a good condition is obtained, it is even more valuable. When purchasing your desired items, it is important to recognize factors that affect it value so you don't pay more than the item is worth.

You can find many avenues for obtaining new additions to your collection. Digging them out for yourself is one option. This usually means little or no cost to you, especially if it is your own barn or shed. Auctions are another excellent option. Some specialize in only signs, or in one particular type or brand. Online auctions are another source for adding to your collection.

Authenticity of antique advertising signs is an important consideration. Many times unscrupulous persons will try to mimic aged items, but these are fakes. Learn to know the distinguishing characteristics of truly authentic items so you can check that you are for sure getting what you think you are.




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