AARoads Forum

Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2016, 11:54:25 PM

Title: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 12, 2016, 11:54:25 PM
Any sign collectors out there?  I have about 200 myself that I've gathered over in the last roughly 20 something years.  Pretty much I stick to route signage exclusively rather than things like gas or oil.  Picked out some recent new additions in the last couple weeks:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13654191_10208433097457582_3202536935092567482_n_zpsnqr0vukw.jpg&hash=f75600890e0de94f959cb68ad2edc80fb3f26a57)

US 127:  This is off an overhead guide sign and has 45x36 dimensions.  I have I-75, I-69, US 13 and US 24 all in 36x36 form but the three digit 127 made this the largest sign I have.  There is actually a surprising number of rivets still on the sign itself.

AZ 143:  Kind of an odd bird with the Sky Harbor Expressway considering it is only about 4 miles long.  I got a whole mess of AZ stuff from the same guy; AZ 69, AZ 195 and AZ 202 off the top of my head in addition to some Nevada on top of New Jersey signs.

I-44:  This is the last of the US 66 Interstates that I needed and the closest collection that I have to "complete."  I'm just looking for a I-66 and I-85 at this point.

Basically I try to collect routes that have some significance like places I've lived before, worked, spent a trip or had some sort of scenic value.  Generally I try to avoid duplicates but sometimes I'll grab a couple vintages if the price is reasonable.  Figured this would likely be something that people here participate in, I know that there are some traffic control people on here.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on July 13, 2016, 02:07:47 AM
I have a few road signs. Thinking about picking up a route shield as I don't have one yet. I also have several traffic lights.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Roadrunner75 on July 15, 2016, 12:41:55 AM
I have a couple of road signs (no route shields yet) and an old traffic light.  Always on the lookout for more, and especially old gas/oil signage (although that stuff is popular and is harder to find or afford).  I mostly look for that kind of thing in antique/consignment type shops and not much on the internet - usually because I'm not purposely looking for something and just stumble across it.  Thank you American Pickers for making sure no one out there is left unaware of the value of the old signs sitting in their shed.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on July 15, 2016, 12:41:55 AM
I have a couple of road signs (no route shields yet) and an old traffic light.  Always on the lookout for more, and especially old gas/oil signage (although that stuff is popular and is harder to find or afford).  I mostly look for that kind of thing in antique/consignment type shops and not much on the internet - usually because I'm not purposely looking for something and just stumble across it.  Thank you American Pickers for making sure no one out there is left unaware of the value of the old signs sitting in their shed.

You know, it's funny.  I see a crap ton of route signage on their picks off in the background but they NEVER ever touch on it.  Just goes to show how far route signage is being gas & oil in terms of popularity. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Alex on July 15, 2016, 08:04:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on July 15, 2016, 12:41:55 AM
I have a couple of road signs (no route shields yet) and an old traffic light.  Always on the lookout for more, and especially old gas/oil signage (although that stuff is popular and is harder to find or afford).  I mostly look for that kind of thing in antique/consignment type shops and not much on the internet - usually because I'm not purposely looking for something and just stumble across it.  Thank you American Pickers for making sure no one out there is left unaware of the value of the old signs sitting in their shed.

You know, it's funny.  I see a crap ton of route signage on their picks off in the background but they NEVER ever touch on it.  Just goes to show how far route signage is being gas & oil in terms of popularity.

There is one episode where they inquired about a Miss 1 cutout but were told it was not for sale. See this post I made about it on May 29, 2012 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=97.msg151655#msg151655) with a couple of screen shots of it.




I have retired traffic signals from Mobile, around 200 license plates and over 60 shields in my collection. The signs range from old cutouts and outline shields to more modern shields and Jake-based reproductions.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 09:23:14 AM
Quote from: Alex on July 15, 2016, 08:04:11 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 12:49:32 AM
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on July 15, 2016, 12:41:55 AM
I have a couple of road signs (no route shields yet) and an old traffic light.  Always on the lookout for more, and especially old gas/oil signage (although that stuff is popular and is harder to find or afford).  I mostly look for that kind of thing in antique/consignment type shops and not much on the internet - usually because I'm not purposely looking for something and just stumble across it.  Thank you American Pickers for making sure no one out there is left unaware of the value of the old signs sitting in their shed.

You know, it's funny.  I see a crap ton of route signage on their picks off in the background but they NEVER ever touch on it.  Just goes to show how far route signage is being gas & oil in terms of popularity.

There is one episode where they inquired about a Miss 1 cutout but were told it was not for sale. See this post I made about it on May 29, 2012 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=97.msg151655#msg151655) with a couple of screen shots of it.




I have retired traffic signals from Mobile, around 200 license plates and over 60 shields in my collection. The signs range from old cutouts and outline shields to more modern shields and Jake-based reproductions.

I can't say I've watched the show absolutely attentively but I'm surprised that I missed that one, that's a nice embossed sign.  Most of mine are modern signage but I have quite a bit of the vinyl era cut-out US Route signage...embossed isn't really the place to go for deals.  I picked up a lot of replicas of embossed signs a couple years ago from a guy out of Oregon steel prices were a lot lower.  I've had a couple run-ins with Jake over the years, seems like he's still going on eBay with the California stuff.  Wasn't he supposed to be on here as well?...say that Agent Steel on that thread you showed me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Ian on July 15, 2016, 01:13:53 PM
I have a collection of probably close to 60-65 signs, mostly of route shields and other various older signs. I also have about 5-6 traffic signals. It's been a while since I've photographed my collection and a lot of my signs aren't pictured, but here's a Flickr album of some of what I have:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157622303913727
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 01:20:42 PM
Quote from: Ian on July 15, 2016, 01:13:53 PM
I have a collection of probably close to 60-65 signs, mostly of route shields and other various older signs. I also have about 5-6 traffic signals. It's been a while since I've photographed my collection and a lot of my signs aren't pictured, but here's a Flickr album of some of what I have:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157622303913727

The CA 60, US 666 and Yellow Florida US 301 really caught my eye in there.  I've never once seen a CA 60 in my travels despite California stuff being fairly common, the US 666 had a nice DOT sticker and it's very rare to see anything but the colored US 1 out of Florida.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 15, 2016, 01:55:23 PM
Quote from: Ian on July 15, 2016, 01:13:53 PM
I have a collection of probably close to 60-65 signs, mostly of route shields and other various older signs. I also have about 5-6 traffic signals. It's been a while since I've photographed my collection and a lot of my signs aren't pictured, but here's a Flickr album of some of what I have:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157622303913727

I have 2 traffic lights and a Ped signal I can program using my Christmas Light programming equipment, which via the computer allows me to accurately duplicate what one would see at a regular intersection!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Takumi on July 15, 2016, 05:09:54 PM
All three my shields came from Jake. A US 101, a CA 14, and a custom-made I-366. I also have a handful of disused local signage. A couple of street blades, a stop sign, and a 70s vintage speed limit 35.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on July 15, 2016, 05:26:38 PM
Quote from: Takumi on July 15, 2016, 05:09:54 PM
All three my shields came from Jake. A US 101, a CA 14, and a custom-made I-366. I also have a handful of disused local signage. A couple of street blades, a stop sign, and a 70s vintage speed limit 35.

I have 3 from Jake: Cutout/ refurbished AR 68, AR 471 cutout, Business US 71 cutout.
I have another AR cutout (23 original), MO cutout, IL "silhouette", numerous Kansas mini replicas, plus 3-4 signs in storage. I'd love to get a couple more, but money is tight right now.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 10:19:14 PM
Quote from: Takumi on July 15, 2016, 05:09:54 PM
All three my shields came from Jake. A US 101, a CA 14, and a custom-made I-366. I also have a handful of disused local signage. A couple of street blades, a stop sign, and a 70s vintage speed limit 35.

I do have some street blades also...but very few.  All of them except one consist of US Highway route number like US 176 or US 90.  My personal favorite is an Oatman Highway sign I picked up this year which was part of the original US 66 in Arizona.  It's got just the right amount of wear that it hasn't affect the font but the green has basically faded into almost a weird black.

Also, I have three signs on the way...made a deal with a scrapper in Michigan and bought something from another one out in Texas.  I'll show them when all three arrive...one of them is something I've been wanting for awhile.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: SignGeek101 on July 15, 2016, 10:57:41 PM
I want to get a road sign (preferably a route shield of some type). They're all so expensive on Ebay though. I don't want to spend $100 for a simple route shield :-(
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 11:03:58 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 15, 2016, 10:57:41 PM
I want to get a road sign (preferably a route shield of some type). They're all so expensive on Ebay though. I don't want to spend $100 for a simple route shield :-(

You just got to find the guys who start with a low entry bid or a scrapper who knows what the real value is with BIN prices.  A lot of people have really common signs but think they are worth a fortune and ask for a big number hoping for big day.  Best advice I can impart is just have a list of what you want and what you're willing to pay for it. Canadian signs are little more rare to come by but you might want to look at someone like lucky_cat_1958 who usually has a lot of them and starts his bids roughly at market value.  Really the only Canadian stuff he gets that goes for decent money would be Autoroutes from Quebec.

Speaking which he has a Trans Canada Highway/Manitoba up right now in fact:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manitoba-Trans-Canada-Highway-1-route-road-traffic-sign-USED-AUTHENTIC-/122041171285?hash=item1c6a387d55:g:6AQAAOSwRgJXgaxO
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on July 15, 2016, 11:14:09 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 15, 2016, 10:57:41 PM
I want to get a road sign (preferably a route shield of some type). They're all so expensive on Ebay though. I don't want to spend $100 for a simple route shield :-(

If you're not particular about the state:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Penna-Route-616-Metal-Road-Sign-Transportation-Hwy-Sign-Man-Cave-/232001960779?hash=item360464fb4b:g:jKoAAOSwKfVXKoWR

This is a good price, IMO.

What you might do is set up an e-bay search where you can see what's available and for how much.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 15, 2016, 11:16:54 PM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2016, 11:14:09 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 15, 2016, 10:57:41 PM
I want to get a road sign (preferably a route shield of some type). They're all so expensive on Ebay though. I don't want to spend $100 for a simple route shield :-(

If you're not particular about the state:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Penna-Route-616-Metal-Road-Sign-Transportation-Hwy-Sign-Man-Cave-/232001960779?hash=item360464fb4b:g:jKoAAOSwKfVXKoWR

This is a good price, IMO.

What you might do is set up an e-bay search where you can see what's available and for how much.

And get a really good list of sellers you follow.  I have 32 that I follow which usually are pretty fair traders.  You just have to ignore the crap high dollar posts and sellers like I listed in the "clueless ebay user" thread.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 19, 2016, 10:45:40 PM
Alright got two new signs:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F1_zpsfnkmq5z9.jpg&hash=c65bc9661900a3ab1ebadcdb6c03467ca958d456)

Picked up the US 87 due to my recent trip where I followed a large portion of the I-25/US 87 multiplex between Denver and Billings.  The real prize here is the M102 or as most people would know it as 8 Mile Road from Detroit.  Now for me it was a place where my father worked in the 1980s on 8 Mile west of I-275 and where my Grand Parents lived at the crossing at Grand River.  Surprisingly I got the M102 for what I would consider a reasonable price, usually they have a premium from that stupid movie Eminem made....which really gave 8 Mile a reputation it didn't deserve in my opinion.  I have an M85 coming which really just leaves M1/Woodward as the only significant route in the city I need.

I took some quick pictures of the stock that have set aside in a spare bedroom:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F3_zpso4negl6m.jpg&hash=a2d07f10c8bc608083b6a516f18df91c37678a73)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F2_zpsnayxu0kj.jpg&hash=73c4694cfbc90bcc60cb483761bb767c433ade2a)

Basically anything in the green wrapping hasn't been touched in years since I moved back west.  Whenever I get closer to rounding out the US Routes I want I'll probably get around to hanging them all in the garage...or as much as I can.  I have some US 66 stuff out in the family room, an I-4 hanging above the couch and some California spades in the garage in the moment.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2016, 10:49:57 PM
Just picked up an M85 or Fort Street/Road from Metro Detroit and the city proper.  It even has the MDOT sticker intact, nice little bonus that usually isn't there.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2Fimage1_zps5timvusz.jpg&hash=7f80a87aa4e6d33f060c945374bbd33d1872e03c)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2Fimage2_zpsm9idhjdb.jpg&hash=b40e81ef54e9a5ed325cc9afeae2b4efe937089d)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: paulthemapguy on July 25, 2016, 09:53:44 AM
I'd personally love to see a more due-north route from Page, AZ north into Utah.  I've always been frustrated by the extent of the westward deviation of US89 before you finally straighten out and go north again.  Of course, there's a large national monument and a national park separating Page, AZ from I-70 if you draw a line more-or-less straight north.  Though I say, let's not get ahead of ourselves and see if we can even establish a two-lane road along that corridor before we consider a full Interstate.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on July 29, 2016, 09:57:59 PM
Just bought this US 64 shield today:
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8626/28024764663_2b2868b8a2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JGsfaD)My US 64 Shield & East Banner (https://flic.kr/p/JGsfaD) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8586/28534312132_2900830f0d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KttNSQ)My East Banner (https://flic.kr/p/KttNSQ) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8637/28024764173_9c682bd36b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JGsf2c)My US 64 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/JGsf2c) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 10:13:41 PM
Nice that's actually one of the US Routes that I'm looking for.  Actually found my list and updated it finally for things I'm missing:

Master List of Signs I Need

US Routes Needed
-  US 7 
-  US 8 
-  US 14
-  US 15 
-  US 17 
-  US 18
-  US 26
-  US 34
-  US 64 
-  US 92 
-  US 97 
-  US 98 
-  US 102
-  US 112
-  US 131
-  US 189 
-  US 192
-  US 199 
-  US 212
-  US 301
-  US 550

Interstates
-  I-66 
-  I-85 

Basically I need a US 64 to round out my Arizona US Route collection, I don't think a embossed US 180 (I) or US 260 are going to be out there for anything but the stratosphere.  I didn't include State Routes since that would basically include anything from all the states that I lived in or worked in.  I'm working on a new catalog of what I have in stock....seemed like it was easier to track what I wanted but didn't have yet.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 11:00:27 PM
This is my inventory for US Routes.  I got some really good deals a long time ago from some guy who had the tolling for embossed US Route signs and then found a DOT maker for a lot of modern stuff.  Pretty much in the last 5 years I haven't gotten any replicas....the bulk will be here:

US Route
US 2:  Modern 24x24 Sign
US 4:  18x18 recycled New Hampshire Cut-Out
US 6:  12x18 PA Historic Route sign from the Historic US Route 6 club.
US 9:  Modern 30x30
US 10:  1949 Replica Michigan Cut-Out
US 12:  1949 Replica Michigan Cut-Out
US 13:  Modern 36x36 overhead guide sign.
US 16:  1949 Replica Michigan Cut-Out
US 19:  Overhead sign saying "US 19"
US 20:  Modern 24x24 Sign
US 23:  Modern 24x24 Sign
US 24:  Modern 36x36 overhead guide sign.
US 25:  1949 Replica Michigan Cut-Out
US 27:  1926 Embossed Michigan 16x16.5 replica.
US 29:  Modern 24x24
US 30:  1926 Embossed Illinois 16x16.5 replica
US 31:  Modern 24x24
US 40:  1961 era 24x24
US 41:  Modern 24x24 replica
US 50:  1926 Embossed Nevada 16x16.5 replica
US 54:  Modern 24x24 replica
US 60:  Modern 24x24
US 60:  1926-1948 Embossed Arizona 16x16.5 replica
US 62:  Modern 24x24
US 66:  1926 embossed Arizona 16x16.5 replica
US 66:  1975 cut-out non-reflective Illionis sign in 1949 style that was given to Illinois Department of Transportation Members.
US 66:  Modern Oatman Highway Sign
US 66:  Replica embossed street sign
US 67:  Modern 24x24
US 70:  Replica 1926-1948 embossed Arizona 16x16.5
US 71:  Green street sign showing "US Route 71"
US 80:  18x18 Blue Arizona cut-out
US 80:  Replica 1926 Arizona embossed sign 16x16.5
US 81:  Modern 24x24
US 82:  Modern 24x24
US 84:  Modern 24x24
US 85:  Modern 24x24 replica
US 87:  Modern 24x24
US 89:  Replica 1926 embossed Arizona 16x16.5
US 90:  Green street sign saying "US 90"
US 91:  Replica 1926 embossed Nevada 16x16.5
US 93:  Modern 24x24 replica
US 95:  Modern 24x24 replica
US 99:  Replica 1926 embossed California 16x16.5
US 101:  Replica 1926 embossed California 16x16.5
US 117:  Modern 24x32
US 127:  Modern overhead guide 36x45, my biggest sign.
US 129:  Modern 24x32 replica
US 163:  Modern 24x32 replica
US 176:  Embossed street sign
US 180 (II):  Modern 24x32 replica
US 191:  Modern 24x32 replica
US 202:  18x18 Maine with painted US Route sheild, rusted as all hell.
US 285:  24x32 modern replica
US 287:  24x32 modern
US 385:  24x32 modern replica
US 395:  Replica embossed California 16x16.5
US 466:  Replica 1926-48 embossed Nevada 16x16.5
US 666:  Replica 1926-48 embossed Arizona 16x16.5
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 11:10:32 PM
These would be my Interstate Signs.  Basically they are the standard 24x24 or 24x32 unless otherwise specified.  All of these signs are real and were surprisingly easy to come by:

Interstate Signs
I-4
I-5
I-8:  California State Name
I-10:  Arizona State Name
I-12
I-15:  Wooden with Arizona State Name, 1957 style
I-17:  Arizona State Name
I-19
I-20
I-25:  BL Loop
I-30
I-35:  Overhead guide sign with rivets in it.
I-40:  BL Loop
I-44
I-55:  Mississippi State Name
I-64
I-65
I-69:  36x36
I-70:  Wooden with Utah State Name
I-71
I-75:  36x36
I-78:  On a white 24x24 blank.
I-80:  On a white 24x24 blank
I-81
I-84:  From an eastern state, not sure which one.
I-86:  Business Loop indicating it was out west
I-90
I-91:  Connecticut State Name
I-94:  Weird 18x18 off an overhead guide sign.
I-95:  New York State Name
I-96
I-405
I-469
I-696
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 11:31:51 PM
And finally the states and other signs that I have:

California Signs
CA 1
CA 46
CA 177
CA ??? (I'll show it when it comes in)

Nevada Signs
NV 164
NV 400
NV 593

Arizona Signs
AZ 66 One of the Brown Historic ones, cool as all hell
AZ 69
AZ 88
AZ 90
AZ 143
AZ 195
AZ 202
AZ 303 One of the older black ones

Colorado
CO 41
CO 340
CO E470

Florida
FL A1A 24x32 Replica

Michigan
M-3
M-5
M-10  Overhead cut-out
M-20
M-36
M-37
M-39
M-44
M-66
M-85
M-89
M-91
M-102 (yes 8 mile)
M-153

Connecticut
CT 2
CT 25
CT 32
CT 37
CT 157
CT 163
CT 183

Ontario

Trans Canada Highway Central Route
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 30, 2016, 06:42:16 PM
Just got a CA 299 that came in today, already hung it up with my other California spades:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13669612_10208596208135247_8109098148324645304_n_zpssmqzymmk.jpg&hash=8826cdcf02a7b45d47dc4b7c0c91c49a6535e5a4)

I thought this one was really cool given the infamy being US 299 from 1934-64.  Fun road through the Trinity Range between US 101 and I-5...had a blast up there a couple months back on a road trip.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 01, 2016, 01:41:22 PM
I had a button copy STOP sign a couple years ago, but wound up having to sell it. I wish now I hadn't :(
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2016, 07:24:42 PM
Worst part is that anything button copy has become retarded expensive.  I don't even recall the last time I saw an asking price under $200 for anything with reflectors on it. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: SignGeek101 on August 01, 2016, 07:34:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 30, 2016, 06:42:16 PM
Just got a CA 299 that came in today, already hung it up with my other California spades:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13669612_10208596208135247_8109098148324645304_n_zpssmqzymmk.jpg&hash=8826cdcf02a7b45d47dc4b7c0c91c49a6535e5a4)

I thought this one was really cool given the infamy being US 299 from 1934-64.  Fun road through the Trinity Range between US 101 and I-5...had a blast up there a couple months back on a road trip.

Why is that CA 177 shield beige/yellow coloured instead of white? Was that an old standard?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2016, 08:04:03 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on August 01, 2016, 07:34:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 30, 2016, 06:42:16 PM
Just got a CA 299 that came in today, already hung it up with my other California spades:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13669612_10208596208135247_8109098148324645304_n_zpssmqzymmk.jpg&hash=8826cdcf02a7b45d47dc4b7c0c91c49a6535e5a4)

I thought this one was really cool given the infamy being US 299 from 1934-64.  Fun road through the Trinity Range between US 101 and I-5...had a blast up there a couple months back on a road trip.

Why is that CA 177 shield beige/yellow coloured instead of white? Was that an old standard?

Older sign, faded out to yellow along the numerals . Basically 177 doesn't get much attention and would speculate the signs that are there see several decades of use.  It doesn't help when it's 125F in the summer out there in the Sonoran Desert at Desert Center.

I actually have quite a few western Texas US Route signs with similar era vinyl that basically show the same kind of sun fade on the white shield.  Those are even more pronounced and have some heavy cracking on the vinyl.  Kind of amazing the damage the sun alone can do if you give it enough time.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: bulldog1979 on August 01, 2016, 09:47:24 PM
So where do you guys procure your signs?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2016, 10:14:03 PM
I used to frequent a lot of swap meets, plate/sign shows and sometimes even antique shops on older highways.  Basically those are the places you want to go if you got a ton of time and if you want something old for a reasonable price...just be prepared to look for a long time.  More modern stuff is easily available on eBay if you are patient and know what you want.  I tend to gravitate to scrap guys since they don't have a sentimental attachment to what they are selling and will generally work with you if you want to purchase a lot from them.  So in a way there is some networking involved...I got most of my AZ, NV and MI signs from scrappers clearing out lots of used stuff.  There are some collectors that I've come to trust, at least to the extent that they charge market value on a sign or at least something reasonable.  Out of all those signs I've listed above I've only paid over $100 three times and never above $178 for any single one sign; two of those were from California...so that's a thing.  But then again I just want stuff that has some sentimental value to me, something that I spent time on....a trip, work or lived nearby.  Being patient no matter where you look is the key or you end up over paying.. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 02, 2016, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on August 01, 2016, 09:47:24 PM
So where do you guys procure your signs?
One of the last ones I found was at a "collectable" shop (junk store) near Joplin, MO.

