Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Petroliana Value Questions NOS Johnson Products 1930's Flange Book Value?

I "was" going to an annual car show in my home town last night, that produces around 3,000 cars,....but ended up missing it because of all the e-mails and time on the phone. One of the callers asked if I was enjoying the show when he called and I told him I missed it because of all the dealings over these signs. He said;...hey,..don't feel down, as now you will be able to buy one if you want! Some people just have a way of only seeing the upside to life :-)

Unreal. Really beautiful. I only wish I had "Bigdog" spending status. Far from it. Congratulations.

Can't wait to here the story on how these were found!! Heck, this thread is a story in itself!!
But again, can't wait to hear how you came across these.

There is more than 6...

A collector I spoke with this morning said; that before my find, there were only 5 of these known to be in existence. True or false?

these signs seem to be getting more plentiful, maybe it is best to wait and see where the dust settles.
some times its best to pick the money off the table
while its still there..

........hmmmm, sounds like sour grapes to me.

Great signs. One of one known or one of 15, it would still look great in anyone's collection. Auction may bring top money but would also bring sellers premium and tax expense to the seller I would think. I for one look at desirability first, then rarity may come into play. I would think releasing them one a year at a Matthews auction would bring over $10K each with no problem.

I'm with Randy, lot's of people will talk big when they are spending someone else's money. Even the "Big Dogs" aren't spending the money like they use to. Money on the table is the best gauge, we've all heard BS walks; money talks....

I look after a high end car collection for a friend. Recently, he added a 1969 Charger 500, 426 hemi, 4 spd, one of only 27 cars made. The car scored 97.4 points at Carlisle, Pa. Originally car was restored with a price tag of over $400,000.00. It was sold two years later for $250,000.00. Everyone and their dog had speculated how this car was going to bring over $200,000.00 and the hype prevented a lot of people from coming and bidding. We purchased it at a well advertised auction for half the price everyone was predicting.

We sold off a 1958 Impala convertible 348 tri power car at the Toronto Collector Car Auction and there were two 1958 Impala convertibles there and it hurt both sellers. Neither car brought what it should have.

Anyone that say's that the fact that 6 of these were found hasn't effected their value; needs to contemplate and further think out their logic.

These have effected the value of all the other ones out there as well. It is a fact that a "one of one" is worth more than "one of six" or "one of fifteen".

I wouldn't lose sleep over it. But, I also wouldn't be alienating other collectors by throwing sour grapes at anyone!

I'm the type of guy that feels that 2 mature people should be able to tell each other NO all day long and still be friends. However; some people can't take their offer being turned down and have to start a propaganda string, trying to make the others think that there "seems" to be some of these extremely rare signs "surfacing" and showing a pic of this rare sign and saying; there is more than 6. Integrity seems to be a lost virtue amongst some people today. It's just really too bad. The truth is,... that I came to this forum asking for help to establish a value for the Johnson Product sign and did not have to reveal that I actually found an original crate containing the 6 NOS signs. I thought about it and decided to let those that love the vintage sign collecting, be in on the excitement. No matter what, I am good with my decision. When I was young, my father raised me to always be truthful. He said; Gary,...you never lie to someone,...no matter how negative the consequences might be towards you. I am 54 and I am not willing to risk my reputation of honesty over playing games and hiding signs. If I say; I have ONE original crate (probably the find of some peoples lifetime)that contains 6 beautiful flange signs,....then that is all I have. If you had someone "trying to buy" your signs at 30-40% under another's offer,....would you sell?? I don't think so. All of this stuff of old sayings of; $$$ talks and B.S. walks is actually hilarious given the situation. Bottom line is, I didn't have these signs a year ago and do not have to sell them. I could put them away for my grandchildren's college, but I would think there are collectors that would enjoy having something of this caliber in their collection today. To have more than one, secure's incredible "trading power" as well. Just my 2 cents.

Good thoughts, Money seems to have a way of changing what people think and do. I would keep them and do as you have said, that way no one is felt slighted.

I worked in the financial service sector for over 20 years and my take on money is this;....It tends to make good people better and bad people worse.

Hawkman,

I'm gonna go off topic ('cause no doubt your pm box is pretty stacked by now) and welcome you to Old Gas. I hope you don't judge the site by a few people who may be have said or wrote something to you that came off wrong.

It's been fun to share in your excitement! I too would love one day to hear how you found the signs. Seeing the cool things that people have, learning a little history, and stories like yours are my recreation on this site.

Glad you posted them here for all to see. I think you did the absolute correct thing in posting the six and the crate. I agree with Wes, one a year at Dan's auctions and they will bring top dollar. Congrats on the find..

I have had a 99% positive experience by posting on this site and am looking foreword to meeting some of you at a sign show in the future. It looks like Peotone, IL. is the closest meet coming up. Maybe I can slip over to it. My good friend Arlan Fox and his wife Bobbie always set-up there. I appreciate everyone's help and input on this rare find and will try to post a pic of my 1920's era 9ft. Woolworth's Porcelain sign that I have with cast iron letters in a heavy steel frame. It is dirty and has been in storage for about 20 years. I know it's not oil & gas, but it is a killer sign! I hope a lot of you that went to Iowa Gas had some great finds and are enjoying a day of rest today. --- Hawkman