Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Been trying to find out what this is reserved for a friend who is trying sell it to me. Anyone have an idea? Thanks Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fargoguy Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Looks Pontiac to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Bonesteel Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Perfect Circle Piston Rings logo. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Bonesteel Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&J Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Look at the back to try to see if it is modern repro.....in case it's going for big bucks. Front looks too new, too clean, to me but I'm no expert on if Sealed Power ever made these in neon back in the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Hard to tell for sure, but to me it looks repro based on the pic. More detailed photos needed to be sure tho. It's could be a part of a larger sign. Anyone got pics of a complete one? Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Pretty sure it is not a repro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 I agree with the reproduction vote. It just looks too clean, with no trace of surface rust on any of the components. Also, if you look at the picture that shows the switch and cord, it looks like they are using a rubber grommet as an insulator. If it was original I doubt that they would do that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 The bottom were the cord goes in is a ceramic insulator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 The rubber grommets are above the on/off switch on the neon. They are common hardware items. Seems unusual that the Sealed Power name does not show up somewhere if it’s original. What matters is whether you like it and the price is acceptable to you. Lots of reproduction items are sold to people who just want the look without having to pay exorbitant prices. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 This would be a very odd sign to reproduce. I think it’s original just because of that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&J Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 14 minutes ago, TerryB said: The rubber grommets are above the on/off switch on the neon. They are common hardware items. Seems unusual that the Sealed Power name does not show up somewhere if it’s original. What matters is whether you like it and the price is acceptable to you. Lots of reproduction items are sold to people who just want the look without having to pay exorbitant prices. I think it must be a fantasy art piece, and the lack of the Sealed Power name would then make it more of a saleable piece for anybody including decorators that would not want that name on there? I ran a few image searches and there is nothing even close. It just doesn't look right to me. I even did a member search for items on ebay from a Massachusetts guy who deals and collects the very rarest porcelain auto signs, but nothing is currently listed to be able to contact him to ask about this neon sign. He bought 2 expensive signs in person from me 13 years ago and he definitely knows what is genuine or not. Maybe let this thread go a few days in hopes that an AACA member had seen one at Hershey back in the days of all original sign sales. If nobody has ever seen one...then... I would not pay crazy money, and then take it apart and find evidence of it being a brand new piece. Don't forget; you did ask for opinions. We all have those.. . . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Looks like it is missing translucent cover(s). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F&J Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 3 minutes ago, F&J said: I even did a member search for items on ebay from a Massachusetts guy who deals and collects the very rarest porcelain auto signs, but nothing is currently listed to be able to contact him to ask about this neon sign. I just ran a search with the guys last name and it shows he even wrote a book in 2005 just on signs. I can't find a company contact page in this search below, but the book is still available so maybe he is still alive. No idea on how to contact him. https://www.bing.com/search?q=amistadi+vintage+signs&form=EDGENT&qs=PF&cvid=cebe4b9dd941470aa2e65306057fd335&cc=US&setlang=en-US Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Would be a good sign for a strip joint. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 9 minutes ago, Restorer32 said: Would be a good sign for a strip joint. Yes, those chemical paint-stripping specialists often have a lot of neon automotive signs! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Shows sign of restoration to the lady back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bamford Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Hard to tell in the last photo, but those look like modern machine screws with the combination flat and square drive heads. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 7 minutes ago, Chris Bamford said: Hard to tell in the last photo, but those look like modern machine screws with the combination flat and square drive heads. Suppose they are and this particular sign has been refurbished/restored and these were used. Does the value go down on an original sign that has been restored? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 9 minutes ago, Chris Bamford said: Hard to tell in the last photo, but those look like modern machine screws with the combination flat and square drive heads. It is rivets in the tabs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bamford Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 37 minutes ago, Sdcookie2 said: It is rivets in the tabs To my eye, these ones look like big-box store machine screws. Not saying that this sign isn't an original, but these fasteners are not old. If the sign is a restored original, I wonder what trauma the original machine screws suffered such that they had to be replaced... