Old neon signs can be quite valuable for collectors, depending on the age, condition, design, and brand of the sign. Neon signs first became popular in the 1920s with the rise of motels, diners, and other roadside attractions that wanted eye-catching signage to attract passing motorists. Vintage neon signs from the 1920s-1950s tend to be the most sought after by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at what makes old neon signs worth money.
History of Neon Signs
The neon sign was invented in 1910 by French engineer Georges Claude. He developed the technology of shaping glass tubes into letters or shapes and filling them with neon gas to create illuminated signage. The first public display of a neon sign came at the Paris Motor Show in December 1910.
Neon lighting soon spread to the United States, with the first neon sign in the US going up at a Packard car dealership in Los Angeles in 1923. Throughout the 1920s, neon signs became hugely popular for advertising motels, diners, gas stations, bars, and other businesses that wanted to attract customers from the road.
The 1930s to 1950s are considered the golden age of neon, with cities becoming filled with bright neon marquees, restaurant signs, and building displays. Las Vegas became a major center for flashy neon signs in the 1940s-50s. By the 1960s, strict sign codes and the rise of plastic signage caused a decline in the use of neon. But vintage neon signs remain iconic symbols of 20th century Americana.
What Makes Vintage Neon Valuable?
There are several factors that make old neon signs valuable to collectors:
Age: Neon signs from the 1920s-1950s are the most prized by collectors and command high prices. Signs from the 1960s and later are less valuable unless they have distinctive designs.
Brand Recognition: Neon signs for well-known brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Chevrolet, Texaco, motels like Holiday Inn, or iconic restaurants and bars also boost value.
Condition: Neon signs in good working condition with the electrical components intact can be worth 2-10 times more than non-working signs needing restoration. Working signs with just minor repairs needed are most ideal.
Design: Colorful, elaborate neon shapes and typography make a sign more artistically significant. Sculptural or moving neon signs also fetch higher prices.
Manufacturer: Signs made by famous neon shops like Federal Heath of Chicago, Thomas White of Los Angeles, or Miller’s of Milwaukee have more prestige.
Provenance: Knowing the original location and history of an old neon sign adds to its story and collector appeal.
Rarity: Unique neon pieces or obsolete technology like vacuum tube signs tend to be more prized finds.
How Neon Signs Are Valued
Valuing vintage neon signs is part art, part science. condition, working status, brand names, and verifiable provenance are factored in. But ultimately, vintage neon prices are determined by what collectors are willing to pay at auctions or specialist neon sales. Some guidelines on pricing:
– Small single word signs like “Beer” tend to sell for $500 to $2,000 based on age and condition.
– Double sided “blade” signs start around $2,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more for highly prized brands and designs.
– Sculptural and figural neon signs, like a cowboy or genie lamp shape, fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. Unusual form factors boost value.
– Large multi-word signs like motel marquees can sell for $10,000 to $50,000 depending on size, design, condition, and brand. Rare examples can get six figures at auction.
– Moving or chasing neon signs with animation effects are also highly valued, from $15,000 into six figures in some cases.
– Exceptionally rare pieces like intact 1930s signs for defunct brands can potentially sell for over $100,000.
– Common signs in poor condition may only sell for a few hundred dollars. Perfect restoration candidates can still get thousands.
Where to Find and Buy Vintage Neon Signs
Searching online auction and classified sites is one way to find vintage neon signs for sale. But the top sources include:
– Neon sign dealers: Online neon stores like Kiesler Signs, Jackson’s Signs, Neon Monster, and others sell a broad inventory of curated vintage signs.
– Auction houses: Specialist vintage sign auctions from Rago Arts, Linnaeus, Showtime, and other houses feature coveted neon.
– Antique malls: Shops near neon manufacturing centers may source vintage signs locally. Look in areas like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Miami.
– Flea markets: You might get lucky and uncover neon signs at flea markets, especially ones located along old Route 66.
– Private collectors: Getting to know active neon collectors can lead to offerings before prized signs hit the general market.
– Estate sales: Signs occasionally surface when liquidating buildings housing old nightclubs, motels, and other neon-adorned businesses.
With some persistence, you can hunt down wonderful vintage neon finds through these sources. Just be prepared to pay stronger prices for the most desirable signs.
Evaluating and Restoring Old Neon Signs
Once you secure a potential vintage neon purchase, carefully examine it for restoration needs:
– Inspect the electrical. Old signs may need rewiring, new transformers, or other electrical repairs.
– Check the glass tubes and neon. Cracked, broken, or missing tubes will need replacing. Cloudy neon gas requires replenishing.
– Look for rust, dents, or damage to metal sign bodies. Refinishing may be required.
– Note any missing mounting hardware like hooks to properly display the sign.
– Assess the overall sign stability. Reinforcements may help.
Then find an experienced neon restoration expert to make needed repairs and get your sign operational again. Expect costs from $500 to over $5,000 depending on the restoration extent. Authenticity is paramount, so have components like tubes faithfully recreated for a sound vintage neon investment.
Best Practices for Collecting Vintage Neon
Here are some tips for successfully collecting old neon signs:
– Research signs thoroughly and get professional appraisals before buying to ensure authenticity and fair pricing.
– Inspect signs very closely yourself as well to catch any hidden damage or alterations.
– Focus on high demand brands, color combinations, and shapes for best investment potential.
– Seek reputable sellers with proven neon expertise like galleries and auction houses.
– Expect signs to need some restoration work – budget accordingly.
– Carefully pack and transport signs to avoid cracks or breakage.
– Display signs safely away from excessive humidity, heat, and direct sunlight which can degrade neon.
– Preserve any original documentation that came with the sign.
– Keep electrical components up to date via licensed neon specialists for working condition.
– Consider insuring rare and valuable neon in your collection.
With some diligence and care, collecting vintage neon signs can be a colorful and rewarding investment over time. The nostalgia and handcrafted quality of old neon also makes it a decorative statement many appreciate.
Notable Sales of Valuable Vintage Neon Signs
To give a sense of the high prices the most prized neon signs can command, here are some noteworthy auction sales:
| Sign Description | Sale Price | Year Sold |
| 1930s Packers Pine Tree Vacuum Tube Sign | $198,000 | 2022 |
| 1950s Thunderbird Hotel Neon Sign | $150,000 | 2018 |
| 1930s White Owl Cigar Neon Sign | $78,000 | 2019 |
| 1940s Skippy Peanut Butter Sign | $55,000 | 2015 |
| 1930s Eat-A-Bite Cafe Sign | $50,400 | 2021 |
| 1950s Stardust Casino Neon Sign | $48,000 | 2006 |
| 1940s Cruising Waters Cocktails Sign | $46,000 | 2018 |
This demonstrates the incredible value placed on rare surviving examples of vintage neon, especially at auction. While not every old neon sign will fetch five or six figures, the most special pieces are returning major investments for savvy collectors.
Conclusion
Vintage neon signs from the 1920s-1950s can be extremely lucrative collectors items due to their beauty, nostalgia, and rarity. Iconic brand names, unusual designs, working condition, provenance, and craftsmanship determine the most valuable signs. With some research and restoration, collecting vintage neon can be a bright spot for your antique portfolio. These signs literally radiate with mid-century style, making them a decorative must-have for lovers of art deco and kitschy Americana. Let an old neon sign electrify your space and bring a flashy glow to your walls.
