http://tinyurl.com/pur9uct
If you find one on ebay that's worster let us know. Then your find becomes the worstest. :D
and a bargain at $39 ......NOT!
RICKGTE With a user name like that I assume you worked for GTE?
Think the rust started after a burst of buck shot hit the sign? I can almost see a pattern in that rust.
I saw that one. It's even too crappy for me.
Wow, there's more rust on that than there is sign! $40, not for me, but there might be some desperate sign collector out there that might be a taker for this.
It's in better condition than a Morris Marina at least... (http://www.recycleabicycle.co.uk/pics/smilies/floorroll.gif)
Quote from: twocvbloke on April 18, 2014, 10:12:16 AM
It's in better condition than a Morris Marina at least...
Not being in the UK I had no clue what a Morris Marina is/was. So a Google search found this info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Marina
For a car that is called one of the worst ever they sure sold a lot of them.
Quote from: Fabius on April 17, 2014, 08:19:27 PM
RICKGTE With a user name like that I assume you worked for GTE?
Tom, I only wish! I am just a big General Telephone / Automatic Electric fan... I would have loved to work in the PhoneMart!
Some idiot paid $50 for this one:
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11360.0;attach=96391;image)
Bell Telephone Metal Sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bell-Telephone-Metal-Sign-/201074945547?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed1002e0b)
$58.88 starting bid
Quote from: Fabius on April 18, 2014, 10:40:33 AMFor a car that is called one of the worst ever they sure sold a lot of them.
Yeah, but that was back in the 70's, they're all pretty much piles of red dust now... :P
Another. These don't bring much in perfect condition (unless it has the '21 bell).
Can't overlook this bad boy that's been on eBay for a while at $350:
I guess these are all marketed to the rust collectors of the world. A lot of money to pay for rust.
Only $12
I think this one takes the cake:
Vintage Early 1900s American Telephone and Telegraph Company Porcelain Sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/301184165803)
From a shot gon blast? Looks like a dump find. A great sign in good condition.
Looks like someone fired a phaser through that sign... :o
It looks to me like it was cut that way to serve a specific purpose. Note the matching pairs of holes on each side and the uniform way the top was cut into an arch shape. Chicken coop? Still?
I think you're right. It's too perfect of a circle.
Maybe it was a toilet seat for an outhouse? ;D
Quote from: JohnInWI on May 16, 2014, 12:13:22 PM
Maybe it was a toilet seat for an outhouse? ;D
You'd need good aim for that small hole... ;D
I read the listing, and found out that: "...and one hole right in the middle this sign was used for a heater pipe to go thru the middle against the wall..."
Its as though someone left these signs outside for years exposed to the elements!
Terry
QuoteI read the listing, and found out that: "...and one hole right in the middle this sign was used for a heater pipe to go thru the middle against the wall..."
That's some fine detective work! ;)
High expectations:
Rare Vintage Bell System Public Telephone Porcelain Sign no gas oil (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Bell-System-Public-Telephone-Porcelain-Sign-no-gas-oil-/161317125780?ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123)
A bargain at $49.99:
Quote from: Sargeguy on May 27, 2014, 07:02:40 AM
High expectations:
Rare Vintage Bell System Public Telephone Porcelain Sign no gas oil (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Bell-System-Public-Telephone-Porcelain-Sign-no-gas-oil-/161317125780?ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:US:1123)
Yeah, I guess that is the trade off when your self-health expectations are lower even when your young like this guy appears to be.
Ben
Probably spent too much time at Starbucks
Good one, Sarge..
Ben
I have never seen one of these until this one. What a great sign if it was in good condition.
My gosh! Whey even bother listing something like this?
http://tinyurl.com/lr4pbvr
One day you'll realize that most of your adult life is based on decisions you made as a teenager.
QuoteWhey even bother listing something like this?
I blame
American Pickers for leading people to believe that rust=value
Quote from: Sargeguy on June 24, 2014, 02:35:25 PM
QuoteWhey even bother listing something like this?
I blame American Pickers for leading people to believe that rust=value
That is way too crispy, but I'm okay with a bit of rust.
