What I buy
Old tin signs
Painted, printed and embossed tin signs from stores, stations and farms. Faded, dented or rusty doesn’t rule it out — send photos and I’ll take a look.
Local in Texas — I’ll travel farther for the right piece.
What I look for
A few examples of what counts. If yours isn’t on the list, send a photo anyway.
- Soda and drink signs
- Motor oil, tire and auto signs
- Farm, feed and seed signs
- Store and product signs
- Embossed signs with raised lettering
- Smaller signs that hung by a door or counter
Some of the companies I like
If your brand isn’t listed, send a photo anyway.
- Soda
- Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, 7-Up, Pepsi and Orange Crush
- Gas and oil
- Texaco, Sinclair, Mobil, Shell, Gulf, Smitholene, Houston Gasoline, Texas Pacific, Panhandle, Magnolia and Conoco
Photos that help
Phone pictures in daylight are perfect. Here’s what helps most for tin signs. The full photo guide covers the rest.
Show the back and an edge
The back and edge help tell an old sign from a newer reproduction, so those two photos matter a lot on tin.
Leave the rust alone
Don’t sand, clear-coat or touch up the paint. Honest wear is better than a fix.
Look for small print
Many tin signs have a maker’s name or date printed along the bottom edge. A close-up helps.
Where I buy
I prefer to buy locally in Texas, and I’ll travel farther for the right piece. If you’re outside Texas, it’s still worth a text.
Got one? Text me a few photos.
Front, back and an edge is plenty to start. Text them to 979-220-3831 and I'll take a look. One sign or several — either is fine.