Antique enamel signs are fast becoming big business, and knowing whether you’re looking at a dud or six figures can change your life.
To get you started, here are some of the general qualities that affect the value of an enamel sign.
Condition
The better the condition of an original sign, the greater its value.
A sign in near-perfect condition can be worth tens or even hundreds of times more than the same sign in poor condition.
This doesn’t apply to restored signs, however. While restoration can improve a sign’s condition, it generally lowers its value due to the loss of authenticity.
Rarity
As with any collectible, rarity is a big driver of prices.
A rare sign will generally be worth significantly more than a common sign.
The scarcity of a sign can be due to a number of factors: a limited production run, age and damage, or even just high demand.
Size
Bigger can be better, but not always.
Collectors generally prefer medium-sized signs for both practical and aesthetic reasons.
Large signs are often unwieldy and difficult to display, and they can also be quite expensive to transport. Conversely, smaller signs don’t quite have the same presence or visual appeal as their larger cousins.
The most valuable signs are commonly around 28 to 44 inches in size, although the more popular signs are a little smaller (about 20 inches) due to their being easier to display in a home or man cave.
Design and appearance
Unsurprisingly, better-looking signs are generally considered more valuable.
Of course, aesthetic appeal is subjective and varies from person to person, but interesting, colorful, or unique designs are often more desirable and command a correspondingly higher price.
Brand
Though closely related to the appearance and design of a sign, the brand itself can have an impact on the value of a sign.
The popularity and recognizability of a brand can increase the value of a sign, while more obscure brands may be considered less valuable. Top-rated brands with an extensive sign catalogue will often have their own dedicated collectors, which can also drive the price up.
Age
The age of an enamel sign doesn’t significantly impact its value; even an older sign with the same design will generally fetch the same price.
Though some era-specific collectors may be more interested in signs from a particular time period, most collectors are interested in rarity and overall appeal. In most cases, the age of a sign only matters to the extent that it influences other aspects affecting its value.
These are the general qualities that determine the value of a sign, but there’s no hard-and-fast rule. Ultimately, the buyer determines the value of a sign, and they might have a strong preference for a sign, quirks and all.