Ben
BELL TELEPHONE SYSTEM UNDERGROUND CABLE PORCELAIN ENAMEL SIGN (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BELL-TELEPHONE-SYSTEM-UNDERGROUND-CABLE-PORCELAIN-ENAMEL-SIGN-/390917656324?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b04820f04)
Yikes! What in the world are they thinking?
Some stuff just needs to be thrown away. Improves the "gene pool" of available antiques.
Vintage Porcelain Bell System Phone sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Porcelain-Bell-System-Phone-sign-/331310488182?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276)
This would make a good companion for the one above
Not an eBay auction but pretty crusty example of a rare sign:
Lollipop sign to mount on a stand?
That would be my guess. Description says 18" double sided. Maybe a bracket?
The only similar examples are from Bell of PA and Illinois Bell, I cannot find a reference to a N.E.T. & T. version. I'll see what the guy wants for it. If it is $50 or less I'll probably get it.
Next time just leave it where you found it:
At least the price isn't ridicules.
http://tinyurl.com/pcz3usm
That one looks like it's been in a fire-damaged building, or used as an ash pan or something related to fire...
The fact that the flange was flattened out and some holes drilled in the edge show some effort was put into re-purposing it.
I've seen several that where made into shovels.
They rang the bell with this one.
Well I picked up this beauty for $40 from a skateboard riding teenager who found it under a bridge in Fitchburg, MA. It's a 24" "lollipop" sign from the New England Telephone & Telegraph Compnany. I probably overpaid by about $40, but I don't mind, I feel sorry for the kid (he lives in Fitchburg after all). This one would normally be too roached out to buy (even for me) but it seems to be very rare. The PA Bell ones have sold every so often, but I've never seen an NET&T version. I can't find another example of it online or from anyone I've asked:
Here is a version from the Diamond State Telephone Company to give you an idea what the sign looked like in a past life:
Wonder how the NET&T got under the bridge?
It was probably used at a gas station and when it had served it's purpose was left out back and some kids stole it, dragged it down to the river to use as target practice. I told the kid to see if he can find the base, I'd give him another $40
Good thinking. You may be able to sand blast the base and clean it up to be usable.
Especially if I find a lollipop sign with a lower edge to attach it too!
This another example of a rare sign in crappy condition-
Old American Telephone & Telegraph Co. and Associated Companies Porcelain Sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/121484078465?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
Looks like it's a dump find.
I wonder what the reserve is?
Maybe not the worst condition, just plain bad
Looks like a repro?
http://tinyurl.com/oyzf282
This is the "Starbucks" sign, only cropped:
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11698.0;attach=101691;image)
The sign looks like it might be nice under the sticker, but what do you do? Remove the sticker?
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFg3NTA=/z/VAQAAOSwofxUfIP7/$_57.JPG)
Quote from: Sargeguy on December 02, 2014, 04:08:09 PM
This is the "Starbucks" sign, only cropped:
(http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11698.0;attach=101691;image)
Good eye.
Quote from: Sargeguy on December 02, 2014, 04:10:54 PM
The sign looks like it might be nice under the sticker, but what do you do? Remove the sticker?
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFg3NTA=/z/VAQAAOSwofxUfIP7/$_57.JPG)
I'd remove the sticker. I bet it has the later Local and Long Distance wording.
Quote from: Sargeguy on November 22, 2014, 10:46:25 AM
Maybe not the worst condition, just plain bad
TELEPNONE??
Now I don't feel so bad about paying too much for my beaten up example of this sign:
Antique Vtg 1920s Porcelain Local And Long Distance Telephone Sign Bell Early (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vtg-1920s-Porcelain-Local-And-Long-Distance-Telephone-Sign-Bell-Early-/171575819759?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27f2b73def&nma=true&si=I8beqItNhEc%252BUdwBszhJ1Hjd1hc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
The acid rain is bad in Pennsylvania.
Ouch!!!
Antique Bell Systems Underground Telephone Cable Porcelain Enamel Sign 7x3.5" (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Bell-Systems-Underground-Telephone-Cable-Porcelain-Enamel-Sign-7x3-5-/391040350237?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0bd2381d)
No sense going to the trouble of compiling a collection of the worst signs ever. Here's your opportunity to have an instant collection of them.
http://tinyurl.com/mzhg8ps
http://tinyurl.com/mzs2xa6
Nice sign before they threw it in the river
This guy must hold the record for having the most worst signs.
http://tinyurl.com/qfhb3we
The photo is just two of the many he has on eBay and they are not limited to bad telephone signs.
The one on the right looks like my cousin shot at it with his .22 pistol!
Quote from: Fabius on March 19, 2015, 08:05:21 PM
This guy must hold the record for having the most worst signs.
http://tinyurl.com/qfhb3we
The photo is just two of the many he has on eBay and they are not limited to bad telephone signs.
I asked the seller where he got them. He said he works in Baltimore and that they were in storage that was connected with the old Baltimore Enamel & Novelty Co. No details given. I winder about that story as most of the signs I believe are Ing Rich products.
I know BALTCO Made some early signs, so I guess they may have continued after manfucturer's names were no longer stamped on signs
Quote from: Sargeguy on March 21, 2015, 08:44:19 AM
I know BALTCO Made some early signs, so I guess they may have continued after manfucturer's names were no longer stamped on signs
What makes me think they didn't make the '21 Bell 11x11 or hubcaps is that most of the 11x11 are the exact same style. The only excepts I know of are the Pacific T&T and Bell Telephone of Nevada that have a somewhat different look. There are 11x11 '21 Bell signs where the company name is in bold type such as the Citizens Telephone sign. But by looking at the bell you can see it's the same maker.
I have a ING RICH pamphlet that shows examples of the signs they make and a '21 Bell AT&T AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES 11x11 is shown that is exactly like the '21 Bells we know and love.
On a side note. I've seen only one Bell Telephone of Nevada 11x11. Paul Engleke (sp?) of Florida had it and I saw it at a show. He was collecting telephone signs in the 1960s.
I'll see if I can find when BALTCO went out of business.
QuoteWhat makes me think they didn't make the '21 Bell 11x11 or hubcaps is that most of the 11x11 are the exact same style.
But there are differences. The so-called "older style" 21' bell vs. the newer style. Think of the variations in your Southwestern Bell signs. Perhaps these were the result of different manufacturers rather than changes over time? The early BALTCO signs look pretty similar to the ING-RICH (and IMPERIAL) with only slight variations.
Quote from: Sargeguy on March 21, 2015, 05:42:15 PM
QuoteWhat makes me think they didn't make the '21 Bell 11x11 or hubcaps is that most of the 11x11 are the exact same style.
But there are differences. The so-called "older style" 21' bell vs. the newer style. Think of the variations in your Southwestern Bell signs. Perhaps these were the result of different manufacturers rather than changes over time? The early BALTCO signs look pretty similar to the ING-RICH (and IMPERIAL) with only slight variations.
I was talking about strictly the 11x1 '21 Bells. Even the early 11x11 (wide white boarder) '21 Bells look the same as the later thin white boarder signs.
I searched for Baltimore Enamel and it appears they were in business at least into the forties. I was surprised to find they were a large company as big or bigger then Ingram-Richardson.
I was going to buy this one but I noticed that the flange had been straightened. 8-)
http://tinyurl.com/pvhhz2x
Maybe the other side looks better?
What was this one before it got a shave?
I was wondering about that one. At first I thought it was cut off the end of one of the big signs used at railroad stations and such. But notice that the wide white boarder seems to go all round the face. And it has two sides which usually rules out a flat sign. So I think it lost its flange?
That's what I thought. Usually I would expect something at the top though.
Quote from: Sargeguy on May 10, 2015, 07:03:57 PM
Usually I would expect something at the top though.
What do you mean?
PAY STATION, TELEPHONE OFFICE, NEW ENG TEL & TEL, etc. If it was all white we would not look at it twice, but the blue in the background is unusual, without any additional markings above and below.
This AT&T "Local and Long Distance Telephone" was a really cool sign at some point in time. I think this one is even too crappy for my "Wall of Shame"
bell telephone porcelain sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231567002140?)
Here is a really crusty (but cool) CO sign from the 1890s early 1900s
New England Telephone & Telegraph Porcelain Sign ~ Central Office (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231579999201)
That sign has also been seen pointing to the right.
This one is pictured on p. 432 of Ron Knappen's Payphone History. I think since New England Telephone is no longer with us, the finger pointing towards Heaven is more appropriate :'(
The big bite out of this one reminds me of Jaws when they were pulling all the stuff out of the dead tiger shark's belly:
It does look like something has been chomping on it!
Mother Nature, no doubt.
Only $99.99 starting bid. Now's your chance Dennis Markham!!!:
Or this one!!!
ANTIQUE SIGN MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE CO METAL DETECTING FIND (http://www.ebay.com/itm/181854591165?)
And I thought my version of this sign was crappy:
Another NET&T beauty:
AT least this one is under $100
Again, another sign found in a dump.
I have noticed an uotick in "optimistic pricing" on dump finds
I would agree. $95 is certainly an optimistic price for a rusty sign found in a dump!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-bell-telephone-cable-sign-/272099270829? (http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-bell-telephone-cable-sign-/272099270829?)
This one is easier to read!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262231071416 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/262231071416)
Here is a neat 1908 pattern sign in crappy condition:
OLD MUTUAL TELEPHONE COMPANY BELL TOLL CONNECTIONS PORCELAIN ENAMEL SIGN
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-MUTUAL-TELEPHONE-COMPANY-BELL-TOLL-CONNECTIONS-PORCELAIN-ENAMEL-SIGN-/151956389790?hash=item23614e7f9e:g:qNUAAOSwqYBWnvuM)
One of the rarest signs there are. Have seen a couple Hubcap Mutuals but this
is the only one I've seen of this variety in 45 years of collecting tel signs. To bad about the condition.
Are there other signs that say "BELL TOLL CONNECTIONS"?
Off the top of my head.... none that I am aware of.
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 20, 2016, 03:20:55 AM
Here is a neat 1908 pattern sign in crappy condition:
OLD MUTUAL TELEPHONE COMPANY BELL TOLL CONNECTIONS PORCELAIN ENAMEL SIGN
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-MUTUAL-TELEPHONE-COMPANY-BELL-TOLL-CONNECTIONS-PORCELAIN-ENAMEL-SIGN-/151956389790?hash=item23614e7f9e:g:qNUAAOSwqYBWnvuM)
What a rare sign! Not truly a 1908 but the earlier L&LD (no BELL SYSTEM).
But they wouldn't use "BELL SYSTEM" if they weren't part of the Bell System, and were only connecting to it. I would think the use of "Bell" on the sign would make it a 1908.
There were some independent signs marked "Bell System Connections".
Quote from: Sargeguy on January 20, 2016, 09:06:37 PM
But they wouldn't use "BELL SYSTEM" if they weren't part of the Bell System, and were only connecting to it. I would think the use of "Bell" on the sign would make it a 1908.
The use of the words BELL SYSTEM under a L&LD Bell is what makes a sign a 1908. I don't feel just the word BELL makes it a 1908. On this sign the wording is advertising that they were connected to the Bell network, not saying Mutual was a part of the Bell System. The specific purpose of the 1908 logo was to show/advertise the new designation AT&T came up with to name the system of it's controlled telephone companies.
A lot of different signage was displayed by Independents during the early years without regard to Bell System practices. Rochester, for example, used the 08 logo well after 1921. Others used "incorporated" under the bell. As to the Mutual sign, remember independents, were only allowed to connect to the Bell toll system after the early 19 teens. Now did Mutual hi-jack the use of that sign, or the connections, before it was legal? If they did it legally, that would date that sign after around 1912 or more. What makes me think that's when this sign is dated is the specific use of the words "Toll Connections" because that is what the new law (allowed) specified.
