I really don't understand the mentality of some collectors who feel it is OK to replace the decals on S&P shakers, but God forbid any of us purchases a sign made in India. We are always talking about the next person who purchases anything, so how can we condone putting decals on S&P shakers as ok, but again pointing out every repro sign coming out of India?
S&P shakers are called "Smalls." Many of us collect smalls. It just happened that S&P shakers cought on more with collectors of say pens or pencils. We can't alter pens or pencils, so how can we say it is OK to alter a S&P shaker?
I have been a collector of just about anything petro for almost 30 years. Recently I was at a auction where three oil bottles were put up for sale. I bid and purchased them, thinking even though I was stepping out of my field of gas pumps, I knew that they were a good buy. I brought them home, looked them up and realized all three were reproductions. I will not sell them, as I will not take advantage of anyone who knows even less about oil bottles than I do.
If I can be taking advantage of, what about the next guy who purchases a S&P shaker with a repro decal on it?
Jack Sim
Author, 1st & 2nd editions of Gas Pump ID book, 3rd edition is now available at
www.gaspumpbible.comAir Meter ID book also available