What's Hot In Antiques? Advertising

So many times antique dealers complain about the mysteries of determining what's hot and what's not in the retail market. Is "shabby chic" over? Do people want painted furniture now? What are men buying? I'm having difficulty answering these questions myself, but if there's one thing I know I can sell, it's old advertising, such as product tins and signs. Old signs can be used as home decor but also appeal to serious collectors across a wide range of collecting categories. The same goes for product tins: they can be used as decor pieces but the nicer examples are scooped up by collectors.

This "Super Pyro" sign that I spotted at the Livingston Antique Outlet almost has it all: cool graphics, great color, and it's a nice size that would make quite a statement in a room. It's automobile-related, so that's a plus, and the figure of the snowman is very appealing. The sign isn't metal, though, and would need to be framed to prevent damage. That's the only drawback:

I really like this home-made cider mill sign. Wouldn't it look great in a kitchen? But it would really be enhanced with the addition of a painted apple or two, if only the artist had added them:

Here's a real winner! Great colors, a happy face to look at, and the product is something almost everyone likes! Could you picture this sign hanging on a wall behind a retro dining set with a fun wire egg basket made into a pendant lamp?

Signs can be valuable! You might be interested in the story behind this Cletrac Tractor sign I bought at a local estate sale. I made a good profit re-selling it on eBay. You can read all about it HERE.

Here's another great sign. It's embossed metal, colorful, with a popular product:

Home-made signs like the "Goat Milk Fudge" sign are fun for home decor, and more affordable than well-known product signs like Sunoco or 7-Up. How many decorating magazines have you seen that feature a weathered old sign as a focal point in a living room or other interior space?

I bought oodles of old tins last summer at an estate sale. I think a lot of people collect tins and re-create little general stores, millinery shops, or soda fountains in their homes. I shouldn't say a lot of people do that. SOME people do that.....they would come to the antique mall and tell us about it as they shopped for new items:

I visited the home of an antiques dealer years ago who specialized in advertising. He and his wife had collected every type of old product imaginable and decorated each room in their home with old signs, product packaging, and store displays. It was really a fun and amazing home, and I'm sure acquiring all the items was an adventure and exciting hobby for the home owners.

Do you collect old advertising or use it in your home decor? Let me know in my comment section....

Mitzi