Quote from: Signguy on January 21, 2016, 10:51:17 AM
Rochester, for example, used the 08 logo well after 1921. Others used "incorporated" under the bell.
I have Rochester signs where the L&LD Bell is used but none are a 1908 bell. A quick search of Google image brings up several Rochester Telephone L&LD signs and even a red white and blue independent shield sign but no 1908 bell. They used the L&LD after the 1908 & 1921 logos came out which had the Bell System wording because they were not part of the Bell System. This applies to other telephone companies such as Bell Telephone of Canada. Do you have a photo you can share of a Rochester Telephone sign with a 1908 bell?
Southern Bell and Cumberland T&T used INCORPORATED on their signs. Probably others.
Your splitting hairs here or else maybe I didn't explain it well. Rochester did not use the BELL SYSTEM designation since it was not. It used the rest of the logo so technically you are correct.
NO, I do not have a photo of a Rochester with a complete 08 logo. Since Rochester tel corp was founded in 1920 the logo they used can reasonably be assumed to be something of their own choosing since they could not use BELL SYSTEM. Omitting the words "bell system" under the bell does not make it a pre 08 sign but it does make it a L&LD logo.
Omitting the words "bell system" under the bell does not make it a pre 08 sign but it does make it a L&LD logo.
My point exactly since you specifically said: Rochester, for example, used the 08 logo well after 1921.. As I posted the L&LD logo was used after the 1908/1921 logos by the non-Bell System companies. Rochester never used the 1908 logo.
Good discussion. :)
I've always categorized any sign that had a circle around the L&LD bell with the telco name in it a 1908-pattern bell. Usually they have blue background with a white border, and almost always have "Bell System" at the bottom. I can think of some exceptions, including the white NET&T sign (not blue), the "Use The Bell/Universal Service" sign (no telco name), the AT&T flange I recently found (no white border). I would consider this one to be an exception as well (no "Bell System"). I would categorize this a Bell System sign rather than an Independent because it seems to have originated after the Bell System was established, advertises a service provided by the Bell System, and utilizes a version of their logo.
Greg.... Your point is well taken. There are many exceptions but just because of the lack of "bell system" from the 08 logo does not disqualify the sign from being of that era.
I never did mention that the seller of the Mutual sign is a long time, well respected telephone sign collector. I'm sure he's wishing that the condition was at least an 8 or more. Of course if it was we probably would not be seeing it.
Here is a little film on the making of enameled signs. I used to make enameled jewelry. It is an interesting craft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-tkxAa9o7w
Quote from: Signguy on January 22, 2016, 12:05:24 PM
just because of the lack of "bell system" from the 08 logo does not disqualify the sign from being of that era.
That's a contradiction. It's the wording "Bell System" under the L&LD bell that makes it a 1908 Bell logo.
A red white and blue independent telephone shield sign could have been made in 1908 makeing it a 1908 sign but that doesn't make it a 1908 bell sign. What I'm trying to get across is that I'm talking about the 1908 bell logo (L&LD bell with Bell System) not 1908 era signs.
Tom.... You are absolutely correct. I guess I don't explain myself very well. Independents such as Rochester, Penn tel corp, Upstate NY, Ohio Assoc, etc used a VERSION of the 08 logo but of course could not include Bell System. I still consider them a 08 logo for identification purposes but not an OFFICAL BELL SYSTEM ONE as you rightly noted.
For categorization purposes I'll be sticking this with the '08s
A scarce '21 Bell sign. Northwestern Bell 11x11 are hard to find. I wonder what happened to this sign. The undamaged part doesn't look too bad.
http://tinyurl.com/z222ans
My guess is target practice + exposure to the elements.
Considering the size of that big hole, I'd say they used a shot gun!
Now this is bad.
http://tinyurl.com/jbshsvt
It would make a nice "Und Ound Tel One Not Rb" sign!
That is pretty crappy!
They must've buried it with the cable.
Target practice victim.
Another rare sign that has seen better days:
Rochester NY Telephone sign Porcelain Phone sign Double Sided Sign Vintage Sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/222134017492?)
