I was contacted by a guy from a traveling antique show, (not one I heard of before). Anyway, they have this bowling pin/ sign thing they want me to appraise. I honestly have no idea what it's worth, and of course, as age and pessimism, (or is that a "Healthy dose of skepticism"?) set in, my first reaction is that it's worth what you can get for it. I can tell them what it would cost to duplicate, but that's of limited value. Who knows, maybe there's a big demand for vintage signs that I'm not aware of. Anybody know where I can investigate this possible trend? I know it looks homemade, but does anyone here want to gander a guess at value? That is after the 20 replies about the subtle beauties of the lettering and layout; go ahead have fun. But really what's an uninitiated guy to do? thanks for any help. Edit:Having a real hard time inserting a pic, or link, so here's the address: http://www.donahuesignarts.com/?q=node/494
[ January 10, 2014, 12:58 AM: Message edited by: James Donahue ]
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
For whatever reason, I couldn't add a picture, or even a link to one, so I'll try in a reply: Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
How big is it? What is it made of? It does kinda look homemade. A while back I was brousing around a antique shop. I saw an a-frame sign that was once used at a local amusement park. I reconized it because I had thrown it out. It was aged, because it had been banged around for a few years. I even knew the guy who had painted the sign. I think the price was $75. That was about 14 years ago.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
I tell you those American Pickers type of shows pay good money for old Signs...
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
I think it's about 6 feet tall
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
That's odd that they would ask a sign guy instead of an antique dealer. What sign guy sells antique signs anyway?
I'd guess it's worth a lot more than it cost to make it new, just because it's old.
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
Just a thought.
I remember how old I felt the first time I heard Pink Floyd on golden oldies radio. Sooner or later, some of our signs are going to start showing up in antique shops. Yikes.
Posted by Brian Oliver (Member # 2019) on :
Looks pretty rough, actually. I'd price it at $85 American. But that's just me.
Who knows how much someone might be willing to pay for it if it had a nostalgic pull.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Are those Christmas lights? Do they work? Based of some of the stuff the Pickers get into, this thing might be worth a few hundred bucks (but you're going to have to find a "right" buyer).
It appears to be in fairly good, solid condition; and I'm going to assume it's double-sided.
