Collecting old streets signs is a hobby for many people. If you choose to deal in old street signs, there are some collection tips and tricks that you’ll want to follow.

Avoid collecting modern/current street signs. Collecting them is a crime, as is selling them, so stay away from teens offering you the latest I-15 highway sign. Chances are they’re vandals trying to profit from their misdeeds.

It may be a good idea to decide on a group of old street signs you’ll be working with. For example, you may want to collect a certain type of signs.

Maybe you want directional arrows or signs with directional arrows included on them. You may want to collect regulatory signs, which are always popular with collectors. Stop signs, yield signs, merge and other regulatory signs are popular among many collectors.

You may also want to collect signs based on time period. Some signs are uniquely individual to a particular time period, and collectors may focus on those from the 40s or the 70s or 60s.

You could also collect street signs from a particular place or area of the country. If you become a collector or a dealer and specialize in a certain type of sign, you can build up a reputation and a returning clientele or build up a stunning collection that becomes a standard for the genre.

If you are planning to keep and display your collection, then consider where the signs will be displayed. Interior walls require you to use extra care, as they may need reinforcement to hold heavy metal signs.

Garages are a popular place to display old street signs. Be sure there is an area that is away from tools or cars so that the signs won’t be damaged by a stray rake or the back fender.

Cleaning or not cleaning old street signs is another decision you’ll make as a collector or dealer. Some collectors like their signs to look bright and new, while others want a little dirt or grease as a way to preserve the nostalgia.

If you decide that cleaning is the way you want to go, then be sure to use a soft cloth, very gentle cleanser, and a hose with low pressure.

Develop a relationship with all the departments of transportation and the traffic control authorities in the area. They generally have the responsibility for all road signs, and may have retained some old street signs as they replaced them.  It’s possible that they are not aware of the value of such signs, and may sell them to you for a low price.

Other places to search are antique shops and flea markets. Sellers at the flea markets who specialize in old street signs will likely charge more for their items, since they are aware that they have a good selection of what collectors want.

However, if that’s how to get old street signs that complete the collection or will make you buyers happy, then it may be the ideal way to expand or begin a collection.

Photo Credits: mosmi

Originally posted 2009-06-07 05:02:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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