There's a good place near Mammoth Springs, AR and as I recall, his prices are not bad. Flea Markets are often overpriced, IMO.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 05, 2016, 08:29:02 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on August 01, 2016, 07:34:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 30, 2016, 06:42:16 PM
Just got a CA 299 that came in today, already hung it up with my other California spades:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13669612_10208596208135247_8109098148324645304_n_zpssmqzymmk.jpg&hash=8826cdcf02a7b45d47dc4b7c0c91c49a6535e5a4)

I thought this one was really cool given the infamy being US 299 from 1934-64.  Fun road through the Trinity Range between US 101 and I-5...had a blast up there a couple months back on a road trip.

Why is that CA 177 shield beige/yellow coloured instead of white? Was that an old standard?

Actually I had a second look at the 177 today.  Basically the "177" is a vinyl numeral placed over a painted sign.  So basically it was going to have a much greater degree of wear than the rest of the sign.  The 1 sign all the way over on the left was NOS but it doesn't have a vinyl number and wouldn't have worn as much as the 177.  If you look around enough on the shield gallery I believe there are examples on CA State Highway signs where the numeral has a higher degree of wear than the rest of the sign just like my 177.  The 46 and 299 are much more recent and are reflective vinyl completely.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 08, 2016, 10:31:43 PM
Picked up some new acquisitions today...or rather they arrived in the mail:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F13934886_10208668403780093_4730615193303166829_n_zpsv4wibpet.jpg&hash=eaab525858c8f19c3288e776fd0421af239224c9)

The Highway 98 is just a street blade off of US 98 in Alabama, been looking for anything related to said route for a long time.  The real prize here is the NV 375 which of course is the Extraterrestrial Highway which runs east of Groom Lake.  Surprisingly nobody else really put any serious bids on the NV 375, I would suspect that outside the road geek community nobody knows what it actually is. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Thing 342 on August 08, 2016, 10:59:14 PM
Have been looking for some route marker signs, but haven't really bothered to check EBay, etc for them. I did recently see an ON-33 marker in an antique store (in Thomas, WV for some reason), but they were trying to charge an insane $275 for it (despite it being relatively new). I didn't feel like trying to haggle, so I left with a 1951 GE clock radio for a much more reasonable price.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 08, 2016, 11:08:28 PM
Yeah you get a lot of idiot sellers who think even modern signs are some sort of priceless antique.  There is someone trying to pedal a bunch of modern California signs like US 101 and CA 1 for $1,200 on eBay.  For what it's worth I paid $31 for the NV 375, there are plenty of deals to be had online if you are willing to look long enough.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: nyratk1 on August 10, 2016, 04:29:28 PM
My collection is here. Mostly Suffolk County oriented with a lil bit of NYC:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nyratk1/

The most I've spent on a sign is $69 on the 1950s era NY 25 sign. Most I've acquired for $20-30 each, some as low as $10.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 10, 2016, 05:05:31 PM
Those are some nice traffic lights.  I'm sure that 5th Ave was on the higher side of the coin that you listed.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: nyratk1 on August 10, 2016, 06:03:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 10, 2016, 05:05:31 PM
Those are some nice traffic lights.  I'm sure that 5th Ave was on the higher side of the coin that you listed.

Some of the cheapest, actually. Some plastic recycling company was selling them on eBay 5-6 years ago and I managed to get them for opening bid which was about $12.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 10, 2016, 06:49:19 PM
Nice, it's amazing what ends up in their hands because they have a DOT contract sometimes.  The bulk of my stuff came from scrappers, it's all profit for them at the end of the day. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: mariethefoxy on August 10, 2016, 06:59:14 PM
Quote from: nyratk1 on August 10, 2016, 04:29:28 PM
My collection is here. Mostly Suffolk County oriented with a lil bit of NYC:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nyratk1/

The most I've spent on a sign is $69 on the 1950s era NY 25 sign. Most I've acquired for $20-30 each, some as low as $10.

definitely a Long Island based collection. I have a single NY 82 shield I got years ago at an antique store. From waht I gather Route 82 is somewhere upstate.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: 3web on August 19, 2016, 01:08:23 AM
Only "sign" I have is a replica cut-out Route 66 shield I got from my visit to California last year.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 20, 2016, 11:53:20 PM
Quote from: 3web on August 19, 2016, 01:08:23 AM
Only "sign" I have is a replica cut-out Route 66 shield I got from my visit to California last year.
I've got one of those for Illinois.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 26, 2016, 10:32:27 PM
Some new arrivals; US 3, M227, and M60:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_8721_zpsfib0t7tz.jpg&hash=20c6482126a17c702625298e0723fb363b1165b7)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_8719_zpsiiotsjhc.jpg&hash=510b4c878c65aa913ab341ecd90ccd5c4c00cff7)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 09, 2016, 10:18:26 PM
Plus US 5 and US 26 just added to the collection:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F14292478_10208955694522182_5405050117751571621_n_zpssvrnim31.jpg&hash=af69e3dd4354328ce96668d188f8232c320ea16c)

The US 26 actually has an Idaho department of transportation sticking showing it was made in 1974 despite the 1961 design.  I really don't like the modern design of the US Route shield...it looks bloated.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 14, 2016, 11:40:03 PM
New find...US 64:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F64US_zpson6x1izi.jpg&hash=2996de48ca51d968cd8f71098bbf6f9ebb9cfbc7)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Rothman on September 15, 2016, 02:01:14 PM
There's only one route sign I'd ever want to get and I doubt it's available anywhere:  The old Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway sign.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on September 15, 2016, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 14, 2016, 11:40:03 PM
New find...US 64:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F64US_zpson6x1izi.jpg&hash=2996de48ca51d968cd8f71098bbf6f9ebb9cfbc7)
Congrats on joining the US 64 club (and getting a sign you were looking for)!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 15, 2016, 03:41:36 PM
Indeed it was.  Last of the active U.S. and Interstate routes I was looking for that go through Arizona.  Pretty sure I'm now under 20 left to go with US 64 and US 26.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 17, 2016, 08:35:50 AM
Part of the problem for me is that I've lived so many places that even though the routes I want are only ones I have some sort of connection to....the list gets pretty damn long.  I was surprised how quickly the Interstate signs accumulated over the years, usually those were the cheapest and easiest to find.  Really though as far as states highway signs I only look at routes for the following:

California
Arizona
Nevada
Utah
Colorado
Florida
Michigan
Connecticut
New Mexico

When I lived in Texas it was in the western part of the state where there wasn't too many state highways, mostly US Routes...so meh on that.  And I only spent summers with family and friends for multiple years in North Carolina and Illinois when I was a kid.  Given that we're talking Asheville and Chicago for me the state highway markers don't do it for me.  The only one I listed that I never lived in or worked in was Colorado, but I've spent so much time there and so many great state routes...I figure why not?

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: paulthemapguy on September 26, 2016, 09:27:03 AM
I don't blame you at all for refusing to collect Illinois state highway markers.  They're egregiously unoriginal.  Ew Gross.  Same for Montana and Indiana which pretty much have the same style.  Blank squares and blank circles are also lame.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 26, 2016, 09:37:39 AM
At least they got the state name with them, the all time worst and I have a ton of them is Connecticut.  :-D  Basically it's just a white blank with black trim....that's it.  I ran into a guy who was trying to sell a bunch of them that were highways that went through or were around a town I lived in.  Considering they were $5-$10 dollars a pop I bought the whole lot and accumulated a couple more along the way.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on October 11, 2016, 11:07:49 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/albums/72157650994646541 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/albums/72157650994646541)

My collection isn't large, and it is a mix of roadway & railroad signs. My most recent acquisition is the AR 335 and NORTH banner. For both I paid $45 from an antique shop in Minden, LA.  The shield & banner were in 2 different rooms of the store so if they really were together in the field is unknown. But the finish on both signs feel the same.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 12, 2016, 12:39:07 AM
Dig the US 65 sign, that's one on my short list that I still need to find.

Speaking of recent signage picked up...  Snagged a Caltrans US 101 cut-out on the cheap finally.  Thought that I had a US 395 also but it wasn't to be:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F101US_zpsliuskq9r.jpg&hash=639e2f24430bbbc0b3937e9bb9e093f3db78f90c)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on October 12, 2016, 06:09:02 PM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on August 01, 2016, 09:47:24 PM
So where do you guys procure your signs?

I have had several methods of procurement:

My first sign ever...an old speed limit 25 sign that has disappeared over the years...was given to me by an uncle when I was 6 years old. I have lived in this house all of my life except for my college years. It must've disappeared then.

My LA 507 sign was acquired one day while riding my bike with a pair of pliers in each back pocket. The sign had been knocked down for a couple of years and forgotten. My siblings applied the red spray paint soon after, which happened to be the color of my face when I discovered it.  :angry:  :banghead:

The railroad signs were acquired on a few times down the tracks. These had been replaced with new signs and were lying on the ground. A couple of those sign posts came home then as well. In fact, I use an old milepost sign and a couple of switch targets as my E-911 address sign in front of my house.

US 65 was acquired when I worked road construction in Pine Bluff, AR (I-530 & the new US 63/79 road to Althiemer, AR). The sign assembly was knocked down and was to be removed.  The AHTD inspector I worked with gave me permission to start the disassembly process.

The red STOP RR CROSSING sign was in a shop building at my current employer. I was told to take it home.

LA 150 was knocked over and "forgotten about" by the sign repairman. I thanked him when I left & picked it up later that day.

Blacksnake Rd was found at a dumpster site...literally. Laying on the ground next to dumpsters. I don't know where it came from because no town or road department anywhere near here uses that style or has that name for a road. It is a pair of embossed blades bolted together on the ends.

The AR 335 cutout & NORTH banner were purchased for a total of $45 from an antique store in Minden, LA. The newer reflective NORTH was purchased from a vendor at the Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days in Arcadia, LA for $10.

So I have had many procurement methods for my sign collection. But the one thing I haven't done is taken a sign that was in use off of a post. That I won't do.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2016, 08:13:30 AM
Forgot to post this, picked up a new US 395 California cut-out:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F5_zpshft97lph.jpg&hash=310f8b30773a44d2a1dc54395e4f6f7fae37aa71)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2016, 04:18:42 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2016, 08:13:30 AM
Forgot to post this, picked up a new US 395 California cut-out:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F5_zpshft97lph.jpg&hash=310f8b30773a44d2a1dc54395e4f6f7fae37aa71)

Strange, I just saw a youtube video with that same sign hung up in a garage https://youtu.be/bC3jD_l6q48?t=1m28s
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2016, 04:27:31 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2016, 04:18:42 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2016, 08:13:30 AM
Forgot to post this, picked up a new US 395 California cut-out:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F5_zpshft97lph.jpg&hash=310f8b30773a44d2a1dc54395e4f6f7fae37aa71)

Strange, I just saw a youtube video with that same sign hung up in a garage https://youtu.be/bC3jD_l6q48?t=1m28s

Yeah that's pretty weird.  I'm taking it by all the New Jersey stuff in the video that it's some sort of east coast thing?   Weird to see anyone want a U.S. 395 all the way out there.  They had a really big Exxon sign on the floor also. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 03, 2016, 09:42:29 PM
Checked off US 14, just arrived today:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FUS14_zpsu1nvacyj.jpg&hash=145bf66b1bd3a1bb7383cb6fad963be791705f00)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 17, 2016, 10:44:52 AM
Picked up some new US Routes:

US 7

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FUS7_zpsifv22cr1.jpg&hash=ac13e079e966367070e963821886370c8b83079a)

US 131

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FUS131_zpskqjuh5ak.jpg&hash=11b10663db3cd7160928ff584704b735264f9bcf)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 22, 2016, 10:29:51 PM
New toy just arrived; CA 58:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_2608_zpsmhniszal.jpg&hash=64077b8e4c6638dd6468ef4e50ef5a5ea8f65c57)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2016, 11:08:53 PM
Picked up three new signs; M24, CA 33, and CA 178:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F1_zpsdp6w6jzm.jpg&hash=297834176c1fe82e131aac6951fb2ac114b307df)

Which means there was some updates to the garage:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F2_zps9wyoqbh9.jpg&hash=fc01f5ff5db0988ed3907f67da3f7ab01f109da3)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Ian on December 25, 2016, 12:21:24 PM
I guess I've been a good boy this year, because look what Santa brought me...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEGwLhOgl.jpg&hash=a8520b184241ae03bde35d6feb909bcf55d0605a)

It may be time to stop buying signs since I don't think I'll find one better than this!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on December 27, 2016, 06:24:39 AM
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5646/31830801525_80f5a2d8aa_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QuMbjR)20161223_164617 (https://flic.kr/p/QuMbjR) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

This sign arrived at my railroad's MOW shop last year in error. I asked, I received.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 27, 2016, 08:04:35 AM
My kind of thread!   :clap:

Quote from: Ian on December 25, 2016, 12:21:24 PM
It may be time to stop buying signs since I don't think I'll find one better than this!

Ian, that Mass Pike shield is one of the best ones, for sure!

Traffic lights have always been my thing, and I have collected a bunch of them in the past, and then pared them down to the few (4) that I really like best.  I'm having fun with signs right now.  I prefer signs with geographical names on them (e.g., highway shields, directional signs, etc.) over traffic control signs (e.g., Stop, Yield, Divided Highway, etc).  As with traffic lights, I look for more local pieces from NJ and New York City, though I wouldn't turn down a good offer for a cool shield like Ian's Mass Pike shield above.  And, of course, older is better!

My sign collection is visible on bloat-o-bucket HERE (http://s722.photobucket.com/user/pb4fjk/library/signs?sort=3&page=1).

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on December 28, 2016, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: spitball on December 27, 2016, 08:04:35 AM
My kind of thread!   :clap:

Quote from: Ian on December 25, 2016, 12:21:24 PM
It may be time to stop buying signs since I don't think I'll find one better than this!

My sign collection is visible on bloat-o-bucket HERE (http://s722.photobucket.com/user/pb4fjk/library/signs?sort=3&page=1).



It is set to private & cannot be viewed.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 28, 2016, 09:07:23 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_71/albums/72157629078014259

I need to update this.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 29, 2016, 02:11:07 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 28, 2016, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: spitball on December 27, 2016, 08:04:35 AM

My sign collection is visible on bloat-o-bucket HERE (http://s722.photobucket.com/user/pb4fjk/library/signs?sort=3&page=1).



It is set to private & cannot be viewed.

Thanks, I think I have opened up the permissions...not sure though, because the site is so damn wonky, it wasn't clear if the setting took.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 29, 2016, 02:12:27 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2016, 09:07:23 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_71/albums/72157629078014259

I need to update this.

I'd like to see the update...what you have there is great.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 29, 2016, 11:28:27 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 12, 2016, 12:39:07 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F101US_zpsliuskq9r.jpg&hash=639e2f24430bbbc0b3937e9bb9e093f3db78f90c)

Nice.

Out of idle curiosity, does anyone have a BGS? I can imagine they'd be hard to store, but they're definitely unique.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 29, 2016, 11:33:37 PM
^^^^

Check out 559junker on eBay, he gets a BGS now and then.  He was selling a BGS with a "CA 152" on it awhile back for relatively cheap.  The shipping cost a mint though and I don't have a vehicle large enough to something of that size into otherwise I would have put a bid in...figure you'd be interested in some California stuff. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on December 30, 2016, 06:25:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.

"In the driveway" could = easy theft.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 30, 2016, 06:25:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.

"In the driveway" could = easy theft.
Well, I don't care if the red stop sign disappears. I'm concerned about the yellow one. I still want to hang it outside, though.

I could use a ladder and try to use a screwdriver and hang it that way.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2016, 12:11:38 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 30, 2016, 06:25:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.

"In the driveway" could = easy theft.
Well, I don't care if the red stop sign disappears. I'm concerned about the yellow one. I still want to hang it outside, though.

I could use a ladder and try to use a screwdriver and hang it that way.

Might have some competition from me on one of your signs.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: noelbotevera on December 31, 2016, 12:26:31 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2016, 12:11:38 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 30, 2016, 06:25:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.

"In the driveway" could = easy theft.
Well, I don't care if the red stop sign disappears. I'm concerned about the yellow one. I still want to hang it outside, though.

I could use a ladder and try to use a screwdriver and hang it that way.

Might have some competition from me on one of your signs.
I'm guessing it's CA 99. That's fine, I just want the yellow stop sign and PENNA 18.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2016, 12:30:00 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 31, 2016, 12:26:31 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 31, 2016, 12:11:38 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 30, 2016, 06:25:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 30, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
A couple random signs on my radar...

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Stop-Sign-30-New-Jersey-State-Highway-Division-Aluminum-Reflective-/201475789996?hash=item2ee8e494ac%3Ag%3AMfMAAOSw7FRWW3pI) - I'm hanging this on the driveway or above the front door.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-California-Hwy-99-highway-route-sign-24-x-24-/182403242993?hash=item2a78149bf1%3Ag%3AoHMAAOSwZQRYZJzu) - I'll find a home for this

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLDER-PENNSYLVANIA-PENNA-18-HIGHWAY-METAL-SIGN-/252693362492?hash=item3ad5b2b73c:g:hZwAAOSwux5YXKNA) - It's going in my or my parents room.

this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Yellow-One-Sided-Metal-STOP-Arterial-Highway-Sign-24-x-24-/142226837000?hash=item211d614e08:g:bwsAAOSwiDFYK4Gu) - This has to be on the driveway.

"In the driveway" could = easy theft.
Well, I don't care if the red stop sign disappears. I'm concerned about the yellow one. I still want to hang it outside, though.

I could use a ladder and try to use a screwdriver and hang it that way.

Might have some competition from me on one of your signs.
I'm guessing it's CA 99. That's fine, I just want the yellow stop sign and PENNA 18.

We'll see what happens, that guy had the same sign up for a BIN of $85.00 with free shipping about a week ago.  I've been waiting to see if IGTmachines posts another 99 or others like 43 since the guy you're looking at is largely just reselling his stuff.  Stands to reason, they (along with myself) are all based out of Bakersfield.  I have a replica 16-guage US 99 that is a 1926 design so really CA 99 isn't per se a "must have" on my list. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2017, 05:14:23 PM
Made an addition to the garage today:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F1_zpsfmi9jgju.jpg&hash=0e9e9a9094c553bb7814cc0ad81a62aebc582add)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F2_zpstexpnchr.jpg&hash=5933f2bc7fd3b0497bccc82f46ddf189553fc2e3)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F3_zpsxdslbqd1.jpg&hash=1189058ed371be46b6fd26796a622940f30d5854)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F4_zpstps746s9.jpg&hash=f2af88142404bd90e5aca86ea2cdf18f7b01dc91)

I always liked how Zumar always has a date stamp somewhere on the sign. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 07:34:51 PM
Nice ride Max! I intend on replacing my Challenger this year. Hopefully with one that has a working driver's side window.   :pan:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2017, 07:38:51 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 07:34:51 PM
Nice ride Max! I intend on replacing my Challenger this year. Hopefully with one that has a working driver's side window.   :pan:

Thanks!  Is it one of the earlier LX models 08-14?  Chrysler really upped the quality on the 15-17 models, pretty much everything is better compared to the earlier run of cars. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 11:50:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2017, 07:38:51 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 07:34:51 PM
Nice ride Max! I intend on replacing my Challenger this year. Hopefully with one that has a working driver's side window.   :pan:

Thanks!  Is it one of the earlier LX models 08-14?  Chrysler really upped the quality on the 15-17 models, pretty much everything is better compared to the earlier run of cars. 

Yep...2011 SE with the 305 hp V6. I'm glad to hear they improved the newer models.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 07, 2017, 12:13:44 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 11:50:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2017, 07:38:51 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 06, 2017, 07:34:51 PM
Nice ride Max! I intend on replacing my Challenger this year. Hopefully with one that has a working driver's side window.   :pan:

Thanks!  Is it one of the earlier LX models 08-14?  Chrysler really upped the quality on the 15-17 models, pretty much everything is better compared to the earlier run of cars. 

Yep...2011 SE with the 305 hp V6. I'm glad to hear they improved the newer models.

Biggest improvements are on the interior.  Almost all the trim pieces are a really nice soft touch material, much less stiff than the earlier LX cars.  Mine is an R/T Scat Pack so I didn't really option the interior out all that much and I have cloth, I'm not disappointed.  I'm not sure what the SE comes with on the DIC with the 15-16 but there is much information gauges and menus that I still haven't figured them all out.  I like the 71 Challenger more than I did the 70, so the change the 71 model as the basis for styling was a win in my book.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: M3019C LPS20 on January 23, 2017, 01:15:04 AM
Aside from traffic signals, I also collect signs as a hobby. Both of my collections have the primary theme of New York City, so, of course, all of my pieces originally came from there. Highway signs are not my cup of tea, as I don't consider myself a "road geek," but I have street signs of different styles that were used throughout the years. Most of the street signs I own are relics of the 20th century, while some are modern signage.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1013.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf258%2FSteven197981%2FIMG_3061_zps4m8o4vrt.jpg&hash=c18b3788c60ce1a1f060d2a8be946953f1339f15)


The picture above shows my collection from last year. Since then, I have added several new NYC street signs to the collection, in which are not shown, so, in the present, I have a little over 50 in my possession.



Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 24, 2017, 07:19:38 AM
New US 231 sign with a nice Indiana DOT sticker on the back:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3545_zps7vgesswh.jpg&hash=4812370ec042a4bcba6f333ce2ebf8835d81d8b7)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3546_zpsdupvekvm.jpg&hash=880297f4481d56dd654f3087815ce05bb40629c5)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on January 26, 2017, 12:40:31 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 24, 2017, 07:19:38 AM
New US 231 sign with a nice Indiana DOT sticker on the back:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3545_zps7vgesswh.jpg&hash=4812370ec042a4bcba6f333ce2ebf8835d81d8b7)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3546_zpsdupvekvm.jpg&hash=880297f4481d56dd654f3087815ce05bb40629c5)
Nice! I'd love to get a US 231 shield myself, preferably one from ALDOT or TDOT.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2017, 11:36:12 PM
^^^

Personally I would have preferred FDOT since most of my interaction with US 231 was from there northward out of Panama City.  I'm not sure what FDOT is doing with their scrap but it is really difficult to find almost anything save from really old State Road signs.  Kind of sucks in a way since there is so many state maintained routes for so little to become available.  I've had issues like that also for New Mexico for whatever reason.  Other states I collect from like Michigan, California, and Texas have so much ease of access to scrap second hand, it always made me curious just see what the different laws are for each state.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on January 30, 2017, 05:38:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2017, 11:36:12 PM
^^^

Personally I would have preferred FDOT since most of my interaction with US 231 was from there northward out of Panama City.  I'm not sure what FDOT is doing with their scrap but it is really difficult to find almost anything save from really old State Road signs.  Kind of sucks in a way since there is so many state maintained routes for so little to become available.  I've had issues like that also for New Mexico for whatever reason.  Other states I collect from like Michigan, California, and Texas have so much ease of access to scrap second hand, it always made me curious just see what the different laws are for each state.
It seems to be the same for Tennessee and Alabama. I haven't been able to find many Alabama route shields but have been able to come across several from Tennessee.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 03, 2017, 09:09:55 PM
Quote from: freebrickproductions on January 30, 2017, 05:38:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2017, 11:36:12 PM
^^^

Personally I would have preferred FDOT since most of my interaction with US 231 was from there northward out of Panama City.  I'm not sure what FDOT is doing with their scrap but it is really difficult to find almost anything save from really old State Road signs.  Kind of sucks in a way since there is so many state maintained routes for so little to become available.  I've had issues like that also for New Mexico for whatever reason.  Other states I collect from like Michigan, California, and Texas have so much ease of access to scrap second hand, it always made me curious just see what the different laws are for each state.
It seems to be the same for Tennessee and Alabama. I haven't been able to find many Alabama route shields but have been able to come across several from Tennessee.