In all fairness, most cars in Rochester look like that too after a dozen or so winters and very liberal use of salt for the roads.
Poor hubcap sign stoned to death and left to rust.
QuoteVINTAGE BELL TELEPHONE PHONE PORCELAIN FLANGED DOUBLE-SIDED SIGN 16"X16". AM TOLD THE WHITE CAN BE REMOVED BUT HAVEN'T TRIED.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/381666184468? (http://www.ebay.com/itm/381666184468?)
W YURK TELEPHONE COMP (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-s-Two-sided-Bell-System-New-York-Telephone-Company-Bell-enamel-sign-/152140194340?hash=item236c432224:g:yn0AAOSwzJ5XaqQu)
Have we seen this one before?
New England Telephone CO Sign (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-New-England-Telephone-and-telegraph-Co-General-Office-Porcelain-Sign-21x27-/252432183721?hash=item3ac62171a9:g:99YAAOSwMNxXaDPM)
Quote from: Sargeguy on June 25, 2016, 07:45:29 PM
Have we seen this one before?
Don't remember. I'd love to have one in excellent condition. Greg, I sent you a message about a NET&T Vail medal.
Here's one I was watching. Extremely rare sign but it was just a little to crappy at that price, even for me. It is from New Hampshire's Coos Telephone Co., a subsidiary of N.E.T.&T. at the time this sign was made.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122064167861 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/122064167861)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JivWWwH0NbTxcpfs_U4RsudAYS0yBB6nUaaEewDlrpoiRGBbbE3PRh9o5uJyYHwGe4F_oKvMS3R4_y0qL7l3sidaErkg0njdMbKHUfHv0s3qSxfixQvjY03roO9DKN4JBaknXFQiUV7P2hGgyOiP39lxoXMHD9dhD6HMqPhRsUmLeVoF4mb1FjUgVemu51tyJo1iPd_B1T6Ptt1WRtedybLtLGbh6cZzoWfs-u4Z7jqw2U2MJ3opLjVK_JRcNQGl2U0TziRmPZrBBw0P68DNFWDdmFrFGz8ToNshIzRSD6PJKWnZt5TewlG9cwfVk8ugR_n8I_nDtXVwftTEFhewEwtEtKTsFmJqSj0YBhY4eWQW7EjF1Bqu2RSZRIhhKeL0uvOtzHbg2lZME-QnTej_Y6SU9Th-ikSeoHBsk6mgVkKExX3EOZplxf2AfIqessVuyy0UZU11WkWBGhDS9i08DIXfZ5rL80Ge9HOBjPndun9AXmopZjoBN5ipeiXPLZ8DEItMqDxHbZXLk9OZksK_vxCe-5hHZCWgsIC8yLMHTXXdydPtm9rJ9rI04H1QdlLnUFwxLuSiF6-L3No4UhDEJhxzN9hFM8VZ=w672-h895-no)
Really crappy N.E.T.&T. sign. Worse than mine, even!
Amazing
Its lost its "sign-ness" - no shape! I wonder how it got that way? Time and erosion probably played a huge factor.
A lot of signs were thrown out when replaced and end up in a dump. What we see here is probably the results of many many years buried. Maybe found by one of those who track down old dumps and dig.
Here's a beauty:
If you have a nice sign, that is a beauty. It's out of the running and yours is in the chips.
Here's a beauty
Ouch!
Looks like it's aged properly.
Not one, not two but six, yes six, for one money.
http://tinyurl.com/y7hyrf4o
On the plus side the back is slightly better.
I need to get me one of them metal detectors!!!
If you could combine them all, you'd get one half-way decent sign! :D
I am almost inclined to purchase this sign to figure out just what the hell happened to it! Torch?
Quote from: Sargeguy on June 07, 2017, 11:13:34 AM
I am almost inclined to purchase this sign to figure out just what the hell happened to it! Torch?
Maybe it's how the photo shows the left side chipping that makes it look warped or distorted? Fading on the bell may be from acid rain?
