Real or Repro Sign?

[DavePEI]

Photo sent me by an antique seller. I say Repro!

Dave

[Sargeguy]

The design is legitimate-it was used by the independents and is featured in Bob Alexander's Antique Telephone Advertising Volume 3.  I don't recall having seen a fake of this particular sign, but what do I know?  I would ask for a picture of the back and some measurements.  How much is the seller asking?

[DavePEI]

The design is legitimate-it was used by the independents and is featured in Bob Alexander's Antique Telephone Advertising Volume 3.  I don't recall having seen a fake of this particular sign, but what do I know?  I would ask for a picture of the back and some measurements.  How much is the seller asking?

I have asked her for the information you requested... In her last message, she sent a photo of the back.

She just got back to me - the sign is 8 inches in diameter, and I don't think she is selling - she bought it for #50.00

Dave

[Sargeguy]

That back looks fishy, especially since the sign should be 10" in diameter.  It should be heavy gauge steel and respond to a magnet.  There should also be slightly raised lettering on a porcelain sign-a painted sign would be smooth.

[DavePEI]

That back looks fishy, especially since the sign should be 10" in diameter.  It should be heavy gauge steel and respond to a magnet.  There should also be slightly raised lettering on a porcelain sign-a painted sign would be smooth.

Hi Sarge:

I have asked her about the lettering. In her last email she confirmed the magnet sticks to it and it is very heavy.

Dave

[Sargeguy]

Hmmm.  Size is off by an inch or so, and the back looks black when it should be dark blue.  On the other hand it is heavy gauge steel.  It could be an Indian or Argentine fake, some of them are very good and they like to use the candlestick phone image from the Lincoln Telephone Company.

[DavePEI]

Hmmm.  Size is off by an inch or so, and the back looks black when it should be dark blue.  On the other hand it is heavy gauge steel.  It could be an Indian or Argentine fake, some of them are very good and they like to use the candlestick phone image from the Lincoln Telephone Company.

Re: the lettering... She replied, "Ya it is all raised white is lower then blue "

Dave

[Sargeguy]

Raised lettering on a sign is hard to duplicate.  such a sign would be unlikely to be sold for $50.  The back appears to be black in the photo, but comparing the front and back the color looks consistent, so it may be dark blue.  I am leaning towards real. 

[DavePEI]

Raised lettering on a sign is hard to duplicate.  such a sign would be unlikely to be sold for $50.  The back appears to be black in the photo, but comparing the front and back the color looks consistent, so it may be dark blue.  I am leaning towards real.

She bought it at an auction selling the assets of a local restaurant or store I was told. Yes, if it was real, she got quite a buy.

Now, the only question unanswered is what era would it have come from? 30s to 50s?

Dave

[Doug Rose]

I'd sure buy it for $50. Looks like the real deal to me....Doug

[Sargeguy]

Even as a repro it would be worth around $50.  If real it would be 10x that.

[Fabius]

Sarge bought up the points to watch for. I agree that the back might be questionable. But with a cheap price it's worth the risk. Sometimes a sign just has to be seen in person and touched.