Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion PAYING FOR SIGNS

I believe the original question was "Do I buy an ORIGINAL sign that they made a reproduction based on" or do I buy some Original Globes that have not yet been reproduced.
Original rare globes that are not repopped are valueable now, But once they are repopped, just like anything else, The values will change as the actual logo is now everywhere to be seen, rather than only a handful in a few collections.

Globes always scare me, especially since most that I've purchased have come from ebay or other auctions, they always have to be shipped and half the time, even though I tell them how to pack it, it's always a moment of stress when I'm opening the box. Signs on the other hand, no fear. But as the old saying goes...collect what you like. I can tell you this, even with the economy where it is, my car and sign collection have been the best investment I've ever made in comparison to stock, or land investments.
-John

I agree with DB buy what you like and don't worry if it's been repopped as long as what you buy is original. Good condition Powerlube signs have held there value for the most part. Did see a pretty slick dbl sided repop that would fool a lot of people. Repops are part of collecting. This site and it's members are a great source of info when in doubt.

I do have to agree with Road Relics on the glass breakage though. One of the most liked signs that I have is one that I knowingly bought a repro greyhound skin made for neon and used it as my shop night light. Everybody loved that sign, thought it was real and it made me happy even though I knew and told people it was a repro. I have tried to stay away from the smaller porcelain signs that may be repro because I simply can't tell, and they just do not light up. Learned alot about repros from this sight though, and probably now more tempered on buying at a major swap meet or especially the internet with regard to porcelain signs.

KZ:

So if I read between the lines on your postings - you're saying that since the Gilmore/whatever lenses have been reproduced for going on 20 years now, the price is now down on the originals so most people can afford them?

Please . . . original lenses have never been shown to lose any value when MARKED Reproduction lenses have been produced. Quality dated reproductions just allow those individuals that can't afford or won't spend the money for originals to have that image in their collections.

Later . . .

Jim

I will add my opinion which are like a... well everyone has one right. LOL

Reproduction globes marked are great for pump restorers. I know some guys might buy them to display but i would rather have a original dino globe on the shelf than a repop Gilmore. I don't believe reproduction globes hurt original globe prices to much. Now a unmarked reproduction or newly painted globes hurts them bad as people than get scared. I believe that is the case with signs also.

I don't want to get a repop versus original bashing going as we all know where everyone stands on that issue. Been there done that... got the tee shirt.

To me it's a question of allocation of investment.But as we say,to each his own.Personally,I prefer pieces that have not been reproduced,yet I have several pieces that have been and even have a couple of repop pump plates in my displays to round them out until what I want comes along.I have never represented them as real.

And I totally agree with the comment regarding comparison with my stock investments!!

Repo GILMORE'S, HANCOCK'S, & POLLY'S HAVE NOT hurt the selling of originals When they come up For Sale [$18-20,000ea lens !].

Reselling of Fantasy/Repo's globes have sold for less than when newly offered.

I agree with Dick most of the Killer West coast lenses have been done but originals still bring the BIG BUCKS. Jim