I had a contact when I lived in Florida that had a lot of center state signage projects that would usually buy stuff off of but it was mainly the major stuff like US Routes or Interstates.  Asides from that I've almost been completely shut out for Florida finds.

But...some states, Michigan being one of them have a huge glut of signs available.  Just so happens I picked up an M1:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FM1_zpspazxnokk.jpg&hash=b0efde5aa5356d908e8c0106357308ce1422cfb0)

All I need is I-375 and US 112 to finish up my Detroit collection.  I've seen US 112 pop up now and then on eBay but it is never cheap given the era.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 04, 2017, 05:42:20 PM
Did some spring (winter I guess) cleaning today and spent some time updating my catalog of signs in addition to organizing them by states...or attempting to do so with the state routes.  So why not show some of them?

Connecticut...I couldn't find my CT 163:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3734_zpsfocopb2x.jpg&hash=11a9221a2b5f93b862389558aaefc41f3aef6306)

I think my CO 470 was in oversized pile somewhere:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3735_zpsddgg3s0f.jpg&hash=d88f5157ed9856b2a2896c15f3279e08462e6aba)

Arizona:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3740_zpsaqnym8ax.jpg&hash=7cfd8479cd12c507b87cf03372e65e1d549ced7a)

Nevada:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3733_zpsnii2lj1e.jpg&hash=02d78031663aaf279b669fb6d96734323e27f9c1)

And Michigan took the cake...very easy signage to come by incidentally:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3737_zpss7pfipzb.jpg&hash=068d49b144d510ff37b6b27b1e295f3f2ebb1d18)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3738_zpsinekdgw3.jpg&hash=3b29ce1b35c569623716ae0f468b70e96684d8a3)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3739_zps1kc6d7dz.jpg&hash=a3f3cdd38dfa2a9d133fb6d0fc6fe45d6b6e9a1e)

Also gave me an opportunity to get some of the California Interstates (although I think that the I-5 and 405 came from Oregon) down to the garage.  Right now I'm only displaying stuff from California:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_3744_zpsnmngy1zz.jpg&hash=fc11a6e0a932bd5cfd083347cdcf8f8828b7b847)

Really this has been something I've been meaning to get around to for a couple years since I moved back to the west coast.  There is enough room finally in the spare bedroom for an actual office desk.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Alex on February 04, 2017, 09:09:50 PM
The bulk of my signs are stored in the attic now. I had them in my office, but opted to paint and make some other changes to the room, so all the shields needed to be moved out. There's a handful still hanging in the garage, just the beat up ones...
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 04, 2017, 09:21:07 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 04, 2017, 09:09:50 PM
The bulk of my signs are stored in the attic now. I had them in my office, but opted to paint and make some other changes to the room, so all the shields needed to be moved out. There's a handful still hanging in the garage, just the beat up ones...

When I last owned a house out in Arizona I had maybe a quarter of the signs I do now and I had them all up in the garage.  That's when I got the bulk of the embossed US Route shield replicas that I have still and they really took up less space given they are only 16x16.5 inches (incidentally they are starting to get some decent patina from two cross country moves this past decade).  When I was in Florida I didn't really display much and had everything in bubble taped wraps.  Now I just do the California stuff in the garage and my Route 66 signs in the garage.  I have only 2 Interstates and about a dozen US Routes that I want...it will be interesting to see what I do if end up buying a house in the next year or two if it has a proper two car garage. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: 3web on February 07, 2017, 08:17:17 AM
Now I know these aren't road signs, but they're close enough to me, but yesterday, I picked up two loose reflectors, clean off the ground! No pavement below them. They were amber color. One of them is in good condition, just a bit dirty, because it was on a median, but the other one is cracked, and missing a few pieces of reflector on one side because it was actually on the road. The one on the median was an easy fine because yesterday morning, there was a three car crash that lead to that reflector popping off. Pretty cool how one of the reflectors has an interesting story, but the other, I don't know. It could have been from anywhere, all that I know is it was on the sidewalk.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on February 07, 2017, 04:38:31 PM
Quote from: 3web on February 07, 2017, 08:17:17 AM
Now I know these aren't road signs, but they're close enough to me, but yesterday, I picked up two loose reflectors, clean off the ground! No pavement below them. They were amber color. One of them is in good condition, just a bit dirty, because it was on a median, but the other one is cracked, and missing a few pieces of reflector on one side because it was actually on the road. The one on the median was an easy fine because yesterday morning, there was a three car crash that lead to that reflector popping off. Pretty cool how one of the reflectors has an interesting story, but the other, I don't know. It could have been from anywhere, all that I know is it was on the sidewalk.
I have a bunch of cats-eye reflectors as well. Most of the ones I got came off when the streets were plowed after snow storms. Two are some NOS Stimonsite cats-eyes I got from another traffic signal collector.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 08, 2017, 09:59:58 PM
I got this beauty today: a 36x45" state-named Minnesota I-35W sign. MnDOT sticker on the back says 2000 (I'm guessing that was the last time it was inspected?), but the date code at the bottom center says 5-93:

(https://i.imgur.com/TwkGgnV.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/TwkGgnV.jpg)

(24x30" I-35E sign for scale)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 10, 2017, 03:16:43 PM
New CA 4 sign to remind of the good times of rolling down off Pacific Grade Summit and Ebbetts Pass in 1st or 2nd gear:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/299/32010862113_e2ee057921_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QLG34K)4CAa (https://flic.kr/p/QLG34K) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/508/32010861523_1d9937860c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QLG2Tz)4CAb (https://flic.kr/p/QLG2Tz) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 13, 2017, 11:03:52 PM
Finally found myself a colored AZ Loop 101, these went up in my neighborhood when the Scottsdale segment was built:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F101AZa_zps28ldp0av.jpg&hash=e6b1758b0ef12b8f8ca3cb347c6ee901c463e0f2)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2F101AZb_zpsqs8nq7tz.jpg&hash=0679d4624d17181b544814f6c3ae5db74c77a67a)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: paulthemapguy on February 16, 2017, 11:11:30 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 08, 2017, 09:59:58 PM
I got this beauty today: a 36x45" state-named Minnesota I-35W sign. MnDOT sticker on the back says 2000 (I'm guessing that was the last time it was inspected?), but the date code at the bottom center says 5-93:

(https://i.imgur.com/TwkGgnV.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/TwkGgnV.jpg)

(24x30" I-35E sign for scale)

Often, the date on the front of the panel marks the date a sign was created.  The date on the back probably indicates the date of installation, meaning that from 1993 to 2000, it sat in a sign shop waiting to be installed.  When the signs sit in a shop, they are shielded from light, because the light is what deteriorates the sign's reflectivity.  So that's probably the story of that sign panel.  :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 18, 2017, 03:24:17 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on February 16, 2017, 11:11:30 AM
Often, the date on the front of the panel marks the date a sign was created.  The date on the back probably indicates the date of installation, meaning that from 1993 to 2000, it sat in a sign shop waiting to be installed.  When the signs sit in a shop, they are shielded from light, because the light is what deteriorates the sign's reflectivity.  So that's probably the story of that sign panel.  :)

Good to know, thanks.

Another fantastic addition to my collection arrived today–I'm sure those of you who browse eBay saw this fine specimen:

(https://i.imgur.com/oADN3An.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/oADN3An.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 17, 2017, 07:41:47 PM
Been a little bit since I've gotten a sign, just picked up a meaty 31x35 CA 210.  Figure this will be even more unique IF Caltrans ever gets the around to finishing converting what was CA 30 into part of I-210:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FIMG_5156_zpsi47rcmo3.jpg&hash=6587c0a151fe1b9a31cb6e3e720c36dd5f66f70a)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 17, 2017, 10:03:21 PM
There's a "junk shop" in Sarcoxie, MO I'm going to hit this weekend. I may not find anything, but I've been successful before.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on March 17, 2017, 10:38:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 11:00:27 PM
US 666:  Replica 1926-48 embossed Arizona 16x16.5

Speaking of US 666 there is a section up in Utah that runs throught The Badlands (now US 191) that was originally numbered US 666, but subsequently renumbered due to the stigma of the number being biblical.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 17, 2017, 10:55:09 PM
Quote from: IDriveArkansas on March 17, 2017, 10:38:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2016, 11:00:27 PM
US 666:  Replica 1926-48 embossed Arizona 16x16.5

Speaking of US 666 there is a section up in Utah that runs throught The Badlands (now US 191) that was originally numbered US 666, but subsequently renumbered due to the stigma of the number being biblical.

Actually it was more sign theft and that it didn't make much sense to have it part of the US 66 family after the parent route was gone.   There is still urban legends floating out there about the Coronado Trail in Arizona which is now 191 but was part of 666.  I would venture a guess that 500 plus curves in such a short stretch coupled with wild imaginations yields stories like that from the not so well traveled.  There was this whole thing on TV a couple years ago about a supposedly "haunted" highway in eastern Arizona that had me rolling my eyes.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 07:15:59 PM
Some new additions arrived today; US 65 and US 425.  For some reason the US 425 is on a 24x24 blank which makes the numbers look a little strange:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3943/33057407564_4a5b26c6e3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SnaRyQ)IMG_5880 (https://flic.kr/p/SnaRyQ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2865/33087799713_fb76a6c60e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SpRC6p)IMG_5881 (https://flic.kr/p/SpRC6p) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 07, 2017, 08:02:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 07:15:59 PM
Some new additions arrived today; US 65 and US 425.  For some reason the US 425 is on a 24x24 blank which makes the numbers look a little strange:



I saw and was almost tempted. Louisiana still uses a lot of square blanks for 3d US.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5243/5236228996_da3fcb6aff_n_d.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5240/5884353503_7ced596265_n_d.jpg)

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 08:15:32 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 07, 2017, 08:02:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 07:15:59 PM
Some new additions arrived today; US 65 and US 425.  For some reason the US 425 is on a 24x24 blank which makes the numbers look a little strange:



I saw and was almost tempted. Louisiana still uses a lot of square blanks for 3d US.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5243/5236228996_da3fcb6aff_n_d.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5240/5884353503_7ced596265_n_d.jpg)

I wanted a U.S. 65 and the seller had several.  I put in an offer and it got accepted, they were doing combined shipping so I picked up the U.S. 425 since I've driven a good portion of it as well.  The strange thing is that I have a ton of shields and street blades that were sourced in Louisiana.  For whatever reason the state isn't stingy replacing US Route signage and letting scrapers keep what they take.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 07, 2017, 08:24:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 08:15:32 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 07, 2017, 08:02:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 07:15:59 PM
Some new additions arrived today; US 65 and US 425.  For some reason the US 425 is on a 24x24 blank which makes the numbers look a little strange:



I saw and was almost tempted. Louisiana still uses a lot of square blanks for 3d US.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5243/5236228996_da3fcb6aff_n_d.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5240/5884353503_7ced596265_n_d.jpg)

I wanted a U.S. 65 and the seller had several.  I put in an offer and it got accepted, they were doing combined shipping so I picked up the U.S. 425 since I've driven a good portion of it as well.  The strange thing is that I have a ton of shields and street blades that were sourced in Louisiana.  For whatever reason the state isn't stingy replacing US Route signage and letting scrapers keep what they take.

Call me if my "namesake" shows up ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 08:32:35 PM
Like this guy?

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3953/32784911893_46e222d12e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RX6f6B)IMG_5349 (https://flic.kr/p/RX6f6B) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2017, 08:22:22 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 07, 2017, 08:02:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 07, 2017, 07:15:59 PM
Some new additions arrived today; US 65 and US 425.  For some reason the US 425 is on a 24x24 blank which makes the numbers look a little strange:

I saw and was almost tempted. Louisiana still uses a lot of square blanks for 3d US.

Iowa still does, and Minnesota used to exclusively use squares too, but I think they are moving away from them (although I have yet to see a wide MN US shield).

Edit: Also US71, just for you, from my own collection, a MN US-71 marker :bigass:

(https://i.imgur.com/p2Yl6JI.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/p2Yl6JI.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 08, 2017, 08:54:07 AM
https://flic.kr/p/TiiLt7

I got these oldies from Transylvania, LA. These were from the Delta Southern RR, which is a former MP line.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 08, 2017, 09:07:21 AM
Sarcoxie, MO has 2 places with an assortment of older signs if you're ever in the area.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: froggie on April 08, 2017, 09:20:23 AM
QuoteIowa still does, and Minnesota used to exclusively use squares too, but I think they are moving away from them (although I have yet to see a wide MN US shield).

Pretty sure I've seen a few on 169 in the Metro.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2017, 09:23:21 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 08, 2017, 09:20:23 AM
QuoteIowa still does, and Minnesota used to exclusively use squares too, but I think they are moving away from them (although I have yet to see a wide MN US shield).

Pretty sure I've seen a few on 169 in the Metro.

Cool, I'll have to take a look next time I'm up that way.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 08, 2017, 09:30:33 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 08, 2017, 09:20:23 AM
QuoteIowa still does, and Minnesota used to exclusively use squares too, but I think they are moving away from them (although I have yet to see a wide MN US shield).

Pretty sure I've seen a few on 169 in the Metro.


LA uses the 30×24 for (what I call) "interstate-grade" trailblazers. I use the name because the only places I have seen them were on or near freeways.

But I have noticed in the last year or so, the 30×24s have been slowly replaced by squares (both for state & US routes). The signs were all less than 10 years old and we're never damaged.

Having grown up here, squares just look better to me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 08, 2017, 10:05:47 AM
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3061/2886496600_ba1ac88761_n_d.jpg)
near Hamburg, IA

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1332/4727002355_5353f03369_n_d.jpg)
Kansas City, MO
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 08, 2017, 10:08:26 AM
And here's a MN square 3di US shield:

(https://i.imgur.com/bLxcPyJ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/bLxcPyJ.jpg)

(Not sure why we're sharing but I had to include Minnesota :))
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 12, 2017, 10:13:33 PM
New arrival today, I've been up and down 60 so many times that I don't even have a ballpark estimate how many times I've clinched it:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2938/33192117563_dc10b8b481_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Sz5ha2)IMG_5904 (https://flic.kr/p/Sz5ha2) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2017, 05:52:47 PM
Another new arrival came in just now.  184/Weed Patch Highway is actually somewhat a rare bird to come across, especially with the weird numerals:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2873/33195884054_0361389599_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SzpzNw)image1 (https://flic.kr/p/SzpzNw) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

My CA 33 has the same numeral fonts as this sign, I wonder if Caltrans District 6 had some wort package deal at some point?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 14, 2017, 07:42:42 PM
Aw man, I missed my opportunity to post my new highway 60 marker right after yours :-P I meant to post it right away but other stuff got in the way and I subsequently forgot :pan: In any event, I got this MN-60 yesterday:

(https://i.imgur.com/CvtE5l6.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/CvtE5l6.jpg)

Compared to most Minnesota markers, which have little or no ghosting/shadows around the letters (from overlapping or misplaced ink/printing, I assume?), this sign has the effect quite strongly, not to mention the state outline representation is quite terrible (check out my thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=20019.0) for more info about that little outline). But those things are what make it unique :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2017, 08:45:46 PM
Yeah, I never noticed that effect until you just mentioned it.  Granted I haven't spent much time in Minnesota since the 1980s, I have some cousins near Duluth that always got hand-me-downs since they were as my parents put it "less fortunate."  I always dug the design since the colors are so much unique than most other state DOTs and it has the state shield in it.  Regardless that would have been ironic timing if you got that MN 60 up just a bit earlier.  Just occurred to me that most of my California spades; 33, 58, 46, 299, and 60 all occupy previous US Routes.

On the flip side I noticed the some of the Caltrans districts have differences in the shape of the spade shield as well as font.  There is a fatter version of the standard shield that I've noticed is favorite in some districts one top of the weird font that 6 seems to like.  The weird thing is that there are some enamel shields still out there that can be easily identified with the smooth green body and yellowed out vinyl numeral like my CA 177:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3938/32748455613_874540d6cc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RTSoV4)IMG_5175 (https://flic.kr/p/RTSoV4) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

BTW I'm sure you're already aware but there are a ton of MN shields on eBay right now with low entry bid prices.  I managed to get that 184 myself for $19.95, that's the cheapest I've ever paid for a California spade.  Regardless my garage is starting to fill out nicely:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1255.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh630%2FMadMaxRockatansky73%2FAA_zpsdg2fxbny.jpg&hash=19c4ec317ab5bcf0a7056fa25c18bf2c0be6d32d)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 14, 2017, 11:26:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2017, 08:45:46 PM
BTW I'm sure you're already aware but there are a ton of MN shields on eBay right now with low entry bid prices.

Oh yes, I'm always watching eBay - that MN-60 sign just came from there (just like 3/4ths of the rest of my collection, really.) Right now it's kind of hot for the state, but there are slow times too, which is okay because it's nicer on my hobby budget. Oh, and some of those Minnesota signs on there now are actually some of mine that I'm selling (or, well, trying to sell...) ;-)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ColossalBlocks on April 14, 2017, 11:40:27 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1kUF9VY.jpg&hash=496fcb7fcfb4c870702e3f24a1a851937aafb1f9)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2017, 11:53:48 PM
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on April 14, 2017, 11:40:27 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1kUF9VY.jpg&hash=496fcb7fcfb4c870702e3f24a1a851937aafb1f9)

Got one myself:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2805/33442272822_53548d23c6_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SXboAJ)IMG_5300 (https://flic.kr/p/SXboAJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 14, 2017, 11:26:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2017, 08:45:46 PM
BTW I'm sure you're already aware but there are a ton of MN shields on eBay right now with low entry bid prices.

Oh yes, I'm always watching eBay - that MN-60 sign just came from there (just like 3/4ths of the rest of my collection, really.) Right now it's kind of hot for the state, but there are slow times too, which is okay because it's nicer on my hobby budget. Oh, and some of those Minnesota signs on there now are actually some of mine that I'm selling (or, well, trying to sell...) ;-)

That's the tricky thing, California is almost always a hot item and usually pricier than other states.  I collect for; Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Connecticut in addition to the US Routes or Interstates I still want.  Michigan is usually the most consistent out of any of the states I look for and usually pretty cheap.  Connecticut is cheap but only comes up in spurts at a time.  People over price Arizona but usually I can talk them down since the signage tends to run modern.  Nevada rarely comes up and for some reason doesn't command a high price.  Florida almost never comes up at all which is surprising given the huge assortment of state roads that the state has.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 15, 2017, 12:06:34 AM
Out of the 17 modern US Routes that are in Minnesota, I have four of them in the modern marker design: 10, 52, 59, and 71. And yes, these shields are all Minnesota US Route shields - at one time I had a few other US Routes, but they weren't Minnesota-origin markers so the purist in me decided to sell them.

(https://i.imgur.com/4lSbzEA.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/4lSbzEA.jpg)

Edit: The reason they're in that order on the wall is because, well, that's the order they were in the pile when I moved last. Arranging them in a square was intentional, though.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2017, 12:13:59 AM
Really I'm onto a pretty limited list of "must haves" for US Routes:

-  US 199
-  US 98
-  US 192
-  US 17
-  US 192
-  US 212
-  US 34
-  US 550

There a couple more but I could probably stand to get but they really aren't that high of a priority.  I have everything almost everything I want for the West Coast asides from the 550 and 199 I listed above.  Between the real stuff and replicas I think that I have about 65 US Routes?  Really if I could ever get this down to picking up stray state highways that would make me pretty happy...I don't really want to exceed 300 signs in case I ever have to move to another state again.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 15, 2017, 12:25:34 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2017, 12:13:59 AM
Really I'm onto a pretty limited list of "must haves" for US Routes:

-  US 212

You and I might have a small war if a Minnesota US-212 one appeared on eBay :colorful:

QuoteI don't really want to exceed 300 signs in case I ever have to move to another state again.

Christ, and I thought moving the ~50 or so signs I had at the time of my last move was a PITFA. Ouch.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2017, 12:33:10 AM
The trick is to wrap them in packs of five with bubble tape or with some card board.  If the vinyl signs are packaged together they don't get nicked up.  The real tricky part of the painted stuff since you have to put something in between each sign, even if it is a couple layers of paper.  I want to say when I moved from Florida to California I had maybe something like 150 signs?  Given that I only had about 1,500 pounds of house hold goods and a 4,200 pound car I'd say maybe the signs made up 500 pounds of the shipping weight?  Probably helps that I don't have much in the way of furniture that would otherwise drive the cost of a move up.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 15, 2017, 12:40:32 AM
I did pretty much the same thing, except I put newspaper in between each sign, leaving enough of a margin with the paper to fold around the edges, and then used duct tape to bundle them all together. I think I did five per stack, or maybe it was four, I don't remember. I won't forget moving those in the trunk of my car, though - the back end was definitely weighed down a bit :biggrin:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2017, 12:49:05 AM
Funny, I remember actually factoring that in with the gross vehicle weight years ago when I moved from Arizona to Florida.  I want to say that the over all weight for all the occupants was about 950 pounds.  Between me, the dog, all the stuff I packed, and the signs it came out to probably a shade below 900.  I had to adjust the weight distribution a couple times from the trunk to the rear passenger seat since it had the rear of the car slightly covering the rear tires.  Of course that move wasn't a paid one so I went a lot more on the cheapo side getting things moved and shipped out than this last go around.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Alex on April 15, 2017, 09:39:35 AM
Screen shot from an old html page I created with the sign collection back in 2010. Several reproductions in there.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/sign_collection_2010.jpg)

The Garden State Parkway sign was from Garden State Highway Products (http://www.gardenstatehwy.com/).
So were the I-4 FL, I-95 DE and I-215 NV, which we ordered through Jake at the time.

Jake designed the red US 19, blue US 90, the Delaware Turnpike trailblazer and the FL 327 keys shield for me, and I did the Bee Line and East/West Expressway (which she mistakenly made into a grape instead of an orange). Those and the off color US 41 all ordered from Kim at Creative Sign Designs (http://www.creativesigndesigns.com/) in Tampa.

Jake also designed the CA 5 bear shield, the red US 541 Florida cutout, and the US 122 embossed cutout for Delaware.

The rest are from a variety of sources like Ebay, other sign collectors, Joe Koehler, trades with friends, found in woods, etc.

Have added several more since then, like I-93 VT via Jake, VA 89 cutout as a gift, and several finds from the Webster flea market. Probably should recatalog them all photo wise at some point. Here are a few more:

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/signs_20150707_154602.jpg)

CA 78 from Andy, the I-40 AR and US 70 (plus a I-540 AR) from a seller via a contact on the forum.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/signs_20150707_154639.jpg)

I-74 bought from Jake, BL I-15 bought from Jeff Francis, I-10 (date stamped from 1972) from the city of Mobile after inquiring about it in 2003 (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/alabama999/claiborne_st_i-010_shield.jpg).

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/signs_20150707_154736.jpg)

OK 75A from First Monday's at Canton, TX, 67 keys from Jake

Got this and a DEL 9 cutout for Christmas gifts a few years ago (they were bought at an auction in Dover):

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/DE/DE19641131i1.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=DE19641131)

Had to impose a moratorium in acquiring new signs once I moved them all to the attic to do some house renovation... Except for a few, they pretty much still sit up there.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 15, 2017, 10:35:37 AM
I really did that FL 275 with the C stuck on it.  Its hard to even find a state road shield with the "C" anymore on the road since most of them have been replaced by the MUTCD County Route Marker.  There are a handful of Florida State Road shields that I really want and they would be all from the Orlando area...really 50 is the one to have for me.  The only luck I've ever really had with Florida was finding this I-4 which also happens to be sitting above me in as I write this on the couch:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3948/33558238096_567a1826e4_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8qK31)IMG_5190 (https://flic.kr/p/T8qK31) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Arizona had some of those off-color shields that were meant to signify travel directions, I also and just happen to have a US 80:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/33179748310_68680dc262_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SxYTd3)IMG_5241 (https://flic.kr/p/SxYTd3) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Ironically I bought the US 80 above from Jake of all people.  I have a huge affinity for all the Arizona highways since when I left I had driven every mile of state highway in the system....I've yet to complete the stubby AZ 24:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskTSUZmW
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 22, 2017, 09:25:56 PM
Two more additions came today, the first is a Minnesota US-63 marker:

(https://i.imgur.com/Hv9nooT.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Hv9nooT.jpg)

Second is a MN-247 marker with some weird kerning between the digits:

(https://i.imgur.com/QNyk61i.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/QNyk61i.jpg)

The divider between the top and bottom fields is not nearly as squiggly/curvy as the picture makes it seem–for whatever reason the camera (and/or the angle?) exaggerates the very slight overlap between the colors. It looks much straighter in person.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2017, 09:37:48 PM
We're those the two that were just on eBay?  If it is the same US 63 I'm seeing then I'm pretty sure someone tried to flip it at least once.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 22, 2017, 09:43:17 PM
Yeah, they were. :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2017, 09:51:24 PM
Nice, yeah been kind of dry week for me.  I've been kind of eyeing that I-66 but I would prefer that price hit $70 or lower for it really to get me interested.  That's one of two Interstates that I still want, problem is that I don't want to pay a premium for the "66" that a lot of these sellers seem to think it commands...ain't US 66.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 22, 2017, 09:57:16 PM
Yeah, 66 seems to demand a premium no matter what 66 it is. Kind of silly, although if I found a MN-66 on there I'd be sure to pay it since the route was turned back to Blue Earth County last year.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2017, 10:01:10 PM
Probably just speaks more to who is actually selling the signs.  I would kind of expect people most people to recognize the number and casually think that it something to do with US 66....I'd hate to see what someone would want for a CA 66 if it ever came onto the market.  Ironically I actually got my AZ 66 sign for a reasonable price and it was even the off color brown/white combination.  I even found one of those Illinois Department of Transportation US 66 cut-out replicas from the 1970s for $29.99.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:24:58 PM
I would love to venture into this hobby, but would like to not become a hoarder, any tips for me? What type of sign is easiest to buy? Interstate, State Highway, US Highway. Should I be like some within the thread and set a goal for a specific type of signage, say... Highway?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 22, 2017, 10:34:32 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:24:58 PM
I would love to venture into this hobby, but would like to not become a hoarder, any tips for me? What type of sign is easiest to buy? Interstate, State Highway, US Highway. Should I be like some within the thread and set a goal for a specific type of signage, say... Highway?

What interests you, mostly. 
E-bay is tricky, "junk" stores are a crapshoot, but usually better prices. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2017, 10:41:50 PM
Probably the best advice I can give is to get a list in mind at what you want and more so what you are willing to pay for it.  Ebay usually has a great selection but usually crappy prices from scrappers looking to make a fast buck or people who really don't understand what they have isn't as valuable as they think.  Really the best luck I've had is getting to know antique store owners ironically through Ebay and passing the word on as to what I'm looking for.  There are several that I've made deals with over the years for a bunch of signs in one shot, that's largely how I accumulated most of my Arizona stuff.  The most I've ever bought a sign for over was $183 dollars and I've only ever paid over $100 three times.  Patience pays off big, even more so if your wallet is tight up for extra cash.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2017, 11:01:04 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

Actually it is usually pretty common for scrapers to be employed to remove and dispose of old highway signage.  Some states are more willing to give out signs to private hands like Michigan and California while others like Florida largely don't let go of anything.  If you see a crew pulling down signs and they have something you want I've found it never hurt to just ask or even offer a couple bucks.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 01:35:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.

Just signage in general or that particular selection? Yes, I would assume the market has a price for every era of signage, but as far as selection goes how does the pricing differ? US 71, what kind of collection do you have going? Any new additions?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 23, 2017, 08:06:22 AM
^^^

I know you weren't replying directly to me but I'll throw my two cents in anyways.  Just go on eBay once a day and search by; "highway sign," "road sign," and "Arkansas Highway Sign" to get a good run on what you're looking for.  The good stuff is usually on the first two pages for Highway Sign and Road Sign.  Typically I pay $20-$40 dollars for a 24x24 US Route Shield of modern MUTCD design.  Cut-out shields are going to likely cost you $100 at minimum on a lucky day but more likely someone will want a minimum of $200.  Expect to see $200 plus on embossed US Route shields if they are the real deal, popular routes will be way higher.

Specifically with US 71, I couldn't find anything this morning to link over to you but it does come up really frequently.  Arkansas Highway signs aren't exactly uncommon but I haven't really kept my eye out for anything but AR 7.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 08:13:04 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 23, 2017, 08:06:22 AM
Expect to see $200 plus on embossed US Route shields if they are the real deal, popular routes will be way higher.

Or states where few survive. I have a embossed cutout MN US-53 shield (I posted a picture a couple pages back in this thread) and I paid a little more than $500 for it. (Tax refunds are a glorious thing... :))

Edit: I'm realizing that should go in the "You know you're a roadgeek when..." thread: you spend a portion of your tax return on highway signs. :-D
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 23, 2017, 08:24:00 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 08:13:04 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 23, 2017, 08:06:22 AM
Expect to see $200 plus on embossed US Route shields if they are the real deal, popular routes will be way higher.

Or states where few survive. I have a embossed cutout MN US-53 shield (I posted a picture a couple pages back in this thread) and I paid a little more than $500 for it.

Yeah, at least....but then again there are sometimes deals that come up.  There was a couple embossed Michigan Trunk Lines that came up from a seller I frequently buy for, if they stay affordable I might consider throwing a bid in. 

Probably the oldest US Route I have is this steel square US 202 with white paint from Maine:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2854/33215626510_55ee5395fa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SB9LxG)IMG_5329 (https://flic.kr/p/SB9LxG) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

If memory serves this design was popular in Maine sometime around the late 1950s/early 1960s.  I paid $80 for that sign, but given I lived on US 202 in Connecticut I probably would have paid more given that I had a personal connection to it.  The seller wasn't someone who frequently sold highway signs, it wasn't a popular route, and it was a odd enough design that someone might not realize it was a rare design...kind of all came together for a decent price.  :-D  Really weird thing is that you usually see a black background on the Maine signs and not white, there is a couple other examples in the shield gallery.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 08:32:11 AM
That's a steal for $80, especially if it's particularly meaningful to you, despite the condition.

In the vein of old-style US route markers, I got these two MN US-371 markers in two separate purchases a couple years ago

(https://i.imgur.com/LUN6vRg.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/LUN6vRg.jpg)

The cutout isn't embossed except for the border - the letters and numbers are painted (?) on. And the other is in excellent condition given that it has to be more than fifty years old–my guess is that it was never actually posted and survived in someone's garage/attic for a long time. Minnesota did use that style US marker for a short time between the cutouts and the beginning of the modern US marker in 1961.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 23, 2017, 08:40:34 AM
Yeah there is no way that embossed US 371 was outside for very long considering how good of shape it is in.  Even the embossed signs from Arizona and New Mexico usually have almost all the paint gone by now despite the dry climate.  That 202 is pretty beat up but somehow the shield crest managed to stay intact all this time, considering how bad the weather that's pretty lucky it still exists at all. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 08:59:56 AM
Now for really old, I have eight 1930s-style MN state route markers, which look like these:

(https://i.imgur.com/miJpP9I.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/miJpP9I.jpg)

There was a brief deluge of them from one particular seller on eBay two or three years ago, and I managed to get one of each number (2, 6, 29, 30, 31, 34, 36, 64). Supposedly they were used to side a barn, or something like that. Most of them are missing paint or have some other paint on them (the white paint). The 34 and 31 examples I have probably retain the original paint the best.

(https://i.imgur.com/53Spzwy.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/53Spzwy.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:08:12 AM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 01:35:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.

Just signage in general or that particular selection? Yes, I would assume the market has a price for every era of signage, but as far as selection goes how does the pricing differ? US 71, what kind of collection do you have going? Any new additions?

Modern signage $50-60, sometimes higher,
not counting shipping (usually $15-20)

cut-outs , a couple hundred dollars and up.

this most of my collection  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_71/albums/72157629078014259) , but I have a few I've not yet posted.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 09:10:30 AM
That City Route 71 replica is really cool. They were actually yellow like that?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:13:02 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 09:10:30 AM
That City Route 71 replica is really cool. They were actually yellow like that?

Yes. Missouri used those for a while
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:44:35 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:08:12 AM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 01:35:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.

Just signage in general or that particular selection? Yes, I would assume the market has a price for every era of signage, but as far as selection goes how does the pricing differ? US 71, what kind of collection do you have going? Any new additions?

Modern signage $50-60, sometimes higher,
not counting shipping (usually $15-20)

cut-outs , a couple hundred dollars and up.

this most of my collection  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_71/albums/72157629078014259) , but I have a few I've not yet posted.

Looking good US 71! I noticed you had a AR State Road sign within that pictured collection, that is the type of signage I would like to find. More along the state cut-out of both the US Routes or State Roads.

Anyone here adding to or starting a 50 States Sign Collection? How is that going? Have you found it easier to buy other state's signage than the one you're from?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 23, 2017, 12:28:26 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:44:35 AM

Looking good US 71! I noticed you had a AR State Road sign within that pictured collection, that is the type of signage I would like to find. More along the state cut-out of both the US Routes or State Roads.


Arkansas stuff is generally hard to find, but I have an e-bay search that notifies me of most stuff.   I saw a modern AR 303 at Sarcoxie, MO a couple months ago for around $45. There's a place near Mammoth Springs with old signs, if you can catch him in. Also some random stuff near Greenbrier. Patience & lots of searching are the keys. If the price is right, I may get something to use as trade later.

Also talk to Agentsteel. He's also has a good source for replicas.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 12:59:46 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 12:28:26 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:44:35 AM

Looking good US 71! I noticed you had a AR State Road sign within that pictured collection, that is the type of signage I would like to find. More along the state cut-out of both the US Routes or State Roads.


Arkansas stuff is generally hard to find, but I have an e-bay search that notifies me of most stuff.   I saw a modern AR 303 at Sarcoxie, MO a couple months ago for around $45. There's a place near Mammoth Springs with old signs, if you can catch him in. Also some random stuff near Greenbrier. Patience & lots of searching are the keys. If the price is right, I may get something to use as trade later.

Also talk to Agentsteel. He's also has a good source for replicas.

In this market, how do you know if something is 'to good to be true'? What kind of pricing would I be in search of and what pricing is a red flag indicator?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 01:16:44 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.


I bought this in an antique shop in Minden, LA. The banner was $15 and the shield is $30.

https://flic.kr/p/MQHwWw
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 23, 2017, 08:16:49 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 01:16:44 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 22, 2017, 10:52:42 PM
What we should all start doing is hassling the DOTs to start offering there decommissioned signs up! Haha :-D :awesomeface:

I would love to collect some old retro AR state signage the ones where the state cut-out was outlined.

They're not cheap unless you get lucky.


I bought this in an antique shop in Minden, LA. The banner was $15 and the shield is $30.

https://flic.kr/p/MQHwWw

Dirt cheap!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 08:41:17 PM
:wow: Nice find, especially for that price.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 09:00:31 PM
I've always wanted to do that to find out, but I've never had the fortune of coming across a crew in the process of replacing signs.

Closest I've gotten was some replaced signs I received as a gift from my grandfather who worked for the Stearns County Highway Dept. Unfortunately (for me, anyway :-D) he retired a little over ten years ago.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:

I've tried that, but it doesn't work... or never has when I've tried. I need to develop a network.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:

I've tried that, but it doesn't work... or never has when I've tried. I need to develop a network.

It worked with me. I got this beauty a few months ago from some kind gentlemen changing an assembly out here in my hometown.

https://flic.kr/p/MfoMTA
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:33:32 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:

I've tried that, but it doesn't work... or never has when I've tried. I need to develop a network.

It worked with me. I got this beauty a few months ago from some kind gentlemen changing an assembly out here in my hometown.

https://flic.kr/p/MfoMTA

Any sort of circumstances surrounding the transaction or no?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on April 23, 2017, 11:34:22 PM
It probably depends on the crew. Some might be more willing to part with what is otherwise scrap than others. Offering money for the scrap probably helps, too, if that's an option. (Though I'd definitely consider it an option of last resort.)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 24, 2017, 04:05:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:33:32 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:

I've tried that, but it doesn't work... or never has when I've tried. I need to develop a network.

It worked with me. I got this beauty a few months ago from some kind gentlemen changing an assembly out here in my hometown.

https://flic.kr/p/MfoMTA

Any sort of circumstances surrounding the transaction or no?

No circumstances. They said they couldn't give it to me directly, so they said they would "accidentally" leave it behind. I came back about 30 minutes Later and "found it". It came home with me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 04:09:38 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 24, 2017, 04:05:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 11:33:32 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 23, 2017, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 23, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 23, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
I wonder if AHTD would give away a sign if you walked up to the workers. Are there any policies in regards to "No questions asked, just chunking them"?

*What if there was a Blackmarket for signs? Hehe  :hmmm:

I've tried that, but it doesn't work... or never has when I've tried. I need to develop a network.

It worked with me. I got this beauty a few months ago from some kind gentlemen changing an assembly out here in my hometown.

https://flic.kr/p/MfoMTA

Any sort of circumstances surrounding the transaction or no?

No circumstances. They said they couldn't give it to me directly, so they said they would "accidentally" leave it behind. I came back about 30 minutes Later and "found it". It came home with me.

That must've been nice! I wouldn't know where I would start my sign collection, if I started it.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 24, 2017, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 04:09:38 PM

That must've been nice! I wouldn't know where I would start my sign collection, if I started it.

Whatever catches your interest and you can afford? That's how most of us start.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 24, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 24, 2017, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 04:09:38 PM

That must've been nice! I wouldn't know where I would start my sign collection, if I started it.

Whatever catches your interest and you can afford? That's how most of us start.


Mine started with an uncle who gave me a speed limit 25 sign when I was a wee lad. I have no idea where it went or what happened to it though. After that I just wanted it all. Then I got married. She keeps me from spending my life's fortune on signs.  :-D
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 09:48:52 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 24, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 24, 2017, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 04:09:38 PM

That must've been nice! I wouldn't know where I would start my sign collection, if I started it.

Whatever catches your interest and you can afford? That's how most of us start.


Mine started with an uncle who gave me a speed limit 25 sign when I was a wee lad. I have no idea where it went or what happened to it though. After that I just wanted it all. Then I got married. She keeps me from spending my life's fortune on signs.  :-D

Maybe it was a sign!  :-D
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 24, 2017, 10:28:22 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 09:48:52 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 24, 2017, 08:59:34 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 24, 2017, 08:15:49 PM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on April 24, 2017, 04:09:38 PM

That must've been nice! I wouldn't know where I would start my sign collection, if I started it.

Whatever catches your interest and you can afford? That's how most of us start.


Mine started with an uncle who gave me a speed limit 25 sign when I was a wee lad. I have no idea where it went or what happened to it though. After that I just wanted it all. Then I got married. She keeps me from spending my life's fortune on signs.  :-D

Maybe it was a sign!  :-D

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VGg_HTls8ME/hqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 03, 2017, 10:18:52 PM
Fresh delivery today:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4193/34054204760_2bcef3819c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TTfGDo)IMG_6439 (https://flic.kr/p/TTfGDo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Given this Arroyo Seco Parkway I'm kind of conflicted where I want to hang this one.  Either it goes with my US 66 stuff or it goes with the rest of the California Spades...I'll think it over and decide tomorrow.

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 30, 2017, 10:40:21 PM
Picked up some of my frequently traveled routes with CA 63 and CA 65 as a package deal:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4198/34870766481_b6218e0755_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/V8pMZK)IMG_9649 (https://flic.kr/p/V8pMZK) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4273/34615571120_6ef4d47f80_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/UJRRiJ)IMG_9648 (https://flic.kr/p/UJRRiJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

The CA 63 wasn't ever mounted since the bolt holes aren't punched through.  I've picked up a couple defective vinyl spades over the years, I'll have to look into why it wasn't used.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 01, 2017, 11:39:36 AM
I've been posting pictures of new signs I've gotten, but not some of the ones I've had for a long time. So, here's probably the most unique sign in my collection, a marker for an Indian route on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. The most interesting bit is that the sign has had the word "Indian" replaced with the name of the reservation instead.

(https://i.imgur.com/IqdVZwr.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 01, 2017, 07:24:52 PM
I scored a nice sized I-5 shield off of Craigslist a couple of weeks ago. I'm very excited to add this one to the collection.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3sUw66x.jpg&hash=52c094629bbc7b8facbbe8d1843fb6d6c0abcfe8)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 01, 2017, 10:29:33 PM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on June 01, 2017, 07:24:52 PM
I scored a nice sized I-5 shield off of Craigslist a couple of weeks ago. I'm very excited to add this one to the collection.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3sUw66x.jpg&hash=52c094629bbc7b8facbbe8d1843fb6d6c0abcfe8)

Ended up getting one of my own out of Oregon with a 405 package deal from a scraper:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2937/32748446963_6922a802c5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RTSmkV)IMG_5184 (https://flic.kr/p/RTSmkV) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2821/33179813700_d76b727a82_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SxZdDs)IMG_5183 (https://flic.kr/p/SxZdDs) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Usually the California signs are easy to spot with the "property of the state of California" on the bottom.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 01, 2017, 10:49:19 PM
Half my stuff is in storage until I have a good place to hang them. Most of the places I've found that sell old signs are usually closed when I go by. I need to adjust my travel schedule.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 03, 2017, 10:45:02 PM
Going to go over some of the other stuff I have that I haven't yet posted here.

Of course, all the older signs (the two cutout US Route shields, and the 1920-30s steel MN route markers) are the most prized parts of my own collection. But for stuff from the modern era?

The most valuable (to me) modern signs are the four Minnesota state highway markers for routes that have since been eliminated.

MN-49 used to be a rather long route in the Twin Cities metro. The southern half of MN-49 became MN-149 when the turnback started happening, and 149 is still a state highway today. The northern half–the part north of MN-5/W 7th St in St. Paul, was eliminated, with a large part of it becoming Ramsey CR-49 (known as Rice St in St. Paul). Its final northern terminus was I-694 in Vadnais Heights/Arden Hills when it was eliminated completely in 1999. The sign has a date code of 1192 (November '92) in the lower left corner.

(https://i.imgur.com/WZA8JPT.jpg)

The next one is this MN-98 marker. MN-98 was a former alignment of US-8 which ran north of today's present alignment, from Wyoming to Chisago City. It became an extension of Chisago CR-22 in 1996. This sign was fabricated in July 1992. Unlike the 49 marker, which is all one giant screen print, the numerals on this one were adhered on top of a blank MN route marker. Both have the old circle MnDOT logo at the bottom center, under the bottom mounting hole.

(https://i.imgur.com/7AT0AOO.jpg)

Third is this MN-224 marker. MN-224 was one of the many spur or connector routes that were created in the 1940s/1950s, but now are slowly being turned back into county roads over the last couple decades. This one ran from US-59 in Ogema to the unincorporated community of White Earth in Becker County. MN-224 was eliminated in 2005, becoming Becker CR-34. The strange thing about this sign is the unusually thick gold border on it–MnDOT's Standard Signs Manual specifies a half-inch for a 24" marker, but this one is at least 5/8ths of an inch. The 8-98 code in the lower right corner (hard to see in the picture) indicates it was fabricated in August 1998.

(https://i.imgur.com/2rbX3vS.jpg)

Lastly, and this is the most recent one I acquired, is this MN-332 marker. MN-332 was a backwards L-shaped route that served as a half-assed bypass around the south and east sides of International Falls, running east/west from US-71/MN-11 SW of International Falls to US-53, immediately turning northward to terminate again at MN-11 east of International Falls. This route was eliminated in two parts, with the N/S segment eliminated around 2010 and the E/W segment a year later. This marker is actually the oldest modern MN state highway marker in my collection, with a date code at the center bottom of 12-84.

(https://i.imgur.com/sBu504z.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 03, 2017, 11:08:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 01, 2017, 10:29:33 PM
Ended up getting one of my own out of Oregon with a 405 package deal from a scraper:
jealous.jpg

NICE find! I was on the lookout for more interstate and WA state route shields when I was out there, but they're pretty tough to find.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on June 03, 2017, 11:08:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 01, 2017, 10:29:33 PM
Ended up getting one of my own out of Oregon with a 405 package deal from a scraper:
jealous.jpg

NICE find! I was on the lookout for more interstate and WA state route shields when I was out there, but they're pretty tough to find.

