Collection: Vintage Metal Signs

In today’s market, the industry is unfortunately flooded with cheap reproductions. You will even see these vintage reproductions in some antique centres, which usually have a glossy finish and appear brand new (because they are.) They, of course, offer an affordable alternative but remain far from the real deal.

Due to the rising value of original metal signs and antique metal signs, there will be times when reproductions will be attempted to be passed off as originals.

To the untrained eye, it may be hard to differentiate between an authentic vintage sign and a reproduction.

Luckily, there are some telltale signs to look out for.

When authenticating vintage metal signs, there are a few key indicators to check.

One of the most prominent telltale signs is the finish of the product. When it comes to original enamel and metal signs, there should be a clear feeling of layering when touched. In contrast, reproduction signs will have a smooth, glossy, and flush surface.

Another important factor to look at is the rust colour itself. Authentic rusting that results from exposure to the elements over time will have a deep, dark red or black-brown colour. Reproductions will have a bright red rust colour or could even be printed on the surface itself.

A third factor to consider is the grommets and hardware. Authentic signs will have grommets (metal rings around mounting holes) that will often show significant wear and rust due to usage over time. Reproduction signs will have much newer-looking, plated brass-style grommets with little to no wear.

When it comes to the weight, original enamel signs will be much heavier than modern reproductions due to the layers of enamel. Reproductions are usually much lighter.

Vintage metal antique signs will often be dated, which is a simple way to timestamp an item. Although some very good reproductions will attempt to copy these timestamps. When looking at these stamps, check for any misspellings or font misalignments.

Lastly, when it comes to authenticating a vintage metal antique sign, make sure to use the internet to your advantage. Using tools such as Google Lens will help you to do comparisons with similar items online. By doing this, you can identify any similarities and differences. This should help to give you a better understanding of the legitimacy of the vintage sign in question.

Whilst it may seem difficult to differentiate between an authentic vintage American sign and a reproduction, using some of the tips above should put you in good standing to come to a clear conclusion.

Antique advertising signs can vary massively in price. Genuine vintage metal signs that are from iconic brands are very likely to command a high price.

A general rule of thumb to follow is that the older and more iconic the brand is, the more you can expect to pay. Other variables that can come into play are the condition, scarcity, and the unique specific history of the vintage sign. 

Due to the age of many of these vintage American signs, it is likely to find them with at least some wear and tear. Many vintage metal signs, especially enamel ones, are built to stand harsh conditions outside. And whilst this wear and tear is part of a vintage sign’s charm, sometimes restoration will be required. 

To do a basic, yet solid, cleaning of a vintage metal sign, you can simply use washing-up liquid, warm water, and a cloth. 

Simply mix the washing liquid into the warm water in a bucket or a similar utensil. Then, using the cloth or sponge, dip it into the water and squeeze out any excess water. Finally, wipe down the surface, applying light pressure. For harsher stains, you can use a soft-bristle brush. Finish off by rinsing the sign clean with water to remove any soap suds. And then dry off with a towel or dry cloth to prevent spots or streaks. 

Of course, for much more stubborn stains or marks, using something stronger than washing-up liquid will be required. However, be sure to do your due diligence before applying it to the sign (avoid products such as bleach or those that are ammonia-based). You can always test it out on a small inconspicuous area first, before applying it to the rest of the sign. 

To remove rust, there are specific rust-removal products available to purchase. However, once again, ensure to do your due diligence first before applying anything to the vintage metal sign.