New England Telephone "Arrow" sign

[Sargeguy]

The New England Telephone 1908 "Arrow" sign is highly collectible.  This example is not the best, but it is still presentable.  I'm surprised it didn't generate more interest.

[Signguy]

"Condition, condition, condition".

I'm a believer that you should not buy badly damaged signs unless they are extremely rare, and even then,
at greatly reduced price. I think we sign collectors, like other collectors, don't want to have to much invested
in an item that we would have trouble getting at least a good share of our money back if we wanted to sell. Also, I like to display my signs in my house and I am not happy putting a sign on the wall that detracts from the nicer examples.

Of course this is only my personal opinion and realize, and respect any opposing viewpoints.

Cheers..... Ell

[cihensley@aol.com]

I agree with Eli. He probably has one of the best sign collections that exist. You can see some of his signs on the telephone archive Web site.

Chuck

[Fabius]

I agree with Eli. He probably has one of the best sign collections that exit.

Chuck

Where did it exit to?

[Sargeguy]

He collects exit signs too??? 

I would disagree that condition is everything.  I have seen some crappy signs fetch pretty good money.  I have been looking for one of these  for a while and I've seen versions of this sign with similar amounts of damage, although not the bent flange, sell for close to $400.   

[Fabius]

The one side seems to be displayable. It's a tough sign to find.

[Doug Rose]

I have to agree with Ell and Chuck on this. I found in 35 years in collecting my biggest regrets were buying something that did not display well. My eyes kept going to it and it became a focal point until it was gone. Just my humble opinion. Even if it is rare, if it doesn't display like new, I will pass on it....Doug

[Fabius]

I have to agree with Ell and Chuck on this. I found in 35 years in collecting my biggest regrets were buying something that did not display well. My eyes kept going to it and it became a focal point until it was gone. Just my humble opinion. Even if it is rare, if it doesn't display like new, I will pass on it....Doug

I agree. A rusty nasty sign, no matter how rare, distracts from a sign display.

[Sargeguy]

I don't think this one is too bad.  I don't mind a little rust depending on how it effects the overall design.  A little rust on the edge is fine, while a few bullet holes dead center mean that the sign goes on the "wall of shame".  I will buy crappy signs if they are very rare or unique & the price is right.  A few are even too crappy for the wall of shame.  I'll hand onto them until I get a better version. 

For example, I purchased the finest example of a NET&T lollipop known to exist for $20: 



and I've never seen another one of these: