Gulf Sign on BAT
 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/neon-gulf-sign/

I really like this sign. Have a few questions.

1. I know there are a LOT of fakes from India these days. Any way to verify this really is a 1965 sign? I have no reason to doubt the seller. Don't know him though, so just being cautious.

2. Clearly, it did not have neon on it originally. Does the added neon hurt the collector value? I am not buying it as an investment, but let’s face it, I am going to die eventually, and if Sherri sells this, I don’t want her getting burned because the neon was added.

3. What is a fair price?

Personally, I like the neon, and think it would look killer on the wall in my shop. I am going to be in Dallas over the weekend anyway, and the guy is willing to meet me in Dallas so I don’t have to pay shipping. And yes, I realize that by posting here, someone reading this may decide he or she wants it more than I do. Such is life.

This one says 1950s:

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/f...in-sign/752450

For a second there, I thought it might be the same sign. It isn't, but close.

There must be either a couple being resold every few years or a ton of them out for sale.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...HDRSC3&first=1

The sign, itself, appears original. The rust around the edge of the face looks genuine, but I supposed it could have been cleverly added... The neon looks very recent and is near identical to others that were posted. The wire clamp does say made in India. Could just be the new cord and clamp, but I don't think the neon is a "vintage" upgrade.
It looks like someone has been buying up the original signs over the years and having them all converted and the value is in the appeal of that addition.

There is no question that the neon is recent. I think the seller is up front about it.

"The wire clamp does say made in India." Wow! Great catch Mitch.

That scares me. What are the odds that the clamp is made in India, which just happens to be where all of the fake porcelain signs are being made? Seriously, most of the imported electrical parts I see are from China.

There is a huge influx of very good fakes of vintage signs right now. MOST of the sellers are adamant about the signs being "original". Almost ALL of the fake signs have chips in the porcelain with enhanced rust to make them look old. Probably more fake porcelain signs right now that fake 69 Z/28s on the market.

You should post these Questions on OldGas.com.I've been a member there since 2005 & there are members there that can spot an inaccurate sign within minutes from 20' away.As well as know many sign sellers today..
The bad news is,they are very well plugged in around the USA and LOVE vintage signs like these,especially Gasoline related & may get the jump on you & take advantage of an opportunity to get something below it's intrinsic value today.So as you stated,"And yes,I realize that by posting here,someone reading this may decide he or she wants it more than I do. Such is life."

He could download the pics to his computer and then just upload to that formum without revealing where it is on auction at. But, I would image the people you speak of, Rick, already know about the auction.

It is crazy what these signs sell for on Bring-a-Trailer. I bought a duplicate neon Gulf sign a year ago for half the price. It also is a porcelain sign with neon added.

Sold for $14,000 on BAT on 11/11/23.

Killer, killer cars:worship:

A more neck friendly version:smile:

If you have a shady deal to pass,
There's only one place,
Take it to Bat.
They don't care, if it's a fake or clone,
As long as it sells,
And they get their dough.


Unknown author...:dunno:

I asked:

How long have you owned the sign? Was the neon conversion already done when you acquired it? If not, who did the neon work and when?

Seller responded: I had the neon work done while under my ownership. As many know the price of neon is not cheap even if you can find an original sign to put it on.

In other words, I asked three questions. He answered ONE question. Dodged WHEN he bought it, and dodged WHO did the neon work.

In the initial auction description it is mentioned he had acquired it in 2023. There's a lot of money in buying a non-neon sign and adding it for a profitable flip. Lots of money to be made in adding neon to original non-neon signs. This auction is another example.

Honestly, the signs with or without neon have really gotten incredibly expensive. I'm really thankful that I acquired a few many years (decades) back as I'd personally never spend 5 figures for a sign, but I know many are really into them and they are certainly cool.

No thank you India.

This is BaT 100%.