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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.
Cardboard signage from the mid-1900's is also a collector's item. These were mostly used to advertise various products and events. There are also some other special designs such as those made for doors which are also in demand by collectors. Some concentrate on collecting a specific type of sign from one industry in particular, while others will collect any kind.
One thing the collector must look out for are the many imitations on the market. They resemble the originals but upon close examination show no real signs of aging which one could normally expect of true antiques. They are mass-produced and worth very little, but are often sold as authentic for high prices by unscrupulous sellers.
Different clues can indicate a piece which is not really an antique. The material it is made from may be one which was not used at the time. If the sign shows the price of an item, this is another tip-off, as sellers generally did not post these details. The manner in which it has aged is also something to note, it should show various pits, chip, and rust spots all around, not on the edges alone. Finally, if there are several copies being sold, this is another red flag.
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.
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.
Cardboard signage from the mid-1900's is also a collector's item. These were mostly used to advertise various products and events. There are also some other special designs such as those made for doors which are also in demand by collectors. Some concentrate on collecting a specific type of sign from one industry in particular, while others will collect any kind.
One thing the collector must look out for are the many imitations on the market. They resemble the originals but upon close examination show no real signs of aging which one could normally expect of true antiques. They are mass-produced and worth very little, but are often sold as authentic for high prices by unscrupulous sellers.
Different clues can indicate a piece which is not really an antique. The material it is made from may be one which was not used at the time. If the sign shows the price of an item, this is another tip-off, as sellers generally did not post these details. The manner in which it has aged is also something to note, it should show various pits, chip, and rust spots all around, not on the edges alone. Finally, if there are several copies being sold, this is another red flag.
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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