Both Washington and Oregon stuff doesn't really come up very much, I would venture a guess a lot of signage is recycled.  Caltrans seems to be pretty liberal in disposing of old scrap shields for whatever reason.  Really it just depends on what state you are looking for, personally I would love to find a WA 20 and call it a day.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:21:43 PM
On a side note, how easily do you think I could get a sign from ConnDOT. I thought of getting one of signs, but I'm not sure if I could get it.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 03, 2017, 11:24:56 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Both Washington and Oregon stuff doesn't really come up very much, I would venture a guess a lot of signage is recycled.  Caltrans seems to be pretty liberal in disposing of old scrap shields for whatever reason.  Really it just depends on what state you are looking for, personally I would love to find a WA 20 and call it a day.

I'd venture to say that almost 100% of old signs–that is, ones that aren't saved by liberators such as us :colorful:–end up being recycled. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable metals there is. It also helps that recycling aluminium is far cheaper than extracting it from ore.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:21:43 PM
On a side note, how easily do you think I could get a sign from ConnDOT. I thought of getting one of signs, but I'm not sure if I could get it.

I wouldn't know directly from the DOT but they end up in second-hand places all the time.  I've bought a ton of them on eBay, they usually go for cheap given the design isn't very visually pleasing.  Both the aluminum and wooden shields are generally plentiful if you keep looking everyday.

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on June 03, 2017, 11:24:56 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Both Washington and Oregon stuff doesn't really come up very much, I would venture a guess a lot of signage is recycled.  Caltrans seems to be pretty liberal in disposing of old scrap shields for whatever reason.  Really it just depends on what state you are looking for, personally I would love to find a WA 20 and call it a day.

I'd venture to say that almost 100% of old signs–that is, ones that aren't saved by liberators such as us :colorful:–end up being recycled. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable metals there is. It also helps that recycling aluminium is far cheaper than extracting it from ore.

That may be true, but I would imagine that if a scraper had the time that the asking price is substantially higher on the collector's market for shields as opposed to scrap prices.  I've often found it much more viable to go with scrap when there a huge amount of metal while parting out a small quantity often yields a much higher return.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:35:49 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:21:43 PM
On a side note, how easily do you think I could get a sign from ConnDOT. I thought of getting one of signs, but I'm not sure if I could get it.


I wouldn't know directly from the DOT but they end up in second-hand places all the time.  I've bought a ton of them on eBay, they usually go for cheap given the design isn't very visually pleasing.  Both the aluminum and wooden shields are generally plentiful if you keep looking everyday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940s-1950s-embossed-steel-CONNECTICUT-US-route-5-genuine-vintage-shield-sign-/282503439101?hash=item41c68462fd:g:KUcAAOSwq1JZL5dd (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940s-1950s-embossed-steel-CONNECTICUT-US-route-5-genuine-vintage-shield-sign-/282503439101?hash=item41c68462fd:g:KUcAAOSwq1JZL5dd) This is selling for $1,000
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:46:36 PM
Quote from: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:35:49 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:21:43 PM
On a side note, how easily do you think I could get a sign from ConnDOT. I thought of getting one of signs, but I'm not sure if I could get it.


I wouldn't know directly from the DOT but they end up in second-hand places all the time.  I've bought a ton of them on eBay, they usually go for cheap given the design isn't very visually pleasing.  Both the aluminum and wooden shields are generally plentiful if you keep looking everyday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940s-1950s-embossed-steel-CONNECTICUT-US-route-5-genuine-vintage-shield-sign-/282503439101?hash=item41c68462fd:g:KUcAAOSwq1JZL5dd (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940s-1950s-embossed-steel-CONNECTICUT-US-route-5-genuine-vintage-shield-sign-/282503439101?hash=item41c68462fd:g:KUcAAOSwq1JZL5dd) This is selling for $1,000

The further back in time you go with shields the higher the price they will be.  In the case of the embossed US 5 CONN shield you just posted that $1,000 might be a relative bargain given how great of shape it is in along with the DOT markings.  Generally the more modern you get the lower the price is, I've never paid more than $35 dollars for something out of Connecticut.  Granted this isn't a "Connecticut" sign but a scraper out of Indiana is selling a US 6 shield for $30, he usually takes 15-25% lower best offers on things he sells and does package deals for shipping:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RETIRED-ROUTE-US-6-HIGHWAY-ALUMINUM-ROAD-SIGN-24-X-24-SIZE-/122528708125?hash=item1c8747b61d:g:3qcAAOSw9OFZM2uR

A little on the high side IMO but here is a CT 2:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ORIGINAL-ROAD-SIGN-ROUTE-2-MA-RI-CT-Etc-24-US-Rt-Two-/112423434098?hash=item1a2cf57772:g:3qwAAOSw4YdY0pIw

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 09, 2017, 01:56:49 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 03, 2017, 11:12:07 PM
Both Washington and Oregon stuff doesn't really come up very much, I would venture a guess a lot of signage is recycled.  Caltrans seems to be pretty liberal in disposing of old scrap shields for whatever reason.  Really it just depends on what state you are looking for, personally I would love to find a WA 20 and call it a day.

I've only seen one WA SR shield come up for sale, and that was on ebay and it was going for a stupid high price. It wasn't even a shield from a particularly interesting or significant road, either.

I'd be happy to get my hands on a SR 99 or 102 shield. There was a shield mis-signed as SR 101 instead of US 101 that I drove by pretty frequently, too. I always hoped that there would be a random DOT guy replacing it so I could ask him for the old one, but it still stands.

Quote from: JJBers on June 03, 2017, 11:21:43 PM
On a side note, how easily do you think I could get a sign from ConnDOT. I thought of getting one of signs, but I'm not sure if I could get it.

Check your local craigslist pages too. I've seen a few CT shields pop up for pretty cheap under some variation of "sign/road sign/highway sign/route sign....etc etc"
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: thenetwork on June 09, 2017, 02:50:22 PM
I used to have about 5  or 6 signs, but my dad (who gave me most of them -- he worked for the phone company long ago and any poles that were removed and/or replaced with the signs still on them he gave to me) chucked them shortly before I moved into my first house.

Never understood why, since they didn't take up much room in his shed.

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 09, 2017, 11:58:57 PM
Newly obtained CA 198, the old baked enamel variety with vinyl numerals affixed:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F%5Burl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fflic.kr%2Fp%2FVw9Cro%255D%255Bimg%255Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fc1.staticflickr.com%2F5%2F4221%2F35128087056_f5e68b831f_k.jpg&hash=8cb88b16c820ee046e3efeccfd842bd6759c5a64)[/url]IMG_9915 (https://flic.kr/p/Vw9Cro) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr[/img]
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on June 10, 2017, 12:51:24 AM
Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2017, 10:49:19 PM
Half my stuff is in storage until I have a good place to hang them. Most of the places I've found that sell old signs are usually closed when I go by. I need to adjust my travel schedule.

That's when you need a good size shop!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 13, 2017, 09:23:49 PM
Snagged a couple CA spades the other day on eBay and they were finally delivered today. It was one of those impulse "I shouldn't spend money on these but the price is too good" purchases. But I was pretty stoked to find these, as I became very familiar with these roads on my last road trip.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fp6tfhoW.jpg&hash=edb5d04067292b0b35ecb2187744e606725aa1cc)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 13, 2017, 09:30:57 PM
Was that from a user "brentford134?"  He usually has some really good deals on California spades since he has them generally in bulk.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 13, 2017, 09:51:16 PM
It was! I messaged him and we worked a deal where he sold these to me at $55 a piece.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 13, 2017, 10:00:40 PM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on June 13, 2017, 09:51:16 PM
It was! I messaged him and we worked a deal where he sold these to me at $55 a piece.

I've bought a lot of Bakersfield area stuff from him this past year.  I want to say that he had a 43 and 166 that I really regret not buying in retrospect.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 24, 2017, 01:36:48 PM
Two new additions arrived yesterday:

(https://i.imgur.com/91xJnby.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/L1Jy8gN.jpg)

Came from a private deal with probably the best known purveyor of signs on eBay (J. Koehler). The 99 shield is pretty much perfect aside from the scrapes. The 111 shield is a little bent up but not too bad. Also interesting is that the 99 shield is all one screen-print, while the 111 shield had the numerals applied separately.

Best part is–although I don't know it for certain–that it seems extremely likely that both of these signs came from the area around Nicollet, MN (where these two routes intersect.) They were likely taken down as part of the US-14 four-laning project which is bypassing Nicollet (a consequence of which is the truncation of the small part of MN-99 west of MN-111.) So it's pretty cool to know, with some amount of precision, where exactly these signs came from.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 24, 2017, 02:14:00 PM
I found a source in Sherman, TX but they're only open Th-Sat. I saw a US 65 and several warning signs through the window. Priests Emporium 205 N Travis
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on June 24, 2017, 04:01:03 PM
Quote from US 71:
Quote
I found a source in Sherman, TX but they're only open Th-Sat. I saw a US 65 and several warning signs through the window. Priests Emporium 205 N Travis

I just bought a Louisiana state highway sign from him. I bought the only one that was in decent. The others all has misaligned numbers
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on June 24, 2017, 04:58:40 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on June 24, 2017, 04:01:03 PM
Quote from US 71:
Quote
I found a source in Sherman, TX but they're only open Th-Sat. I saw a US 65 and several warning signs through the window. Priests Emporium 205 N Travis

I just bought a Louisiana state highway sign from him. I bought the only one that was in decent. The others all has misaligned numbers

Black & white or green & white?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on June 24, 2017, 05:01:38 PM
Quote from cjk374:
Quote
Black & white or green & white?

Black/white. He did not have any green ones
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 24, 2017, 05:26:16 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on June 24, 2017, 04:01:03 PM
Quote from: US71 on June 24, 2017, 02:14:00 PM
I found a source in Sherman, TX but they're only open Th-Sat. I saw a US 65 and several warning signs through the window. Priests Emporium 205 N Travis

I just bought a Louisiana state highway sign from him. I bought the only one that was in decent. The others all has misaligned numbers

But the misaligned numbers give them character. ;-)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 24, 2017, 05:28:35 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on June 24, 2017, 04:01:03 PM
Quote from US 71:
Quote
I found a source in Sherman, TX but they're only open Th-Sat. I saw a US 65 and several warning signs through the window. Priests Emporium 205 N Travis

I just bought a Louisiana state highway sign from him. I bought the only one that was in decent. The others all has misaligned numbers

Does he have good prices?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: SignGeek101 on June 26, 2017, 09:33:46 PM
Other than eBay, what (if any) other sites could I use to buy route shield signs? I'm thinking of getting a sign now, and I want to be able to have as many options available to me as I can.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on June 26, 2017, 10:01:27 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on June 26, 2017, 09:33:46 PM
Other than eBay, what (if any) other sites could I use to buy route shield signs? I'm thinking of getting a sign now, and I want to be able to have as many options available to me as I can.

IDK about real, used-in-the-field signs (maybe Craigslist if you get lucky?), but if authenticity doesn't matter to you there are plenty of companies out there that will make signs for you. Example. (http://store.hallsigns.com/Route-Signs_c_410.html)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on June 27, 2017, 11:47:17 PM
Does anyone know if ALDOT is willing to sell their old shields? I wouldn't mind picking up a few local ones if that's the case.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 28, 2017, 01:56:18 AM
Picked up something cool, a unposted construction CA 130 shield all decked out in orange.  Really a notable highway over to the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, I never thought that I would find a shield...much less a weird one:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4262/35196068450_48a46e30d9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo)IMG_1217 (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on July 03, 2017, 11:33:47 PM
For you guys in/around CT that ask where to find cheap signs...$15 for a 3'x3' CT 372 shield. https://hartford.craigslist.org/atq/6173583373.html
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 19, 2017, 07:57:04 PM
Been awhile since I picked up a street blade:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4316/36034456065_609ebf851d_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WUf1ng)IMG_2438 (https://flic.kr/p/WUf1ng) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

But when it just so happens to be a toss up between Sir Francis Drake Blvd or Panoramic Highway for being the most notable non-state route in Marin County why not?

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/622/32300804483_483c8d0f16_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Rdj4Q8)4 (https://flic.kr/p/Rdj4Q8) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on July 19, 2017, 09:46:40 PM
I found a place near Conway AR that has signs. He also suggested a place near Mountain Home, AR, with possibly some route shields


Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on August 04, 2017, 10:11:00 PM
Quote from: US71 on July 19, 2017, 09:46:40 PM
I found a place near Conway AR that has signs. He also suggested a place near Mountain Home, AR, with possibly some route shields
PM further info, please.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 12, 2017, 11:08:18 PM
Acquired a new CA 43 shield:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/36395414501_b61259c0d1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Xs91Jz)43CAa (https://flic.kr/p/Xs91Jz) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 04:23:07 PM
Two new additions arrived today, both of great import to me.

First, an MN-110 shield, as MnDOT is renumbering it as an MN-62 extension next summer (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21377.0).

(https://i.imgur.com/eXFkDva.jpg)

Second, an MT-200 shield.

(https://i.imgur.com/2RsC7rt.jpg)

With this one, I now have 3/4 states for MSR 200 :) (Bonus if I can ever find an MT-200S shield.)

(https://i.imgur.com/qQrDC4Q.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on October 30, 2017, 06:59:57 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 04:23:07 PM
Two new additions arrived today, both of great import to me.

First, an MN-110 shield, as MnDOT is renumbering it as an MN-62 extension next summer (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21377.0).

(https://i.imgur.com/eXFkDva.jpg)

Second, an MT-200 shield.

(https://i.imgur.com/2RsC7rt.jpg)

With this one, I now have 3/4 states for MSR 200 :) (Bonus if I can ever find an MT-200S shield.)

(https://i.imgur.com/qQrDC4Q.jpg)

Mark LA 200 off your list. We don't have any highways numbered in the 200s.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 07:07:21 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 30, 2017, 06:59:57 PM
Mark LA 200 off your list. We don't have any highways numbered in the 200s.

It's not a collection of shields of highways numbered 200 in general, it's specifically the four-state (ID, MT, ND, MN) chain of highways #200 that runs from Ponderay, ID to the middle of nowhere, MN.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on October 30, 2017, 07:17:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 07:07:21 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 30, 2017, 06:59:57 PM
Mark LA 200 off your list. We don't have any highways numbered in the 200s.

It's not a collection of shields of highways numbered 200 in general, it's specifically the four-state (ID, MT, ND, MN) chain of highways #200 that runs from Ponderay, ID to the middle of nowhere, MN.

Oh ok. I misunderstood. I thought you had collected 37 SR 200 shields.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 30, 2017, 07:39:57 PM
I just added two to my collection

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5zkAAOSw3pVZ2AdW/s-l1600.jpg)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LT4AAOSwF71Z3TFX/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 08:45:58 PM
Quote from: US71 on October 30, 2017, 07:39:57 PM
I just added two to my collection

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5zkAAOSw3pVZ2AdW/s-l1600.jpg)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LT4AAOSwF71Z3TFX/s-l1600.jpg)

That one of those non-reflective 66s was pumping out in the mid-1970s?   I have one hanging in my living room at home incidentally next to Oatman Highway and AZ 66.   

I just missed out on a CA 57 yesterday.  Really it's been slim pickings this past couple months.  Not a lot of things I want and they are overpriced when they do come up. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 30, 2017, 09:14:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 08:45:58 PM

That one of those non-reflective 66s was pumping out in the mid-1970s?   I have one hanging in my living room at home incidentally next to Oatman Highway and AZ 66.   

I just missed out on a CA 57 yesterday.  Really it's been slim pickings this past couple months.  Not a lot of things I want and they are overpriced when they do come up. 

It's the closest I'll get to the real thing for a while. And to a casual passer-by, they won't know the difference.

I have 3 searches on e-bay: road signs, traffic signs, highway signs

A lot catches my interest, but I have to decide how badly I want it and if I can afford it.

There is some duplication of listings, but I get a decent variety to look at.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 10:00:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 08:45:58 PM
I just missed out on a CA 57 yesterday.  Really it's been slim pickings this past couple months.  Not a lot of things I want and they are overpriced when they do come up.

Lately, whenever I have enough saved up for this hobby, I just send Joe Koehler an email inquiring about what he has, or as was the case with the two I just posted today, inquiring about specific signs. Very rarely does anyone else ever have Minnesota signs for sale on eBay, it seems.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 10:06:42 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 10:00:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 08:45:58 PM
I just missed out on a CA 57 yesterday.  Really it's been slim pickings this past couple months.  Not a lot of things I want and they are overpriced when they do come up.

Lately, whenever I have enough saved up for this hobby, I just send Joe Koehler an email inquiring about what he has, or as was the case with the two I just posted today, inquiring about specific signs. Very rarely does anyone else ever have Minnesota signs for sale on eBay, it seems.

The problem here is there is a ton of California stuff but only a couple people know what reasonable prices are.  I have a lot of the stuff I want already on top of it so waiting for something rare is generally what I'm focused on.  Michigan has been pretty good to me this year, last year I got a ton of Arizona stuff.  Maybe it's time to send Jake a message and see what he's got for this state?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 10:09:33 PM
I did notice recently that he was putting a ton of stuff on eBay as well. Might be worth a try.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 10:21:48 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 30, 2017, 10:09:33 PM
I did notice recently that he was putting a ton of stuff on eBay as well. Might be worth a try.

Yeah I've noticed.  Usually it's his top shelf steel stuff that he usually posts.  I'd be fine with some select routes with more modern shield designs.  In general I had toon of luck with painted aluminum spades this year, I think a lot of Caltrans districts are finally replacing them with modern highway vinyl finally
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on October 30, 2017, 10:23:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on October 30, 2017, 07:39:57 PM
I just added two to my collection

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5zkAAOSw3pVZ2AdW/s-l1600.jpg)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LT4AAOSwF71Z3TFX/s-l1600.jpg)

What reflectivity type are the stop signs letters?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 30, 2017, 11:26:21 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on October 30, 2017, 10:23:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on October 30, 2017, 07:39:57 PM

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LT4AAOSwF71Z3TFX/s-l1600.jpg)

What reflectivity type are the stop signs letters?

Silver colored reflective metal letters, appear to be fastened from the back.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/n2YAAOSwW9NZ3TFZ/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2017, 12:37:51 AM
Quote from: US71 on October 30, 2017, 09:14:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2017, 08:45:58 PM

That one of those non-reflective 66s was pumping out in the mid-1970s?   I have one hanging in my living room at home incidentally next to Oatman Highway and AZ 66.   

I just missed out on a CA 57 yesterday.  Really it's been slim pickings this past couple months.  Not a lot of things I want and they are overpriced when they do come up. 

It's the closest I'll get to the real thing for a while. And to a casual passer-by, they won't know the difference.

I have 3 searches on e-bay: road signs, traffic signs, highway signs

A lot catches my interest, but I have to decide how badly I want it and if I can afford it.

There is some duplication of listings, but I get a decent variety to look at.

I use something similar:

highway sign
road sign
Interstate Sign

For some reason a lot of people list things like California spades as "Interstate" signs, generally they are a crap shoot with prices.  "Road Sign" seems to yield a lot of Michigan shields for some reason, one of the major sellers in the area never lists them as "highway" for some reason.

My ILDOT 66 shield is slightly more worn than yours:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/33215649750_99f7ec5e7d_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SB9Tso)IMG_5192 (https://flic.kr/p/SB9Tso) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

I found one of those 66s for $29.99 on eBay a couple years back.  I had no idea if it was real or not but thought it was worth the chance given the font looked correct from the pictures.  Turned out it was one of those 66 shields Illinois was giving away when US 66 was being decommissioned in the state.  I still think its pretty cool considering that I got it on the cheap.  I have it above the fire place with AZ 66:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/33562842615_5871fcc061_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T8QkNg)IMG_5191 (https://flic.kr/p/T8QkNg) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

And a replica US 66 shield which an accompanying Oatman Highway blade:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/33179753450_d40017686c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SxYUJE)IMG_5195 (https://flic.kr/p/SxYUJE) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Incidentally that Oatman Highway blade is by far the most expensive street blade I've ever paid for.  I don't think I'll ever see another one and I wasn't going to pass on it given how much fun that old stretch of 66 has brought me over the years.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 25, 2017, 11:19:49 PM
Added some new shields to my collection.

M-26 (1926 era embossed design)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4543/37759145615_c19260cadc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZwDutZ)IMG_9600 (https://flic.kr/p/ZwDutZ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

M-35 (1926 era embossed design)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4568/38590474406_8fb2f085cc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21N7gz1)IMG_9601 (https://flic.kr/p/21N7gz1) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

M-35 (1948 era shield cut-out)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4548/37759150165_a9c9b64b15_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZwDvQr)IMG_9599 (https://flic.kr/p/ZwDvQr) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on November 29, 2017, 08:26:29 AM
Very nice!  I love the embossed M shields.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2017, 09:50:22 PM
Picked up some new local California spades.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/38104353364_848a85ee48_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2149LHJ)IMG_9884 (https://flic.kr/p/2149LHJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4577/38104358344_c16405f2db_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2149NcA)IMG_9883 (https://flic.kr/p/2149NcA) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on December 03, 2017, 10:35:20 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2017, 09:50:22 PM
Picked up some new local California spades.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/38104353364_848a85ee48_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2149LHJ)IMG_9884 (https://flic.kr/p/2149LHJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4577/38104358344_c16405f2db_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2149NcA)IMG_9883 (https://flic.kr/p/2149NcA) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

That bottom one is certainly goofy-looking
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2017, 10:42:50 PM
^^^^

The shape is off along with the white outline being extra large.  I'm thinking it had to been on a guide sign given that it has two small rivet holes.  There aren't any stamps on the shield but there is a "7 of 20" written on the back which I'm fairly certain came from the scrapper.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on December 05, 2017, 12:25:30 PM
I found a .pdf file regarding some job letting plans to replace a whole sign bridge on the 440 in Little Rock from 2012. The plans called for rivets and direct application (for given circumstances). I never knew they applied a symbol like that.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Alex on December 05, 2017, 01:37:33 PM
Found a Colorado 10 shield for $15 a Webster, FL yesterday. A bit faded, and some dings on it, but otherwise in decent shape.
Another guy had a 36x36" PA 11 shield for $35/obo. I was unsure if the sign would fit in my trunk, so I didn't consider buying it. But in retrospect, given that it was an error shield, I should have tried...

Lastly a lady had an M-20 shield for $60. Said she paid $55 for it so the price was not negotiable. The sign was worn and she definitely got ripped off buying it. I'd have spent no more than $20 on it.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2017, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 05, 2017, 01:37:33 PM
Found a Colorado 10 shield for $15 a Webster, FL yesterday. A bit faded, and some dings on it, but otherwise in decent shape.
Another guy had a 36x36" PA 11 shield for $35/obo. I was unsure if the sign would fit in my trunk, so I didn't consider buying it. But in retrospect, given that it was an error shield, I should have tried...

