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.
The earliest designs were manufactured in late 19th century Europe from porcelain enamel. Each color of the the powdered glass was fused onto rolled iron and fired, with the designs stenciled on or silkscreened. Later on tin became the most common material used as it was cheaper, and by the 1920's was very popular. Once World War II came, many of both types were collected and melted down during scrap metal drives, that's why only a few remain.
By the 1920's and 1930's neon signage began to emerge as a more common style. These were constructed using hollow tubes of glass which contained neon or another inert gas, and then a current was run through, causing the gas to illuminate. Both small businesses and large companies alike had these designs made, even though they are more fragile and expensive to build.
There are also the cardboard ads for many products and events, most of which date from the mid-twentieth century, as well as the special promotional pieces which were used to hang on shop doors. Some people like to collect any kind of old signage, whereas other narrow the scope of their collecting down to a particular industry.
Unfortunately there are many dishonest sellers who have taken advantage of the popularity of these items by manufacturing and selling knock-offs at prices appropriate for real antiques. At first glance these imitations look genuine, but with more careful examination one can see the differences which set them apart from the authentic pieces.
It's important for the collector to recognize these fakes, as to avoid getting duped. Often the material they are made from is not one which used in the period the sign supposedly dates from. If they state a price of the item being advertised, this too can indicate a replica, as this was not the normal practice to display this information. When a sign has aged naturally there is likely to be chips, rust, pitting and the like here and there, not just a little rusty around the edges. If the buyer sees several copies of one sign, this is usually the biggest hint that they are fakes.
There are also characteristics indicative of a genuine antique. They were manufactured in standard sizes, and usually the paintwork will show brush strokes. The lettering was normally drawn by hand or applied using a hand cut silk screen, so there are typically noticeable irregularities. They also show age marks in an uneven pattern, unlike that which can be duplicated with certain chemicals. The genuine signs were also magnetic, whereas newer duplicates are usually not.
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.
The earliest designs were manufactured in late 19th century Europe from porcelain enamel. Each color of the the powdered glass was fused onto rolled iron and fired, with the designs stenciled on or silkscreened. Later on tin became the most common material used as it was cheaper, and by the 1920's was very popular. Once World War II came, many of both types were collected and melted down during scrap metal drives, that's why only a few remain.
By the 1920's and 1930's neon signage began to emerge as a more common style. These were constructed using hollow tubes of glass which contained neon or another inert gas, and then a current was run through, causing the gas to illuminate. Both small businesses and large companies alike had these designs made, even though they are more fragile and expensive to build.
There are also the cardboard ads for many products and events, most of which date from the mid-twentieth century, as well as the special promotional pieces which were used to hang on shop doors. Some people like to collect any kind of old signage, whereas other narrow the scope of their collecting down to a particular industry.
Unfortunately there are many dishonest sellers who have taken advantage of the popularity of these items by manufacturing and selling knock-offs at prices appropriate for real antiques. At first glance these imitations look genuine, but with more careful examination one can see the differences which set them apart from the authentic pieces.
It's important for the collector to recognize these fakes, as to avoid getting duped. Often the material they are made from is not one which used in the period the sign supposedly dates from. If they state a price of the item being advertised, this too can indicate a replica, as this was not the normal practice to display this information. When a sign has aged naturally there is likely to be chips, rust, pitting and the like here and there, not just a little rusty around the edges. If the buyer sees several copies of one sign, this is usually the biggest hint that they are fakes.
There are also characteristics indicative of a genuine antique. They were manufactured in standard sizes, and usually the paintwork will show brush strokes. The lettering was normally drawn by hand or applied using a hand cut silk screen, so there are typically noticeable irregularities. They also show age marks in an uneven pattern, unlike that which can be duplicated with certain chemicals. The genuine signs were also magnetic, whereas newer duplicates are usually not.
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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