I don't know, it looks like the porcelain has melted under "ican"
Is it just me or do Ohio Bell hubcaps prone to strange accidents?
Looks like the original owner wanted to fold it up to take it home.
I think this must of been a buried dump find.
http://tinyurl.com/y7hasj4a
Another dug dump find?
http://tinyurl.com/ya66x5aq
They must've taken those signs down with a length of pipe.
I should just cut out a round section from an old oil tank or something, put a brass eyelet in it and claim its a vintage rustic sign...see if I get any bites. ::)
I don't think these are getting many bids.
The reserves are too high above ground level to attract many bids.
Price is right but sign is near trash. These, like this one
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11698.msg191987#msg191987
must have been trapped under a heavy shape edge that bent the metal and cracked the porcelain leading to the corrosion.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-BELL-SYSTEM-UNDERGROUND-TELEPHONE-CABLE-PORCELAIN-7x3-5-SIGN-/122756517402
That crease looks relatively fresh. At the least the sign hadn't seen much weather since it's coup de gras.
This has to be near the top of the list of worst condition signs. It is worster then most on this thread, if not the worstest. And the Buy It Now is $300.
https://tinyurl.com/y8yeewjf
That one is bad, but at least it still holds its original shape, unlike some other notable ones here...
Quote from: AE_Collector on November 14, 2017, 10:41:11 AM
More Worst?
Absolutely. Your comment is gooder then most, if not the goodest.
Quote from: Fabius on November 14, 2017, 10:29:23 AM
This has to be near the top of the list of worst condition signs. It is worster then most on this thread, if not the worstest. And the Buy It Now is $300.
https://tinyurl.com/y8yeewjf
The sign is entirely readable. And the seller may realize that the patina on the surface is what may sell that sign. I disagree on it being the worst or "worstest". You can't add more to the word "worst." It's like being more pregnant, or more dead. ;D
Anyway...If the price was right, I'd love to display this sign on my wall.
(Shakes head.)
I saw that, Is that even a real sign or some sort of repro?
Quote from: Fabius on November 14, 2017, 10:48:42 AM
Absolutely. Your comment is gooder then most, if not the goodest.
Your comment is definitely not the Bestest, it's the Worstestâ„¢.
Ha! I Trademarked it, you can't use it anymore! ;D
QuoteHa! I Trademarked it, you can't use it anymore!
不在乎 ;)
sorry for going offtopic
Haf
Quote from: Sargeguy on November 14, 2017, 03:56:42 PM
I saw that, Is that even a real sign or some sort of repro?
Good question. It's one sided with no holes for mounting. May have been in a frame? There doesn't appear to have had a flange removed.
Here is a nice Pay Station sign. Only $300.00!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/122799387946
Quote from: HarrySmith on November 24, 2017, 02:11:37 PM
Here is a nice Pay Station sign. Only $300.00!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/122799387946
Posted one page back. 8-)
Looks like it was caught up in a fire to me... :o
If the buyer wants patina, that thing certainly delivers!
Here's a great example. Old doesn't mean valuable. $135 from Etsy... :o
https://www.etsy.com/listing/568639171
Quote from: twocvbloke on November 24, 2017, 08:42:21 PM
Looks like it was caught up in a fire to me... :o
As Terry would say, "It'll buff out . . . "
Rare Maine T&T sign.Looks like a dump find.
Here is a old PT&T on our local Craigslist. He also has an Associated / General sign in better condition.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/atq/d/telephone-sign/6445490500.html
( dead link 04-02-21 )
Here is a nice old Bell of PA lollipop:
This was an awesome sign at some point:
Pretty rough, even for a L&LD sign
Bell System, Caution sign.
PTT or Nevada?
Haven't been any new posts on this topic for a while, so here's one.
(//)
eBay link for anyone wanting to bid on it ;D
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224195251197? (https://www.ebay.com/itm/224195251197?)
Interesting hanger on the Bell emblem of this sign. I don't think I have ever seen that style.
I think this is a real sign vs a repro.
Jim
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265190885210
:(