Lastly a lady had an M-20 shield for $60. Said she paid $55 for it so the price was not negotiable. The sign was worn and she definitely got ripped off buying it. I'd have spent no more than $20 on it.

Where were you at in Webster?   I've had some luck finding some stuff from time to time out in Sumter County in the random antique stores they have out there. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Alex on December 06, 2017, 03:06:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2017, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 05, 2017, 01:37:33 PM
Found a Colorado 10 shield for $15 a Webster, FL yesterday. A bit faded, and some dings on it, but otherwise in decent shape.
Another guy had a 36x36" PA 11 shield for $35/obo. I was unsure if the sign would fit in my trunk, so I didn't consider buying it. But in retrospect, given that it was an error shield, I should have tried...

Lastly a lady had an M-20 shield for $60. Said she paid $55 for it so the price was not negotiable. The sign was worn and she definitely got ripped off buying it. I'd have spent no more than $20 on it.

Where were you at in Webster?   I've had some luck finding some stuff from time to time out in Sumter County in the random antique stores they have out there.

Webster Westside Flea Market. Located at SR 471 and CR 476 and only open on Monday's. Been going there off and on for 11 years.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 06, 2017, 03:41:15 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 06, 2017, 03:06:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2017, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 05, 2017, 01:37:33 PM
Found a Colorado 10 shield for $15 a Webster, FL yesterday. A bit faded, and some dings on it, but otherwise in decent shape.
Another guy had a 36x36" PA 11 shield for $35/obo. I was unsure if the sign would fit in my trunk, so I didn't consider buying it. But in retrospect, given that it was an error shield, I should have tried...

Lastly a lady had an M-20 shield for $60. Said she paid $55 for it so the price was not negotiable. The sign was worn and she definitely got ripped off buying it. I'd have spent no more than $20 on it.

Where were you at in Webster?   I've had some luck finding some stuff from time to time out in Sumter County in the random antique stores they have out there.

Webster Westside Flea Market. Located at SR 471 and CR 476 and only open on Monday's. Been going there off and on for 11 years.

I'll have to check that one next year.  I drove through Sumter County this year but stuck north on CR 48 to Bushnell so I could see the new asphalt surface on Croom-Nobleton Road and Croom Road.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 11, 2017, 01:59:38 PM
I submit to you the kind of sign I've been ISO for some years and excited to have finally found.  New Jersey's old (1920s, and even older?) raised-letter cast iron directional shields came in at least two varieties; one with rounded corners and, MUCH less commonly, with squared corners.  I would be happy with either, but I came away from eBay with a rarer square-corner type.  This sign would have been posted at the original forked intersection of Glenside Ave and Glenside Road in New Providence Township (renamed Berkeley Heights in 1951), long before I-78 caused a complete re-engineering and displacement of the corner.  Dimensions: 18" x 24", weight is about 57 pounds!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi722.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww222%2Fpb4fjk%2Fsigns%2FNJ_directional_1_zpswdlb9sjx.png&hash=240184a1b8b4a3686b90120a00257a498f45d1ae) (http://s722.photobucket.com/user/pb4fjk/media/signs/NJ_directional_1_zpswdlb9sjx.png.html)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ColossalBlocks on December 11, 2017, 07:55:56 PM
Quote from: spitball on December 11, 2017, 01:59:38 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi722.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww222%2Fpb4fjk%2Fsigns%2FNJ_directional_1_zpswdlb9sjx.png&hash=240184a1b8b4a3686b90120a00257a498f45d1ae) (http://s722.photobucket.com/user/pb4fjk/media/signs/NJ_directional_1_zpswdlb9sjx.png.html)

Photobucket struck again.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 11, 2017, 10:47:45 PM
There's a cut-out AR 11 on e-bay. Asking $450, but said he'd consider $400. Too rich for my bolld much as I wish I could afford it.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 12, 2017, 09:30:04 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 11, 2017, 10:47:45 PM
There's a cut-out AR 11 on e-bay. Asking $450, but said he'd consider $400. Too rich for my bolld much as I wish I could afford it.

It may be a good buyer's market.  As an anecdote...  The NJ directional sign I posted (but which Bloat-O-Bucket will not share) was originally listed at a pretty high $600.  I politely low-balled the guy (relative to his asking price) at $200 and got rejected without surprise.  I waited a good several weeks as he lowered his price to $450, then to $350, fully expecting it to go to someone else.  I finally came back to him and settled at $300, which is not cheap, but not bad either for such a rare piece.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 12, 2017, 09:39:31 AM
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on December 11, 2017, 07:55:56 PM
Photobucket struck again.

I added a signature link to my signs in Flickr.  US71 unwittingly gave me the idea...thanks
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2017, 09:41:25 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 28, 2017, 01:56:18 AM
Picked up something cool, a unposted construction CA 130 shield all decked out in orange.  Really a notable highway over to the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, I never thought that I would find a shield...much less a weird one:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4262/35196068450_48a46e30d9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo)IMG_1217 (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

So, I know this is an old comment, but it's left me wondering: what's the purpose of these orange California spades? Marking detour routes? And why does Caltrans bother with them?, because as far as I know no other state does anything like that. And I have to be honest, the first time I saw one of these on eBay I initially thought it was merely a reproduction that used funky colors...
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2017, 10:01:00 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2017, 09:41:25 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 28, 2017, 01:56:18 AM
Picked up something cool, a unposted construction CA 130 shield all decked out in orange.  Really a notable highway over to the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, I never thought that I would find a shield...much less a weird one:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4262/35196068450_48a46e30d9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo)IMG_1217 (https://flic.kr/p/VCa3Wo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

So, I know this is an old comment, but it's left me wondering: what's the purpose of these orange California spades? Marking detour routes? And why does Caltrans bother with them?, because as far as I know no other state does anything like that. And I have to be honest, the first time I saw one of these on eBay I initially thought it was merely a reproduction that used funky colors...

They get used for detour routes.  Usually they vary from real shields too something like a weird looking spade on a orange blank.  This one was unused and considering it was the Mount Hamilton highway it was worth the $40-45 I paid for something unique.  The really strange or is on 33 right now.  Normally 33 traffic heading west from Los Banos takes I-5 to continue on 33 north.  33 is actually multiplexed on 152 west of Los Banos and crosses under I-5 northwest of the city.  I guess a bridge was out exiting onto 33 northbound so there were detour 33 shields on the real 33 telling you to stay on the highway.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2017, 10:26:51 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2017, 10:01:00 AM
They get used for detour routes.  Usually they vary from real shields too something like a weird looking spade on a orange blank.  This one was unused and considering it was the Mount Hamilton highway it was worth the $40-45 I paid for something unique.  The really strange or is on 33 right now.  Normally 33 traffic heading west from Los Banos takes I-5 to continue on 33 north.  33 is actually multiplexed on 152 west of Los Banos and crosses under I-5 northwest of the city.  I guess a bridge was out exiting onto 33 northbound so there were detour 33 shields on the real 33 telling you to stay on the highway.

Gotcha.

Speaking of detour oddities, my favorite is when a detour gets posted for one route, but it runs the wrong way on the same route: ie WB Route X gets partially detoured EB on Route X. I saw one of these not that long ago, but I can't, for the life of me, remember where it was or whether I took any pictures of it. :pan:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2017, 12:06:48 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2017, 10:26:51 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2017, 10:01:00 AM
They get used for detour routes.  Usually they vary from real shields too something like a weird looking spade on a orange blank.  This one was unused and considering it was the Mount Hamilton highway it was worth the $40-45 I paid for something unique.  The really strange or is on 33 right now.  Normally 33 traffic heading west from Los Banos takes I-5 to continue on 33 north.  33 is actually multiplexed on 152 west of Los Banos and crosses under I-5 northwest of the city.  I guess a bridge was out exiting onto 33 northbound so there were detour 33 shields on the real 33 telling you to stay on the highway.

Gotcha.

Speaking of detour oddities, my favorite is when a detour gets posted for one route, but it runs the wrong way on the same route: ie WB Route X gets partially detoured EB on Route X. I saw one of these not that long ago, but I can't, for the life of me, remember where it was or whether I took any pictures of it. :pan:

I missed taking a photo of the 33 detour the other day because I couldn't get my phone out of my pocket.  I'll have another shot this Thursday, the shields are too hideous and the detour is too weird to ignore. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 12, 2017, 12:17:32 PM
Quote from: spitball on December 12, 2017, 09:39:31 AM
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on December 11, 2017, 07:55:56 PM
Photobucket struck again.

I added a signature link to my signs in Flickr.  US71 unwittingly gave me the idea...thanks

I'll have to charge you a commission ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on December 12, 2017, 01:40:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 12, 2017, 12:17:32 PM
I'll have to charge you a commission ;)

Gotta put it toward that AR 11!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 18, 2017, 12:41:32 PM
Picked up an embossed M-28:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/24278208087_7c6643d184_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CZoaqB)28M (https://flic.kr/p/CZoaqB) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on December 25, 2017, 12:19:17 AM
Snagged a US 40 shield for pretty cheap the other day

(https://i.imgur.com/6j5pyEc.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 25, 2017, 10:20:38 AM
Quote from: spitball on December 12, 2017, 01:40:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 12, 2017, 12:17:32 PM
I'll have to charge you a commission ;)

Gotta put it toward that AR 11!

Did you buy it? Looks like it sold... unless Jake bought it?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on December 29, 2017, 08:54:09 PM
I HAVE to get in on this hobby "one of these days"!  :love: :love: :love:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 30, 2017, 12:13:10 AM
Quote from: TheArkansasRoadgeek on December 29, 2017, 08:54:09 PM
I HAVE to get in on this hobby "one of these days"!  :love: :love: :love:

I may have a couple mini's available. Let me check my stash ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 25, 2018, 06:32:13 PM
Received my thirtieth Minnesota state highway marker today, this one being MN-371. It will go nice with the two US-371 markers (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=18345.msg2220239#msg2220239) I posted about upthread.

(https://i.imgur.com/hbGq3RU.jpg)

Sadly, it is now the second marker I own with the absolutely butt ugly (https://i.imgur.com/QoGjrnw.jpg) state outline shape. The pic is from the other sign, but they're essentially the same. I wanna know who designed that shape so I can go knock some sense into them. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on January 25, 2018, 10:23:46 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 25, 2018, 06:32:13 PM
Received my thirtieth Minnesota state highway marker today, this one being MN-371. It will go nice with the two US-371 markers (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=18345.msg2220239#msg2220239) I posted about upthread.

(https://i.imgur.com/hbGq3RU.jpg)

Sadly, it is now the second marker I own with the absolutely butt ugly (https://i.imgur.com/QoGjrnw.jpg) state outline shape. The pic is from the other sign, but they're essentially the same. I wanna know who designed that shape so I can go knock some sense into them. :biggrin:

You're going to need someone to store those for you ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 09, 2018, 05:12:37 PM
I posted a picture of these in response to a comment (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11045.msg2302727#msg2302727) in the unique/odd/interesting signs thread, but I figured they should go here too. Anyway, they're a set of three kilometer markers from Alabama. I found them on eBay back in 2014, I think.

(https://i.imgur.com/r5YJZSA.jpg)

I'm a supporter of metricizing American roads/signage, so when I found these for pretty cheap I decided I had to have them, as a curiosity if anything else.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 03, 2018, 10:30:48 PM
There's a place near Mammoth Springs, AR called Dear Crossing that has lots of old signs (plus other stuff like Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars). A lot of his stuff is retired MoDOT Secondary Highway signage. He also has an extensive selection of embossed street signs and a few sign assemblies.  If you go, it's cash only.

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 03, 2018, 10:42:04 PM
Whenever I intend on going to antique stores/malls, flea markets, etc, I always just operate on the assumption they only accept cash. Seems wise to me. If they take cards, that's just a bonus.

That being said, only once have I ever found a sign I was interested in buying at one. This one, actually:

(https://i.imgur.com/dQqWeAA.jpg)

Got it for only $20, which I think was a steal. Found it at the Isanti County Antique Fair way back in like 2009 or 2010. (Funnily enough, I don't really think it's an antique, what with its November 1993 fabrication date... :-D) Sadly, though, the seller put the price sticker on the front (why?! :pan:) and I dunno how to remove the residue without damaging the sheeting itself–you can see it above the A at the top right. So, I've just left it all these years.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on March 04, 2018, 08:01:19 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 03, 2018, 10:42:04 PM
Whenever I intend on going to antique stores/malls, flea markets, etc, I always just operate on the assumption they only accept cash. Seems wise to me. If they take cards, that's just a bonus.

That being said, only once have I ever found a sign I was interested in buying at one. This one, actually:

(https://i.imgur.com/dQqWeAA.jpg)

Got it for only $20, which I think was a steal. Found it at the Isanti County Antique Fair way back in like 2009 or 2010. (Funnily enough, I don't really think it's an antique, what with its November 1993 fabrication date... :-D) Sadly, though, the seller put the price sticker on the front (why?! :pan:) and I dunno how to remove the residue without damaging the sheeting itself–you can see it above the A at the top right. So, I've just left it all these years.

What you need is Gorilla (I believe they make it) Goo Gone. Does not damage any surfaces it is used on. I have not used it on signs, but it works great.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2018, 11:03:25 PM
Just picked up this CA 135 shield which was from a BGS:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/807/26946202018_9ac5241b79_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/H49k4Y)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/H49k4Y) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 18, 2018, 08:43:34 AM
That's pretty cool. I've always wondered why the "California" is left off BGS shields in that state. I've always assumed for visual clutter reasons, but "Interstate" doesn't get left off Interstate shields, so...

Anyway, here are two recent additions I made. The first is this MN-32 marker:

(https://i.imgur.com/J2TARHq.jpg)

Interesting thing about this one, is that it's made with extra-thick aluminum, making this shield exceptionally heavy. I don't have a calipers handy, but visually I'd estimate the stock is probably between 1.25x and 1.5x thicker than standard. It's probably also one of the last shields to have the MnDOT logo printed in darker blue at the bottom center, as I believe they stopped doing that around 2000 or so. (Date code at the bottom left, "999," means the manufacture was in September 1999.) They've also since stopped printing manufacture dates on the front, too. :-/ I liked having the logos and dates printed on the front–it gives them character and also tells me when signs were made/used, since the stickers applied to the back often get removed when signs are scrapped–but if I'm not mistaken the FHWA told DOTs to knock that off. :-(

The other is this unique 18x18 Pennington CR-65A shield:

(https://i.imgur.com/0shkOED.jpg)

As you can see, it originally had the number 63 on it before being brutishly removed and reapplied with 65A. Note that the A is not a standard letter, but rather a hack job made out of three strips of black vinyl. The seller had a bunch of other Pennington County shields in better condition that normally I would've gone with, but I chose this one for its character. :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 19, 2018, 11:15:48 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 18, 2018, 08:43:34 AM
That's pretty cool. I've always wondered why the "California" is left off BGS shields in that state. I've always assumed for visual clutter reasons, but "Interstate" doesn't get left off Interstate shields, so...

The odd thing is that the shape for State Highways and US Routes is different than the stand alone shields in California on BGSs.  The state spade on the BGS is has much more sharper curves which is why the "California" likely wouldn't fit.  I noticed another oddity when I was checking my 135 shield out this morning.  Most standalone shields were a green reflective base paint with vinyl numbers applied to them.  The 135 in my garage is a white base with the green painted over it.  That being the case the 135 numeral is actually depressed slightly below the green reflective paint.  The spec date on the back of the shield shows a manufacturing date sometime in 1977.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 12, 2018, 09:23:34 PM
Picked up a new CA 166 shield:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/898/40523654965_3d68f2887f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24JWjNi)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/24JWjNi) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 12, 2018, 10:46:44 PM
Recent additions to my collection:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/878/41373998542_ef693611e3_d.jpg)
Steel double-arrow sign

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/803/40639765584_3579d66e6b_d.jpg)
1960's-era Missouri Secondary. Steel sign blank

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/884/40458273765_61ffdaa015_d.jpg)
1960's-era US 71 sign from Missouri. The shield is a bit smaller compared to "modern" standards. Also a steel sign blank
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on April 22, 2018, 03:00:57 PM
I did a ditch rescue Friday after work:


(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/884/39761027870_59f1f86c37_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23zxEkh)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/23zxEkh) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: freebrickproductions on April 25, 2018, 12:27:40 PM
Picked-up this Jackson County Route 51 shield today, at an antique store in Paint Rock, AL:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/952/26830425217_0eec762e27_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWEe)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWEe) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/971/40799060715_d32d7b653d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25agRki)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/25agRki) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/974/26830424867_14c9b33d00_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWyc)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWyc) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/961/40799060395_3c98f5c51c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25agReM)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/25agReM) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/968/26830423897_1bc2afe050_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWgt)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/GSUWgt) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/911/40799059045_aa30ffd47f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25agQQv)CR 51 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/25agQQv) by freebrickproductions (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96431468@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on May 09, 2018, 08:59:09 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/PwVz6B0.jpg)

Another recent addition to the collection.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: CGPerry on May 10, 2018, 08:02:09 PM
I don't collect signs as much as I used to, but here are a few of my favorites.  Most of them I picked up at swap meets or antique stores.  The I-95 sign I bought at a flea market in Hell's Kitchen, which I had to haul around on the subway and the Staten Island Ferry to take it back home.  Also of note is the I-15 and Business Loop 80 are actually a single two-sided sign.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7144/6445958701_0748fa26df_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7029/6445578485_0fc9dc9d84_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7011/6445741625_b54a4fd6e9_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7029/6445615895_4f0f71a5f1_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7003/6445814689_e3a21416b9_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7170/6445918815_dee51bd008_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7170/6446024067_232ce75ae5_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7157/6445505905_8c907d8c0a_z.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8271/29986303946_19e9b4e565_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7030/6445707047_78d07575a4_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7174/6445477597_8d42bc1256_z.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7146/6445852507_cfc65e24c0_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on May 10, 2018, 08:49:58 PM
Quote from: CGPerry on May 10, 2018, 08:02:09 PM
I don't collect signs as much as I used to, but here are a few of my favorites.  Most of them I picked up at swap meets or antique stores.  The I-95 sign I bought at a flea market in Hell's Kitchen, which I had to haul around on the subway and the Staten Island Ferry to take it back home.  Also of note is the I-15 and Business Loop 80 are actually a single two-sided sign.

Damnnnn those are some beautiful shields. Very nice collection.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2018, 08:59:00 PM
That NV 8A is all kinds of awesome.  Drove that route a long time ago, basically it's at the ends of the earth as far as Old desert roads go. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on May 12, 2018, 04:23:14 PM
I never knew there was a split in I-15. Very interesting.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 12, 2018, 04:52:40 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 12, 2018, 04:23:14 PM
I never knew there was a split in I-15. Very interesting.

That's modern I-215, really I never understood why it wasn't designated as such from the get-go.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: CGPerry on May 19, 2018, 04:47:22 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2018, 08:59:00 PM
That NV 8A is all kinds of awesome.  Drove that route a long time ago, basically it's at the ends of the earth as far as Old desert roads go. 

According the Google street view from 2009, it is still signed as 8A.  Did this route survive the big Nevada highway renumbering back in the 70s?

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5574301,-119.9992463,3a,75y,64.78h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1soolV5lDKxyDToVI-odFXOw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DoolV5lDKxyDToVI-odFXOw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D57.813587%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i3328!8i1664
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 19, 2018, 08:38:08 AM
Quote from: CGPerry on May 19, 2018, 04:47:22 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 10, 2018, 08:59:00 PM
That NV 8A is all kinds of awesome.  Drove that route a long time ago, basically it's at the ends of the earth as far as Old desert roads go. 

According the Google street view from 2009, it is still signed as 8A.  Did this route survive the big Nevada highway renumbering back in the 70s?

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5574301,-119.9992463,3a,75y,64.78h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1soolV5lDKxyDToVI-odFXOw!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo3.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DoolV5lDKxyDToVI-odFXOw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D57.813587%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i3328!8i1664

No it didn't.  There are a couple old state highways that still appear on Google maps and might have a stray shield or street blade too.  NV 3a comes to mind as another example of a pre-renumbering Highway that is still displayed on Google. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 19, 2018, 08:39:44 AM
Latest addition to my collection
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/960/40370742220_9b361d6de7_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2018, 12:04:34 AM
Picked up a Fresno Blossom Trail sign from a local junker:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/943/40528654810_0ee8972506_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24KnX5w)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/24KnX5w) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Put this one in my back yard since in the recently rebuilt garden.  The Blossom Trail is a local Auto Touring Route which is just a quarter mile from me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2018, 12:12:26 AM
Picked up a strange CA 99 sign on a white blank which is likely from a surface street in Fresno:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1782/42193939394_3b317eddcc_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27hwYaG)IMG_7686 (https://flic.kr/p/27hwYaG) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Along with a CA 180 oversized freeway shield:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1828/42912228061_8b13487b78_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28o1on4)IMG_7685 (https://flic.kr/p/28o1on4) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 22, 2018, 03:10:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/t7z7PsB.jpg?1)

Wasn't really on my "need to buy" radar but figured it would be cool to have just for the quirky factor. US 1/9 shields with the ampersand are getting pretty hard to find out in the wild as NJDOT is quickly replacing them with updated versions with hyphens.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2018, 03:20:23 PM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on June 22, 2018, 03:10:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/t7z7PsB.jpg?1)

Wasn't really on my "need to buy" radar but figured it would be cool to have just for the quirky factor. US 1/9 shields with the ampersand are getting pretty hard to find out in the wild as NJDOT is quickly replacing them with updated versions with hyphens.

What California Spades do you have behind the US 1&9?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on June 24, 2018, 01:50:34 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2018, 03:20:23 PMWhat California Spades do you have behind the US 1&9?

I've got a CA 99 and 58 hiding back there.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 24, 2018, 03:31:06 PM
There are two shops at Sarcoxie, MO that have old signs. One has 48 inch construction signs, the other has a bunch of STOP signs in various conditions as well as a couple US 166 signs. Stop signs are $30+, but I didn't ask about the 166.

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 24, 2018, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on June 24, 2018, 01:50:34 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 22, 2018, 03:20:23 PMWhat California Spades do you have behind the US 1&9?

I've got a CA 99 and 58 hiding back there.

