You may think that the old neon sign in your attic is just a novelty or obscure collectible, but for some collectors it may be at the top of the wish list.
Most neon signs are vintage. Invented in Paris in 1910 and first used in advertisements in 1912, neon signs were in wide use until the 1960s. They fell out of favor as an advertising medium because they were high-maintenance, fragile, expensive pieces.
Some collectors focus exclusively on signs. Others purchase neon and lighted signs while pursuing broader petroliana, breweriana, or transportation memorabilia collections.
How much are neon signs worth?
It’s not uncommon to see a working, desirable sign go for $2,000 to $4,000. Yet there are more exciting stories out there. For example, a neon marquee from the Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles sold at auction for $48,300.
A Musgo Gasoline sign from 1926 to 1927 can go for as much as $164,700. Only a dozen of those signs still exist.
It’s all a matter of getting your signs in front of the right collectors at the right time.
What makes neon signs valuable?
Rarity is a big deal for many collectors, and that’s good news: Many neon signs were custom-produced, which means if the sign isn’t representing a major brand it might be exceptionally rare.
Older signs are far more valuable than newer signs, though pinpointing the age of a sign usually takes help from a qualified collector or auctioneer.
Signs that used to belong to particularly famous or noteworthy businesses can fetch much higher prices than their mom-and-pop counterparts.
Collectors also look for appealing artistic value. Signs from the Classic and Art Deco period are especially collectable.
The signs generally need to be genuine neon signs, rather than faux neon. Believe it or not, fake neon signs are for sale, but don’t sell for much.
Collectors look for signs in good working condition that lights up when they are plugged in are free of chipped paint and are free of cracks.
Though some collectors specialize in selling huge neon signs, we prefer to deal in smaller, more-portable signs. These sell more consistently in the auction markets we serve. We may be able to refer you to auctioneers who can help you sell a large neon sign.
Ready to sell your neon sign?
Contact Central Mass Auctions for an appraisal. We’ll help you determine whether your sign is worth auctioning at live auction or online auction. Then we’ll help you connect with buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for great neon signs.
