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
Related Posts -
Collecting Tiki Hawaiian Décor Memorabilia There are a wide variety of relics and Hawaiian décor pieces that hail from the tiki craze, which happened between the 1940s and the 1960s. Collectors seem to get enjoyment from the over the time and often kitschy nature of these items. These items are often purchased, collected and then...... -
Collecting Television Memorabilia Ever since the television became a common item in every household across America, television shows have established themselves as a regular part of our everyday lives. We all have personal favorites when it comes to television shows, and we all try to make an effort to follow those favorite shows...... -
Marilyn Monroe Pictures Collectibles -> Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Autographs - Original: Autographs - Reprints If you are looking for a great collector’s item that is in high demand, one of the hottest items you can find are Marilyn Monroe pictures. These photographs are always popular, but you may not always be...... -
Collecting Vietnam War Memorabilia Finding collectibles that hail from a certain specific area is going to be an easy process if you know where to look and how to look. There are several different factors that are going to come into play when searching for Vietnam War Memorabilia and other types of memorabilia including...... -
Rock and Roll Concert Memorabilia Collecting One of the types of collections that is gaining in popularity right now is collecting concert memorabilia. This is because every band seems to be going on tour these days, and in their wake they are all leaving plenty of autographed concert memorabilia for collectors to snap up, stuff into......
Related Websites -
Vintage Car Collectibles Ever since the beginning of the automotive industry, there have been miniature toy style versions of many popular cars, and these have been popular not only among children but also collectors as well. Vintage car collectibles are toys that make excellent collectibles because they are small and easily capable of...... -
Car Collectibles 101 The word of collectibles is full of a wide variety of different objects and interesting things, including car collectibles for example. What makes collectibles so interesting is that there is something out there for everyone, every taste, every personality, and car collectibles are absolutely no exception to this rule. The...... -
Buying a First Guitar pt 1 Learning how to play the guitar is a hobby that is fun and can last a lifetime. It can be used as an entry into a band, or perhaps even becoming a singer. When you first feel the interest in playing guitar, it is best to get a beginner's guitar...... -
Antique Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds...... -
Find Someone to Help You with the Chores That You Don’t Want to on HireAHelper.com If you make smart decisions with your money and do "rich people" stuff with money long enough, eventually, you're going to become pretty wealthy. If you've been effective with your money long enough and start to see some pretty decent sized numbers piling up in your savings account, you start......