Nice, had to ask once I saw those in the background. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on July 09, 2018, 08:32:06 PM
Another ditch rescue had to be performed due to a sign replacement project. Such a shame:   :sombrero:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/837/42590802954_00b6166928.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZSS)20180709_174142 (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZSS) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

The reason these are being replaced is listed on the back:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1826/42590802884_aeed30b2fe.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZRE)20180709_174218 (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZRE) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 18, 2018, 09:26:57 AM
Small recent add from a scarp shop; a Caltrans Semi-Route 18x18 sign:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/30242576538_d706b1e7f3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/N5r7nq)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/N5r7nq) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 11, 2018, 10:34:50 PM
Picked up a CA 62 shield, been looking for one for a long time.  Lots of interesting memories about blowing a tire on the 100 mile stretch without service and changing it out on the side of the highway:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/43908547594_f7b0dc6f6c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29U3Ms3)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/29U3Ms3) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on September 11, 2018, 11:43:26 PM
Only thing I've picked up lately is a Historic Route US 66 sign from Illinois. I got it at a silent auction at the Route 66 Festival in Texas.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1804/28652133687_7bd2b2b7fa_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 01, 2018, 04:26:53 PM
Finally found a reasonably priced CA 49, been seeking this one for a long time:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1962/44990627612_464e778466_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2bxEJ95)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2bxEJ95) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 16, 2018, 08:03:36 AM
I picked up a souvenir-sized National Road sign on my trip, but didn't find many opportunities, otherwise.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1946/45202434061_be6737ff89_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 23, 2018, 11:31:38 PM
Picked up an unused G28-1 spec California State Route 14 shield:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/45110139825_45c4e879e0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2bJefXt)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2bJefXt) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

I run into this shield type now and then out on the State Highways. Generally I've founded them to be somewhat common in Southern California mostly.  The G28-1 spec shield is substantially smaller than the G28-2 shield that is a far more common variant.  Personally I think the G28-1 is pretty ugly but it fits well in my garage with the bigger shields.  Below I linked over the California MUTCD specs for G28-1 and G28-2 shields.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/tcd/docs/G28-1.pdf

http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/tcd/docs/G28-2.pdf

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2019, 09:57:19 PM
I'll admit, this was an impulse purchase. Stuff that isn't from Minnesota isn't typically in my purview, but I figured this was unique enough (and inexpensive enough) that... why not?

A US/state route mix-up error shield from New York. This one never made it to the field, as none of the holes have been punched through the sheeting, although it clearly saw a little bit of abuse while in storage. The upper left edge was also a bit screwed up in fabrication, since the black doesn't completely fill in that corner.

(https://i.imgur.com/rsu7kIc.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 01, 2019, 12:30:09 AM
Picked up a Lassen County Route A25 shield on the cheap off eBay the other day.  I haven't driven this one but I've driven by it several times on US 395 near Honey Lake on the way to Reno and/or Susanville.  I'd prefer a J1 or J16 but its rare enough these become available:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/46945257561_879c34fdaa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewoHwr)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2ewoHwr) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2019, 12:49:12 PM
Picked up a County Route A3 from the same person I got the A25 from.  A3 is on the north end of Honey Lake, this one is 24x24 as opposed to the 18x18 A25:

https://flic.kr/p/2dBQ65N
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kurumi on February 12, 2019, 11:50:50 PM
Neighboring house in Princeville, Kauai on a recent trip.

(https://i.imgur.com/4eIoP3P.jpg)

Sorry for potato quality; only better angle would have been trespassing in their yard. But there were US 101 and CA 192 signs mounted on their back porch exterior walls.

(pixelation is from through a screen on a cloudy day)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 13, 2019, 12:05:57 AM
Weird to see a CA 192 shield all the way the hell out there.  Didn't one of those pop up on eBay awhile back?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on February 14, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Nabbed an Australian Tourist Drive 1 sign. It's kind of beat up and will need a bit of flattening in the vise but should display well. It will go with my National Highway 87 reassurance shield and National Route 1 coverplate.

Still, my prized one is an embossed Maine US 1. The paint is largely original. I even found an embossed R to go with it, even though I don't think Maine ever used those, but it matches.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 14, 2019, 11:44:58 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 14, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Nabbed an Australian Tourist Drive 1 sign. It's kind of beat up and will need a bit of flattening in the vise but should display well. It will go with my National Highway 87 reassurance shield and National Route 1 coverplate.

Still, my prized one is an embossed Maine US 1. The paint is largely original. I even found an embossed R to go with it, even though I don't think Maine ever used those, but it matches.

There was an R sign on e-bay a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: silverback1065 on February 14, 2019, 12:20:45 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 09, 2018, 08:32:06 PM
Another ditch rescue had to be performed due to a sign replacement project. Such a shame:   :sombrero:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/837/42590802954_00b6166928.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZSS)20180709_174142 (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZSS) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

The reason these are being replaced is listed on the back:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1826/42590802884_aeed30b2fe.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZRE)20180709_174218 (https://flic.kr/p/27TAZRE) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

cool find!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 14, 2019, 12:31:40 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 14, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Nabbed an Australian Tourist Drive 1 sign. It's kind of beat up and will need a bit of flattening in the vise but should display well. It will go with my National Highway 87 reassurance shield and National Route 1 coverplate.

Still, my prized one is an embossed Maine US 1. The paint is largely original. I even found an embossed R to go with it, even though I don't think Maine ever used those, but it matches.

Picked up this steel square US 202 from Maine a couple years back:

https://flic.kr/p/SB9LxG

I honestly would have preferred just a modern Us 202 shield since I lived off it in Connecticut for 6 years. But I'm not going to complain for the price I paid to get something steel. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on February 15, 2019, 06:47:24 AM
Quote from: US71 on February 14, 2019, 11:44:58 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 14, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Nabbed an Australian Tourist Drive 1 sign. It's kind of beat up and will need a bit of flattening in the vise but should display well. It will go with my National Highway 87 reassurance shield and National Route 1 coverplate.

Still, my prized one is an embossed Maine US 1. The paint is largely original. I even found an embossed R to go with it, even though I don't think Maine ever used those, but it matches.

There was an R sign on e-bay a few weeks ago.

What does an R sign mean?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 15, 2019, 08:44:47 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 15, 2019, 06:47:24 AM
Quote from: US71 on February 14, 2019, 11:44:58 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 14, 2019, 10:43:08 AM
Nabbed an Australian Tourist Drive 1 sign. It's kind of beat up and will need a bit of flattening in the vise but should display well. It will go with my National Highway 87 reassurance shield and National Route 1 coverplate.

Still, my prized one is an embossed Maine US 1. The paint is largely original. I even found an embossed R to go with it, even though I don't think Maine ever used those, but it matches.

There was an R sign on e-bay a few weeks ago.

What does an R sign mean?

Turn Right. It was posted below the route shield. 

It was actually a LEFT that was on e-bay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-L-Route-66-Highway-Shield-Marker-Road-Sign-Embossed-G-S-amp-D-G-Railroad-/382754612485?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=xFGfGWIdDESAdhjCDlb6XCfVsF0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 26, 2019, 10:56:48 AM
I bought this last week, received it on Saturday: an Anoka County Road 10 shield.

(https://i.imgur.com/jkjAcOo.jpg)

Anoka and Ramsey County 10 are the former alignment of US-10 in the northern Twin Cities suburbs, before the freeway between MN-47 and I-35W was completed in 1999.

This sign was made by a contractor a couple years after that, judging by the sticker on the back.

(https://i.imgur.com/lMjSg8L.jpg)

This next sign I've had for a couple years now, but it's relevant to the above sign: a MnDOT US-10 shield.

(https://i.imgur.com/ugTyIXV.jpg)

This one appears to have never been posted in the field, since it's in really good condition and it lacks the impressions of washers around the mounting holes. Interesting to note that the date code near the bottom center, "799", indicates it was fabricated in July 1999, which is pretty close to the time that the aforementioned freeway section opened.

Here's a closeup picture of the date code and the MnDOT logo at the bottom center.

(https://i.imgur.com/78ax64K.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 26, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
I have a couple new ones, but haven't photographed & Flickr'd them yet.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kevinb1994 on March 26, 2019, 12:31:30 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 11:56:40 AM
I have a couple new ones, but haven't photographed & Flickr'd them yet.

Haven't seen the term Flickr'd used much.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:49:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection. 

I missed seeing it. I did get a 71 shield a couple weeks ago.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on March 26, 2019, 12:50:57 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection.

What's the connection?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:51:17 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:49:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection. 

I missed seeing it. I did get a 71 shield a couple weeks ago.

If I recall correctly it was that bulk scrapper out Texas that has a ton of signs for sale.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:53:13 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 26, 2019, 12:50:57 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection.

What's the connection?

Apparently nothing because I confused with US 53 for some reason. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:54:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:51:17 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:49:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection. 

I missed seeing it. I did get a 71 shield a couple weeks ago.

If I recall correctly it was that bulk scrapper out Texas that has a ton of signs for sale.

He's not on e-bay, but there's a guy in Sarcoxie, MO with a lot of signs. A few highway signs, but mostly warning signs, speed limit, and county routes. Last time I was there, he had 3-4 US 166's and a couple Kansas sunflowers.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:58:32 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:54:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:51:17 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 12:49:38 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:47:06 PM
Speaking of Minnesota there was a US 59 shield up recently in eBay.  I missed out on buying it before the listing disappeared, would have liked to have that one given the National Park connection. 

I missed seeing it. I did get a 71 shield a couple weeks ago.

If I recall correctly it was that bulk scrapper out Texas that has a ton of signs for sale.

He's not on e-bay, but there's a guy in Sarcoxie, MO with a lot of signs. A few highway signs, but mostly warning signs, speed limit, and county routes. Last time I was there, he had 3-4 US 166's and a couple Kansas sunflowers.

Found the listing the seller has a ton of other signs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Retired-Texas-Route-59-Shield-Highway-Sign-Lloyd-Bentsen-Hw-24x24-/323721496476?nav=SEARCH
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 26, 2019, 01:05:04 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:58:32 PM

Found the listing the seller has a ton of other signs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Retired-Texas-Route-59-Shield-Highway-Sign-Lloyd-Bentsen-Hw-24x24-/323721496476?nav=SEARCH

Nothing that wows me at the moment, but I'll save him so I know when he has more stuff.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 01:07:47 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 26, 2019, 01:05:04 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 26, 2019, 12:58:32 PM

Found the listing the seller has a ton of other signs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Retired-Texas-Route-59-Shield-Highway-Sign-Lloyd-Bentsen-Hw-24x24-/323721496476?nav=SEARCH

Nothing that wows me at the moment, but I'll save him so I know when he has more stuff.

Filled out my roster of western Texas stuff largely off him.  The prices were okay but a lot of the signs are very beat up.  The US 380 is one I want but I'm waiting on seeing if I win on another sign. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on March 30, 2019, 11:40:32 PM
Haley's Antiques in Jefferson, TX has 3 18-inch Texas SH signs, $40-something each
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 31, 2019, 09:03:41 AM
Dear Crossing north of Hardy, AR has some older MoDOT signs.

Cimarron Collectibles I and II at Sarcoxie, MO have an assortment of old signs, but few route signs.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 09, 2019, 11:07:58 PM
Picked up an unused Stanislaus County Route shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47763105562_d1602713d7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fLEpf3)59734994_10216684177809434_1395334084472864768_n (https://flic.kr/p/2fLEpf3) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on May 09, 2019, 11:08:35 PM
Is it actually black, or is that your camera?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 09, 2019, 11:12:53 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on May 09, 2019, 11:08:35 PM
Is it actually black, or is that your camera?

Extremely dark Navy Blue.  It appears black in dim lighting.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 10, 2019, 07:46:45 AM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40807955293_d90124d757_z_d.jpg)
Oddball STOP sign from Iowa

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46857658905_52a0898fac_z_d.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33897003408_be4caf793d_d.jpg)
Old square font STOP. I didn't realize until after I got it, that it was a repaint.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2019, 11:03:54 PM
I-5 button-copy off a dismantled BGS.  Part of the BGS is still attached, I'm debating on removing it or leaving as is.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33988981208_350bea1147_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TMupXo)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/TMupXo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47866276771_19f6a61548_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fVMbrZ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2fVMbrZ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on May 20, 2019, 06:11:30 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2019, 11:03:54 PM
I-5 button-copy off a dismantled BGS.  Part of the BGS is still attached, I'm debating on removing it or leaving as is.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33988981208_350bea1147_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TMupXo)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/TMupXo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47866276771_19f6a61548_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fVMbrZ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2fVMbrZ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

I would leave it just to reduce risk of any further damage. Did you cut it off the BGS or did you get it that way?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 20, 2019, 07:07:20 PM
^^^

Came that way when I bought it. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 04, 2019, 12:30:45 AM
Picked up a CA 237 construction shield.  I have a similar CA 130 that I picked up two years ago:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47998035133_d715bda55c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2g8qtBT)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2g8qtBT) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 04, 2019, 09:49:14 AM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/8451/28987378525_47b51524da_b_d.jpg)
Salesman sample I got through e-bay

I have a souvenir size 35W from Kansas, but can't find my photo, but I also have a souvenir green 56
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4662/27879399189_075e2bb05c_b_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on July 04, 2019, 01:14:35 PM
If anyone would like to see my collection, it can be viewed here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on July 07, 2019, 08:42:37 PM
I found these in a dumpster on my way home Friday. No diving required as they were on the very top of the heap.

Someone...I guess named Adam...wrote the nickname of this highway on the shield. The White Lightning Road was known for its moonshine shipments running between Homer and Ruston. The dates on the back of the sign indicate that this shield was put up in 1995, and replaced a shield that was put up in 1979. Our old green shields could last a long time in the field unlike the crap being put up today and not lasting even 4 months!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208470167_eddeb722e1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gs21C8)20190705_172043 (https://flic.kr/p/2gs21C8) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

This came from Ruston:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208139147_c8b3ab6fa6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grZjdT)20190705_172218 (https://flic.kr/p/2grZjdT) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

A classic:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48208088556_1f1b9d4f48.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grZ4bC)20190705_172247 (https://flic.kr/p/2grZ4bC) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 18, 2019, 12:30:57 AM
Some recent additions...

CA 204

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48030877737_e17aec3f84_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gbjNzF)61513274_10156219862488021_8406366933854715904_n (https://flic.kr/p/2gbjNzF) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

-  For reference CA 204 is former US 99 in Bakersfield.

Two replicas; a really nice CA 18 with cats-eye reflectors and US 97:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48140631852_95c4530aba_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gm2jE1)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gm2jE1) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48140568413_984a21155f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gm1ZNe)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gm1ZNe) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

AZ 260

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48312239736_2be28a367a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gBbRGC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2gBbRGC) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 20, 2019, 09:31:11 PM
I finally got around to posting my Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Connecticut signs in the backyard garden area this morning:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332124102_2b1def25b2_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWLCw)IMG_4373 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWLCw) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331990271_efaa40aa77_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5R6)IMG_4374 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5R6) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331989426_e9ec4fd5b8_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5Aw)IMG_4375 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5Aw) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331988676_bfa4ac1fdd_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5nA)IMG_4376 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5nA) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331987986_a7c6b34179_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5aG)IMG_4377 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW5aG) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332112887_52105a749c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWHia)IMG_4378 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWHia) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331987226_86ff4c57a0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW4WA)IMG_4379 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW4WA) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332119697_e4b2b3d4b5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWKjz)IMG_4380 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWKjz) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332119072_a833957ae0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWK8N)IMG_4381 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWK8N) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332118327_7565253de1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJUX)IMG_4382 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJUX) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332117677_37891299c3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJHK)IMG_4383 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJHK) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331978621_e66ef0b3af_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2oe)IMG_4385 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2oe) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Some of the embossed signs and steel replicas ended up in my garage.  There is still a pile of signs that I haven't mounted, I'm debating putting them up on pallets in the dog run:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331983511_d76efa0c5d_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW3Qx)IMG_4386 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW3Qx) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332116452_41f4f23c66_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJmC)IMG_4387 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWJmC) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331982151_13a43de536_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW3r6)IMG_4388 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW3r6) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48332114777_401b497d37_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWHRK)IMG_4389 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCWHRK) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331980661_894236e0ee_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2Zp)IMG_4390 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2Zp) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331979991_2691ba7266_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2MR)IMG_4391 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW2MR) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48331974691_0f360dfbe7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW1dt)IMG_4392 (https://flic.kr/p/2gCW1dt) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on July 20, 2019, 10:01:22 PM
Incredible. Love the setup! Here, I thought I had a lot of signs, but after seeing the remaining stacks of signs you still had left... nope, not even close. :-D
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 20, 2019, 10:18:41 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on July 20, 2019, 10:01:22 PM
Incredible. Love the setup! Here, I thought I had a lot of signs, but after seeing the remaining stacks of signs you still had left... nope, not even close. :-D

The irony is my wife was the one pushing me to finally post stuff in the back yard.  The sign pile was getting in the way over her cardio equipment in the garage.  We have some pallets from our wedding I've been looking to put to use for awhile, I'm thinking they'll do nicely for getting what's left in the garage on display. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on July 21, 2019, 09:39:13 AM
That is an incredible collection Max. As I was scrolling down, I was beginning to worry you didn't have a US 80 shield. But then I saw 2 of them. You said the embossed ones were replicas, but what about the blue one? Was that one from AZ?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2019, 09:45:09 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 21, 2019, 09:39:13 AM
That is an incredible collection Max. As I was scrolling down, I was beginning to worry you didn't have a US 80 shield. But then I saw 2 of them. You said the embossed ones were replicas, but what about the blue one? Was that one from AZ?

Yes the blue one is an Arizona shield.  Bought that one from Jake Bear I believe back in 2012. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on September 20, 2019, 04:57:42 AM
I have a new (well, sort of new, at this point) interest in sign collecting: shields for routes that don't exist. I already posted the first sign of this kind that I acquired, the US-248A marker that is a state/US mix-up error for NY-248A. Now, the second one is the one that Brian556 posted about in this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25671.0), the Texas Business Loop I-70 shield. (Yes, there are BL I-70s out there, but not in Texas. I'm pretty sure this was intended to be a sign for a US-70 business loop.)

Here's what it looks like after I cleaned the thin film of dirt off the front. It's in unused condition, aside from minor scuffs from being shuffled around in storage.

(https://i.imgur.com/oIqi5Hh.jpg)

What's really cool about it is all of the legend is cut-out from white sheeting and applied to the green background, rather than the green having been printed onto white sheeting. All the lettering is thus raised from the surface a little, which was something I tried to get a good picture of, but it seemed outside the capability of my smartphone camera.

The fabrication sticker on the back:

(https://i.imgur.com/E62TOAq.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2019, 10:30:23 PM
Two new sign pickups.

CA 118

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48993366918_d60cae8e75_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hDnP5J)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hDnP5J) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr


I-280

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48993366988_2c14079f63_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hDnP6W)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hDnP6W) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 08, 2019, 10:27:36 PM
Two new additions:

CA 202

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49036033847_5b06c0a2b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hH9utr)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hH9utr) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr


CA 168 (which completes the Fresno set for me)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49035313423_82c5554e29_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hH5Njk)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hH5Njk) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on November 09, 2019, 02:44:16 PM
Got that US 30S in. Looks nice. The mottled patina adds to the charm.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on November 09, 2019, 06:55:35 PM
Unless something wows me, I'm probably going to lay low on signs until January.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 13, 2019, 12:13:27 AM
Picked up a modern CA 108.  Its beat to hell but the price way lower than probably reasonably expected given CA 108 crosses Sonora Pass.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49057069983_452972386d_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hK1iMr)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hK1iMr) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on November 22, 2019, 12:12:17 AM
Jake had his CONN. US 6A offered on eBay, so I snagged it. It's got, um, "charm." Like hol(e)y charm.

But, there are no 6As left in Connecticut, and I probably drove one of the ones this sign was posted on, so there's that.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 22, 2019, 12:46:05 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on November 22, 2019, 12:12:17 AM
Jake had his CONN. US 6A offered on eBay, so I snagged it. It's got, um, "charm." Like hol(e)y charm.

But, there are no 6As left in Connecticut, and I probably drove one of the ones this sign was posted on, so there's that.

Jake usually has some good stuff he's willing to let go of.  I got a blue US 80 shield from Arizona that he had years ago.  I want to say I bought a couple other signs but I can't recall what they were.  I have a couple of his replicas that I've gotten second hand through eBay. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 11:07:04 PM
Snagged an M-22 shield.  I got a pristine one a couple years back but gave it to my brother-in-law as a gift considering he has a cabin right off the highway:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49176444672_353769b14d_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hVy8HJ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hVy8HJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on December 06, 2019, 01:53:03 AM
The fonts on that M-22 look all sorts of off...
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 06, 2019, 09:27:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2019, 01:53:03 AM
The fonts on that M-22 look all sorts of off...

Fortunately not quite as bad as some out in the field these days:

https://flic.kr/p/XhgvEA

The interesting thing with M-22 signs is that MDOT has been trying to make them uglier to make them less appealing for signage theft.  This one had a date stamp for assembly back to 2001 which made me think that it probably was pulled from service.  Granted the seller posted another one right after so hopefully that's the case. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 11:33:31 PM
Picked up a CA 154 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49211451416_2bfa993743_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hYDy1h)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hYDy1h) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr


Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on January 04, 2020, 08:57:23 PM
A post came across my Facebook advertising First Monday Trade Days in Canton TX. It shown a vendor with massive amounts of TxDOT signs. Tons of FM signs as well as green guide signs are shown
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on January 04, 2020, 09:08:54 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on January 04, 2020, 08:57:23 PM
A post came across my Facebook advertising First Monday Trade Days in Canton TX. It shown a vendor with massive amounts of TxDOT signs. Tons of FM signs as well as green guide signs are shown

There's a guy on e-bay with a bunch of retired TXDOT signs, I wonder if it's the same guy?  If you've never been to Trade Days, it's an experience. :o
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 07, 2020, 07:26:22 PM
Picked up a CA 23 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2ibit5Z
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ozarkman417 on January 15, 2020, 09:14:42 PM
I had the thought of getting a shield of a route that was recently de-commissioned. Of course, the only way I can do this is contacting the DOT directly. Has anyone tried to do this?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on January 15, 2020, 09:25:47 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on January 15, 2020, 09:14:42 PM
I had the thought of getting a shield of a route that was recently de-commissioned. Of course, the only way I can do this is contacting the DOT directly. Has anyone tried to do this?

I've never had any luck, but you can try.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 11:45:30 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 15, 2020, 09:25:47 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on January 15, 2020, 09:14:42 PM
I had the thought of getting a shield of a route that was recently de-commissioned. Of course, the only way I can do this is contacting the DOT directly. Has anyone tried to do this?

I've never had any luck, but you can try.

I've actually heard stories about some Caltrans Districts actually donating old signs or surplus to individuals or groups that put in requests for them.  That said I've never had success and usually whatever someone is looking for will pop up on eBay eventually.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on January 16, 2020, 09:14:52 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 11:45:30 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 15, 2020, 09:25:47 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on January 15, 2020, 09:14:42 PM
I had the thought of getting a shield of a route that was recently de-commissioned. Of course, the only way I can do this is contacting the DOT directly. Has anyone tried to do this?

