Where is the best place to sell vintage advertising signs?

Good original signs have a strong collector market, so it pays to reach the right buyers. Start by documenting the sign: measure it, photograph both sides and close-ups of any chips, and note any maker's marks along the bottom edge. Knowing whether the sign is porcelain or tin, and whether it has ever been restored, helps buyers trust it.

Check sold prices for the same sign in similar condition, not asking prices. Reproductions are common, so buyers will want clear photos that show the edges, the back and the mounting holes.

For valuable signs, an auction company that holds advertising or petroliana sales, or that knows how to market these items online, can reach collectors who compete for them. Local antique dealers and collector shows are other options, especially for less valuable signs. If you have a group of signs, get an opinion on which are worth selling individually before selling everything together.