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalowed Bill Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 Buy it, whether it's original or not doesn't make much difference. It's unique enough and in nice enough condition that it would be a good addition to any wall, It's sure to be a conversation piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 If you don’t want it, at least find out a price and let us know what that is so we can possibly buy it. It is a unique piece. dave s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 (edited) I'm pretty sure the way that "can" is notched to form it around the sign and back is not normally found on originals, nor is the use of rivets like that. If they are modern "pop rivets" its either an incorrect restoration or something else. I think knowing the history or provenance needs to be a factor in determine its authenticity. If the dealer is representing it as an original, he must have some reason to believe it is, and knowing that would help with verification. I agree the lack of other advertising (product name) on it is an issue. These also usually had the sign makers name or logo someplace on them, like a bottom edge. I too have done an internet and auction search and turn up nothing. In person inspection though might be necessary to be certain. Try contacting Dan Matthews at The Authentication Co. (TAC) for an expert opinion. You've not mentioned the price so I'm assuming it's a substantial amount. Let us know what more you find out. Terry Edited March 29, 2021 by Terry Bond (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 2 hours ago, Chris Bamford said: Hard to tell in the last photo, but those look like modern machine screws with the combination flat and square drive heads. Just emailed Dan Matthews he got back to me in minutes, he says it is a fantasy piece, he doesn't authenticate through photos so he didn't give a value Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Just emailed Dan Matthews he got back to me in minutes, he says it is a fantasy piece, he doesn't authenticate through photos so he didn't give a value Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 29, 2021 Author Share Posted March 29, 2021 Anyone have an idea what it would be worth as a fantasy piece? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted March 29, 2021 Share Posted March 29, 2021 If it's a fantasy piece it has value only as a decorative item. That depends on how much you like it and are ok spending. What is the asking price? Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 Terry Bond (above) is very knowledgeable about all sorts of automotive collectibles, and has written about them extensively. He's surely too modest to say so, so I'll say that his opinions are worth listening to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 You are too kind John. The more I learn, the more I learn I need to learn more - but, am always willing to share what I've learned (so far). Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 30, 2021 Author Share Posted March 30, 2021 4 hours ago, Terry Bond said: If it's a fantasy piece it has value only as a decorative item. That depends on how much you like it and are ok spending. What is the asking price? Terry $1800 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 Sdcookie2, Personally $1,800 sounds a little high to me for a reproduced piece. After an exhaustive search, I turned up this image of an original. Perhaps if you shared it with the seller he may reconsider his asking price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sdcookie2 Posted March 30, 2021 Author Share Posted March 30, 2021 54 minutes ago, GregLaR said: Sdcookie2, Personally $1,800 sounds a little high to me for a reproduced piece. After an exhaustive search, I turned up this image of an original. Perhaps if you shared it with the seller he may reconsider his asking price. Now that is funny 🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 Check this sign store https://www.carguygarage.com/accessories/decor/lighted-signs Might be helpful for determining a fair price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 So new about $300, extra $1500 must be for patina. Is it claimed to work ? +1 Terry, we stop learning, we die. Internet is like Jeopardy. Key to finding anything is in forming a question in the form of an answer. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilgrim65 Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 Without being called a prude , would rather have the unadorned version ie no Heinz 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 (edited) Too many things make it look like it's a new, fabricated piece. New screws, pie cut's rather than a rolled outer ring, pop rivets, modern cord and plug, and weather proof cover on the toggle switch. Also, if you look at the the sheetmetal that is behind the figures hair and arm, it looks like it was hammered to form the curve. If it was a production part they would have stamped that part out. I'm not saying that the maker built it to deceive anyone, but probably just fabricated a unique decorative piece. Edited March 31, 2021 by 46 woodie spelling correction (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted March 31, 2021 Share Posted March 31, 2021 If the sign were "original" I think the manufacturer and city where it was made would be highly visible, correct? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Henderson Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 I worked for a sign company in the late '50's, the construction is not typical of how we custom made neons in the day. It almost looks to me to have been made using the bottom portion of a 5 gallon can. I'm not troubled by the cord, round black rubber cords existed then, but pop rivets weren't around then, we used regular flat head brass rivets, set by hand using a riveting hammer and a dolly. Regarding its cleanliness, it may have been intended to be an inside sign as evidenced by the single hanging hole in the back, perhaps for mounting up high on a wall, in which case it would not become very dirty or weathered. Not seen is an Underwriter's Lab sticker which would have had to be affixed certifying electrical standards were met. P. S. When the company closed, the owner invited me to take any signs laying around that I wanted. I found 3 Nash signs, 2 Chevrolet's and a "Seasons Greetings", all small neon window hanging ones which I still have. What I passed up still brings tears to my eyes, huge vertical outdoor dealership signs, a Packard one in particular stands out in my memory. Where do you store 12'-15' high signs while living in an apartment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 30 minutes ago, Dave Henderson said: Where do you store 12'-15' high signs while living in an apartment? That's exactly the problem I had when I first began collecting "stuff" back in the 70s. The Navy only allowed so much weight when we moved. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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