Collecting antique signs is quite popular. According to IBISWorld, the online collectibles and antique sales market should increase by 5.3% in 2023. Are you thinking about starting a collection? The world of antique signage can feel overwhelming if you're a newcomer, but there are ways to find what you truly want. Here are a few tips on how to start a collection you'll truly appreciate.

1. Decide What You Want

Before you do anything else, think about why you want one or more antique signs. Do you own a restaurant with a lot of vintage décor? Maybe your grandfather worked for an auto manufacturer and you want a sign to remind you of him and his hard work. Antique signage is also popular for purely aesthetic reasons; some are just so striking you want to have them in your home. Whatever the reason, it's important to think about this before you take the next step, as your motivations for collecting signs will influence other parts of the sign-collecting process.

To help you know what you want, look online for inspiration. Start with a basic search that shows any and all antique signs. Save any photos that catch your attention and then refine your search. Some signs you may encounter include gas globes, gas pump signage, and neon signs. A lot of signs are known as "country store signage." This is what you probably picture when you think of an antique sign. They're usually made of metal or porcelain and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you want signs for a particular company, include that in your search as well. If possible, save high-quality photos so you can look at any details on the sign.

2. Think About Your Priorities

There are a few different approaches to sign collecting. Some people want a huge collection, which may include antique signs that show more wear and tear. Others prefer to keep a smaller collection of signs in pristine condition. Your priorities may also affect the cost of your collection, so think carefully about how you want to use your budget. If you're looking for signs that are difficult to find, you may not be able to find one in perfect condition right away. If you do find one, the price will probably be higher than a similar sign that's more worn.

3. Look at Your Space

Now that you've found some inspiration and thought about your priorities, it's time to think about where you'll be displaying your collection. Before you do anything else, measure the space. Confirm the absolute maximum width and height, as some antique signs are quite large and may need a lot of room. The last thing you want is to find the sign of your dreams, only to find out that it doesn't fit in your home. You may even want to make a drawing of the walls or recreate the space using drafting software. With a simple model or drawing you can visualize what a sign will look like on the wall.

4. Work With a Reputable Seller

After you've thought about what you really want and where you want to put it, it's time to start looking at available signs. While you could search through local antique stores, this isn't the best method. Local stores may have a good selection of signs from businesses in the area, but what if you want a sign from a company that's on the other side of the country? They probably won't have it. A nationwide antique signs dealer is the best option. They have signs from all over the country and possess knowledge and resources that a local store may not have. They can use their years of experience to find the perfect signs for your home or business.

5. Display Your Signs

You finally have an antique sign collection. Now you just need to put them on display. Your sign dealer may have tips on how to show off your signs without damaging any paint or fragile parts. It's important to secure them to the wall so that they don't fall. Once you've hung up your signs, it's time to enjoy your new collection!

These are just a few tips on starting your journey collecting antique signage. With so many styles and sizes, it's important to have a resource to help you, and Antique Sign Collector strives to be that resource. Call today for more information on buying and selling antique signs.