collecting antiques

Vintage Tin Signs: Decorate and Collect

Filed under: Art

Antique buyers often have specific goals in mind when purchasing vintage tin signs. There are customers who want to obtain tin signs simply for the pleasure of collecting. Other buyers are more interested in incorporating antique tin signs into their decorating motif.

Dean Ferber, owner of No Egrets Antiques and Collectibles, imparts valuable tips for consumers interested in collecting tin signs.

What to Consider
Do you have a special interest, such as antique cars? Consider augmenting a collection or a hobby with signage. Take into consideration the size and location of the space where you will display your vintage finds. Collections can be placed in bedrooms, basements, garages and even in barns. Budget and time frame are significant. Tin signs are prone to rust and are easily reproduced, so buyers must beware. Authentic tin signs range from $300 to $3000, but can soar upward depending upon rarity.

Where to Purchase
Signs are often found as a person is searching for other treasures. They can be discovered anywhere, from open air markets and eBay to upscale showrooms. Dean believes that antique malls and flea markets offer the best chance to find signs in volume. Auctions are for informed collectors with deep pockets, especially if they're well advertised in newspapers or trade magazines. Estate and garage sales are hit and miss propositions. Get there early. The process can be time consuming, yet potentially financially rewarding

Tags: antiques, antiquetinsigns, collecting, collecting antiques, collections, tinsigns, vintagetinsigns