I've never had any luck, but you can try.

I've actually heard stories about some Caltrans Districts actually donating old signs or surplus to individuals or groups that put in requests for them.  That said I've never had success and usually whatever someone is looking for will pop up on eBay eventually.

I found a mess of old LA signs in Sarcoxie, Missouri a couple months ago.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on January 16, 2020, 12:58:20 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 11:45:30 PM
I've actually heard stories about some Caltrans Districts actually donating old signs or surplus to individuals or groups that put in requests for them.  That said I've never had success and usually whatever someone is looking for will pop up on eBay eventually.

I was the beneficiary of one of these anecdotes (TEMPORARY CA 30 is in my garage being slowly restored) but the policy is very, very, very unofficial. The reason they did was I actually showed up in a newspaper article on sign collection specifically mentioning that signpost.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 16, 2020, 01:25:41 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on January 16, 2020, 12:58:20 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 11:45:30 PM
I've actually heard stories about some Caltrans Districts actually donating old signs or surplus to individuals or groups that put in requests for them.  That said I've never had success and usually whatever someone is looking for will pop up on eBay eventually.

I was the beneficiary of one of these anecdotes (TEMPORARY CA 30 is in my garage being slowly restored) but the policy is very, very, very unofficial. The reason they did was I actually showed up in a newspaper article on sign collection specifically mentioning that signpost.

I figure if I ever had the opportunity to get a sign directly from Caltrans I would use my Highway articles as a reasoning.  Problem with District 6 is that I accumulated almost everything I've wanted through eBay, private sale, or some collector shows.  That said, I have done a full articles on highways with just a sign alone so it might worth the endeavor from my end to give Caltrans Districts a call. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on January 16, 2020, 08:04:54 PM
ARDOT doesn't give up signs (I've tried). They are taken back to the sign shop and re-faced. Anything that is damaged is either scrapped or cut down for a smaller sign.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 19, 2020, 11:20:36 PM
Picked up a cheap run of the mill I-40 shield out of Texas.  Considering I've clinched I-40 it didn't really matter where a shield came from:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49412664687_aa59c8b97c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ihqPGB)82834812_10156778938238021_5239721678619017216_n (https://flic.kr/p/2ihqPGB) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 29, 2020, 11:39:06 PM
Picked up a CA 20 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49462594787_ac60832e3e_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2imQJbp)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2imQJbp) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 03, 2020, 03:55:12 PM
I have finally done it. I have finally acquired a shield from each of the states MSR 200 passes through!

(https://i.imgur.com/T40nYsm.jpg)

The final component: an Idaho 200 shield, in scenic brown!

(https://i.imgur.com/ZqStkos.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 03, 2020, 04:13:19 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 03, 2020, 03:55:12 PM
I have finally done it. I have finally acquired a shield from each of the states MSR 200 passes through!

(https://i.imgur.com/T40nYsm.jpg)

The final component: an Idaho 200 shield, in scenic brown!

(https://i.imgur.com/ZqStkos.jpg)

You find that on e-bay?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 03, 2020, 04:46:01 PM
Quote from: US71 on February 03, 2020, 04:13:19 PM
You find that on e-bay?

Yes, it is the one that was on eBay for a while. :)

I only finally bought it because the seller added the best offer feature to his listing, and he accepted mine. The original list price was just too much for me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 03, 2020, 04:51:57 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 03, 2020, 04:46:01 PM
Quote from: US71 on February 03, 2020, 04:13:19 PM
You find that on e-bay?

Yes, it is the one that was on eBay for a while. :)

I only finally bought it because the seller added the best offer feature to his listing, and he accepted mine.

Yeah his initial price was too high, had my eyes on that one but really the one I want is MT 200.  That's a cool set with all the 200s. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on February 08, 2020, 12:14:51 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/w2ygWF6.jpg)

Snagged these off facebook marketplace recently
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2020, 12:16:21 PM
That colored US 1 uni-shield is especially nice. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Lancaster6 on February 08, 2020, 12:22:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2020, 12:16:21 PM
That colored US 1 uni-shield is especially nice.

That shield was the real honey of this score. Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the listing.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 10, 2020, 04:44:12 AM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on February 08, 2020, 12:14:51 PM
Snagged these off facebook marketplace recently

Shit, I need to start checking my local Facebook Marketplace, if I can find awesome stuff like that. :-D
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 10, 2020, 08:04:22 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 10, 2020, 04:44:12 AM
Quote from: Lancaster6 on February 08, 2020, 12:14:51 PM
Snagged these off facebook marketplace recently

Shit, I need to start checking my local Facebook Marketplace, if I can find awesome stuff like that. :-D

I had a look with my normal search criteria, it didn't yield much beyond novelty signs. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 15, 2020, 06:44:28 PM
Picked up a CA 52 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49539755782_84f70583f5_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2itEcso)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2itEcso) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on February 17, 2020, 12:31:48 AM
Nice. I remember when that was just a stub highway, practically.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 19, 2020, 08:45:05 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49557445073_5d1fc3acfd_d.jpg)

I just added this to my collection.  I have my eye on a couple more things, but need to see how my money goes.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 19, 2020, 08:57:40 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 17, 2020, 12:31:48 AM
Nice. I remember when that was just a stub highway, practically.

I kind of wish I held out for the button copy 52 since the seller dropped it to $200.  If goes down to $150 that would be more in my territory but now I don't need the duplicate shield.  Right now I have my eyes on the County Route G17 shield but it still hasn't come out of the absurd asking price territory. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 19, 2020, 08:58:16 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on February 17, 2020, 12:31:48 AM
Nice. I remember when that was just a stub highway, practically.

I kind of wish I held out for the button copy 52 since the seller dropped it to $200.  If goes down to $150 that would be more in my territory but now I don't need the duplicate shield.  Right now I have my eyes on the County Route G17 shield but it still hasn't come out of the absurd asking price territory. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 24, 2020, 01:00:57 PM
Latest addition to my collection:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49579645708_971144c9f1_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kevinb1994 on February 24, 2020, 01:37:01 PM
Quote from: US71 on February 24, 2020, 01:00:57 PM
Latest addition to my collection:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49579645708_971144c9f1_z_d.jpg)
Highway to the Danger Curve
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on February 28, 2020, 06:50:20 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49597699541_509d2c93e9_z_d.jpg)
Added this today. 30 inches diameter, steel, raised edge. Very good condition.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 13, 2020, 11:55:20 PM
Picked up this sign on the cheap, apparently it is from somewhere in Lake Buena Vista.  I wanted for the FL 535 shield since I did an article once on the Vineland ghost town:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49657106991_e0120795d6_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iE2DT6)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iE2DT6) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 10:46:18 PM
Picked up a 1962 era US Route 99E sign from Oregon.  This one is a beast at 36x45 inches:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49685095361_65d175ed48_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iGv6Rc)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iGv6Rc) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Also picked up a Jake Bear porcelain replica US 99 ACSC shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49685392322_1c55ae6752_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iGwC8d)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iGwC8d) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Flint1979 on March 21, 2020, 11:01:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 11:07:04 PM
Snagged an M-22 shield.  I got a pristine one a couple years back but gave it to my brother-in-law as a gift considering he has a cabin right off the highway:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49176444672_353769b14d_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hVy8HJ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2hVy8HJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
I know it's more of a scenic route than anything but I never got the fascination with M-22. Now they are making M-22 signs without the M on it.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 21, 2020, 11:07:36 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 10:46:18 PM
Picked up a 1962 era US Route 99E sign from Oregon.  This one is a beast at 36x45 inches:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49685095361_65d175ed48_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iGv6Rc)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iGv6Rc) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr



I think I saw that 99E on e-bay. Nice find.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 11:25:38 PM
^^^

Yes, the US 99E was one of Jake's signs he was selling.  I had to have it once I saw he was putting it up for sale, scored a deal on one of his replica signs in the process.

Regarding M-22 while it is a desirable highway for collectors given it's scenic value, for me it is more about it being a place where my family has roots.  Granted those roots are scenic and on Lake Michigan...
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Flint1979 on March 22, 2020, 08:08:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 11:25:38 PM
^^^

Yes, the US 99E was one of Jake's signs he was selling.  I had to have it once I saw he was putting it up for sale, scored a deal on one of his replica signs in the process.

Regarding M-22 while it is a desirable highway for collectors given it's scenic value, for me it is more about it being a place where my family has roots.  Granted those roots are scenic and on Lake Michigan...
Honestly I would take M-119 over it. The tunnel of trees is pretty cool. But M-22 is nice too. Best part of Michigan imo.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 22, 2020, 08:30:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2020, 08:08:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 11:25:38 PM
^^^

Yes, the US 99E was one of Jake's signs he was selling.  I had to have it once I saw he was putting it up for sale, scored a deal on one of his replica signs in the process.

Regarding M-22 while it is a desirable highway for collectors given it's scenic value, for me it is more about it being a place where my family has roots.  Granted those roots are scenic and on Lake Michigan...
Honestly I would take M-119 over it. The tunnel of trees is pretty cool. But M-22 is nice too. Best part of Michigan imo.

Personally I'm an M-26 fan.  That drive along Lake Superior is pretty awesome and it's hard to beat all those historic mining towns. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Flint1979 on March 22, 2020, 08:39:02 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 22, 2020, 08:30:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2020, 08:08:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 21, 2020, 11:25:38 PM
^^^

Yes, the US 99E was one of Jake's signs he was selling.  I had to have it once I saw he was putting it up for sale, scored a deal on one of his replica signs in the process.

Regarding M-22 while it is a desirable highway for collectors given it's scenic value, for me it is more about it being a place where my family has roots.  Granted those roots are scenic and on Lake Michigan...
Honestly I would take M-119 over it. The tunnel of trees is pretty cool. But M-22 is nice too. Best part of Michigan imo.

Personally I'm an M-26 fan.  That drive along Lake Superior is pretty awesome and it's hard to beat all those historic mining towns.
That's a solid one as well. I love Michigan's small towns, there is a great collection of them. After my last visit to Detroit I realized how I've had enough of the big cities. M-25 can be pretty along Lake Huron but it's not an overly popular route.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 23, 2020, 10:18:51 AM
Someone just won a motherload of mini signs off e-bay  (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Salesman-Sample-Lot-Of-21-Mini-Highway-Shield-Signs-Kansas-Iowa-Georgia-Original-/143556338873?ul_noapp=true&nma=true&si=QlyYMTuqiT1S2uoifdkvb%252FrGNBE%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2020, 12:44:27 PM
That was a pretty nice collection, I wanted to put a bid in but it got way beyond what I was willing to pay fast.  Interestingly I did win two additional signs over the weekend that didn't have any competing bids.  A lot of people seem to be holding their money at the moment with the virus outbreak.  I had some cash to burn after I got recalled from my planned trip to Idaho. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 23, 2020, 01:03:36 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2020, 12:44:27 PM
That was a pretty nice collection, I wanted to put a bid in but it got way beyond what I was willing to pay fast.  Interestingly I did win two additional signs over the weekend that didn't have any competing bids.  A lot of people seem to be holding their money at the moment with the virus outbreak.  I had some cash to burn after I got recalled from my planned trip to Idaho. 

I tried to bid, myself, but yeah it went up fast.  I have a few already, but was hoping to expand what I already have.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 25, 2020, 11:46:25 PM
Two new signs; CA 170 (oversized) and CA 126:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49699421866_7db2fde71b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iHLwBU)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iHLwBU) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698891098_2f937c6ab8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iHHNQJ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iHHNQJ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: 1995hoo on April 05, 2020, 02:18:05 PM
I went over to my mom's house for another reason and I finally got around to retrieving this from the basement. My father ordered it from a shop in Toronto in 1986 after seeing lots of them on our family vacation. They took down their signs to have some work done in the garage and never got around to putting them back up before Dad died last year, so Mom said I could have this one. I'll hang it in my garage once I rearrange a few things to make room on the wall.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200405/6bc30d70d97dbaa2f3d80c506021c82b.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 05, 2020, 02:23:26 PM
I picked this up years ago, but forgot I had it until I cleaned out a box

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49735182863_d47e3b1999_c_d.jpg)

Also found this long-lost sign buried in my storage
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49736236622_8016ba9419_c_d.jpg)

I'm working with Jake to get this refurbished,
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2020, 02:40:03 PM
So Jake is still doing refurbs?  I have a US 176 blade that could use some similar treatment. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Ian on April 06, 2020, 12:19:18 AM
Recently picked up these bad boys. The quarantine has got me in the buying mood lately...

(https://i.imgur.com/r7hIlFol.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/enTrCbIl.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2020, 12:23:18 AM
That Fed 15D is a nice find.  Its rare anything Mexico ever pops up online these days.  Jake had an older Fed 15 cut-out online the other day for a $199.99 asking price on eBay. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Ian on April 06, 2020, 12:29:39 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2020, 12:23:18 AM
That Fed 15D is a nice find.  Its rare anything Mexico ever pops up online these days.  Jake had an older Fed 15 cut-out online the other day for a $199.99 asking price on eBay. 

Heh, Jake was the one who actually sold me these three signs. I had a sudden itch for a Mexico sign after I saw he had these for sale, so I scratched.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 06, 2020, 12:22:56 AM
Picked up some new signs.

Heavily beat up California Trail.  I thought it would make a neat addition given how many Trans-Sierra Highways it encompasses.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49861596416_2c49923ba2_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iY6HsQ)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iY6HsQ) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

A monster size 45x36 US 301 shield probably from South Carolina:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49861596386_f4a22f1ed7_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iY6Hsj)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iY6Hsj) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2020, 11:24:35 PM
More stuff...

Picked up a CA 89 and CA 140 from Jake after he marked them down on his eBay store:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49896141421_8d5ce69479_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j29Lun)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j29Lun) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49896450917_ac61df21e6_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j2bmuv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j2bmuv) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Snagged an I-805 shield also:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49871650022_6a218d960c_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYZf3S)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2iYZf3S) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 14, 2020, 11:42:35 PM
I picked up a souvenir size Kansas (US) 160 and Kansas (US) 283 recently to go with my others.  Otherwise, I'm laying low for a while. Browsing, but it will have to knock my socks off for a bid.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 14, 2020, 11:49:30 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 14, 2020, 11:42:35 PM
I picked up a souvenir size Kansas (US) 160 and Kansas (US) 283 recently to go with my others.  Otherwise, I'm laying low for a while. Browsing, but it will have to knock my socks off for a bid.

I have been getting some hazard pay the past two months.  It has been enough to cover discretionary purchases on things like signs, especially since the prices seem to be going down.  Jake lowered his sign prices again by a couple bucks, I might be game for a couple more replica spades in a couple weeks if I don't find anything that catches my eye. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: TravelingBethelite on May 17, 2020, 02:07:48 AM
Max, just out of curiosity, where do you keep all your signs? I'd imagine you've filled up your house already and then some.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 17, 2020, 09:27:54 AM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on May 17, 2020, 02:07:48 AM
Max, just out of curiosity, where do you keep all your signs? I'd imagine you've filled up your house already and then some.

The garage and back yard.  Surprisingly I haven't filled out to capacity, I have two walls in the garage and one in the yard left to fill.  I've already promised my wife they won't make it inside the house. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on May 18, 2020, 05:29:42 PM
I don't even have any of mine hanging up. They are just piled up in my laundry room out of the way. My wife & daughter roll their eyes or laugh at me anytime I bring home a new sign...which has been quite awhile since I have done so.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2020, 05:47:30 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 18, 2020, 05:29:42 PM
I don't even have any of mine hanging up. They are just piled up in my laundry room out of the way. My wife & daughter roll their eyes or laugh at me anytime I bring home a new sign...which has been quite awhile since I have done so.

Oddly it was my wife's ideas to hang them up outside, I just wanted the garage.  I had everything else in organized piles sorted by route number.  About the only thing I get from her is something like "so you need another sign but get on my case when I got to insert store?"
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 18, 2020, 06:07:24 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2020, 05:47:30 PM
Oddly it was my wife's ideas to hang them up outside, I just wanted the garage.  I had everything else in organized piles sorted by route number.  About the only thing I get from her is something like "so you need another sign but get on my case when I got to insert store?"

You're in trouble now ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2020, 06:43:51 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 18, 2020, 06:07:24 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2020, 05:47:30 PM
Oddly it was my wife's ideas to hang them up outside, I just wanted the garage.  I had everything else in organized piles sorted by route number.  About the only thing I get from her is something like "so you need another sign but get on my case when I got to insert store?"

You're in trouble now ;)

Heh, I'm not the one who accidentally bid on a treadmill and won.  At least it was only $187 dollars, hopefully it works...  Usually I set aside $200 a month for highway signs, I don't spend it most months.  Right now with hazard pay my budget has doubled because I have really no other discretionary purchases or long distance trips to make. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2020, 05:07:01 PM
I ended up buying a bunch of clearance signs Jake was trying to move this past week.  I'm not sure what he still has in inventory nor if he is still trying to move any of them.  Either way, if someone is interested in any of Jake's remake signs it might be a solid time to shoot him a message if you have a contact. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 25, 2020, 05:09:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2020, 05:07:01 PM
I ended up buying a bunch of clearance signs Jake was trying to move this past week.  I'm not sure what he still has in inventory nor if he is still trying to move any of them.  Either way, if someone is interested in any of Jake's remake signs it might be a solid time to shoot him a message if you have a contact. 

He won't mail them, though.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2020, 05:27:04 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 25, 2020, 05:09:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2020, 05:07:01 PM
I ended up buying a bunch of clearance signs Jake was trying to move this past week.  I'm not sure what he still has in inventory nor if he is still trying to move any of them.  Either way, if someone is interested in any of Jake's remake signs it might be a solid time to shoot him a message if you have a contact. 

He won't mail them, though.

He mailed mine, but then again I bought two of his eBay shop first. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2020, 06:46:33 PM
The nice thing about route shields is that they're mostly the same dimensions, so if you have a big collection you can rotate what's displayed every so often, and reuse the same mounts.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 25, 2020, 06:54:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2020, 06:46:33 PM
The nice thing about route shields is that they're mostly the same dimensions, so if you have a big collection you can rotate what's displayed every so often, and reuse the same mounts.

I've actually had some major variances on the mounting holes with signs from the same state.  There are a couple out in my back yard that appear to be posted much higher than the others due to where the mounting hole was cut.  The most difficult signs to mount at home for me are street blades since they usually lack a mounting whole of anything that was riveted into a guide sign.  I've started using roofing nails for both applications since I don't get to really mount directly into a stud to keep the sign up. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on June 04, 2020, 07:30:05 PM
I, too, have recently acquired something from Jake's store.  I saw a post he made of a 1950s green US Route 46 shield with the JCT banner in the Historic Road Signs page on Facebook.  I was initially bummed because I saw it about a year and a half after he posted it, as someone had added a comment and brought it back up in the feed.  I asked Jake about it, assuming it was long gone, but to my delight, it was available, and we made a trade and money deal to our mutual satisfaction.  Rather than post images directly here, I'll link you to my show-and-tell page:
https://gardenstatesignals.net/late-50s-us-route-46-shield/
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 04, 2020, 07:44:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2020, 06:46:33 PM
The nice thing about route shields is that they're mostly the same dimensions, so if you have a big collection you can rotate what's displayed every so often, and reuse the same mounts.

I have most of mine hanging on the wall already :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 05, 2020, 09:38:22 PM
The haul from Jake's sign clearance sale:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49962127591_36b02c1375_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j7YXSX)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j7YXSX) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49962411367_8667070f0d_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j81qeD)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j81qeD) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49962127501_11fd795178_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j7YXRp)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j7YXRp) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49962411342_fed2ba7883_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j81qed)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2j81qed) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on June 26, 2020, 06:06:30 PM
New arrival: Replica 1960's AR 540

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047451393_6c67026085_z_d.jpg)

When I-540 was first built around Ft Smith, it was AR 540 until the road was finished.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 09, 2020, 04:48:20 PM
New stuff...

A replica CA 25 shield Jake Bear made:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50067394406_399098280a_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jhhu33)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jhhu33) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

A construction CA 85 shield, these are becoming really common in Central California construction zones:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50085743687_00b1b8f80a_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jiUwCX)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jiUwCX) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on July 10, 2020, 07:47:39 PM
This is my latest addition
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50098872392_ce55c52f46_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 22, 2020, 11:16:13 PM
Picked up a CA 241 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50142066018_4c57c152a1_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2joTciC)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2joTciC) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2020, 11:24:51 PM
Picked up a I-215 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50186503658_1677dc29fd_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNX4Q)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jsNX4Q) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on August 07, 2020, 08:03:15 PM
D8 makes some yugly shields, especially the ones where they have to add numbers on blanks. I have one of the older Scotchlite I-215s with smaller digits which were silkscreened on with the other paint layers.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 07, 2020, 08:20:59 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on August 07, 2020, 08:03:15 PM
D8 makes some yugly shields, especially the ones where they have to add numbers on blanks. I have one of the older Scotchlite I-215s with smaller digits which were silkscreened on with the other paint layers.

The "2"  was starting to chip off of my sign which I suspect might have played a part in it's removal.  The newer vinyl sheets produced by Caltrans have evolved into a much cleaner single piece which includes the numerals.  I have 805 which is a single vinyl piece and looks far better than the 215. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today. Very happy to have this in my collection and on my wall! It measures 3ftx3ft, so it's very large!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50208563707_3bc66e535e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv)My Interstate 80 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv) by jdenk82203 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today. Very happy to have this in my collection and on my wall! It measures 3ftx3ft, so it's very large!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50208563707_3bc66e535e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv)My Interstate 80 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv) by jdenk82203 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/), on Flickr

State Named, too :)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:44:49 PM
Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today. Very happy to have this in my collection and on my wall! It measures 3ftx3ft, so it’s very large!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50208563707_3bc66e535e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv)My Interstate 80 Shield (https://flic.kr/p/2juL1Kv) by jdenk82203 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/), on Flickr

State Named, too :)

Yep, I knew I had to have it when I saw it, even though it set me back nearly $200. You just don’t see Illinois state named shield pop up ANYWHERE! I haven’t seen a single one on eBay in over a year!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 10, 2020, 07:10:15 PM

Did I also mention that it's a 1957 spec? I believe this sign dates back to the 1960s.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 10, 2020, 10:45:46 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50212075658_6131666973_d.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50212075688_78ba6c4dd2_d.jpg)(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50212075668_ee12e70b04_d.jpg)

Newly acquired "souvenir" size shields.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 11, 2020, 07:38:21 PM
Quote from: Ian on April 06, 2020, 12:19:18 AM
Recently picked up these bad boys. The quarantine has got me in the buying mood lately...

(https://i.imgur.com/r7hIlFol.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/enTrCbIl.jpg)

I know you got these a few months ago, but just had to say that Mississippi 55 shield is awesome! The New Hampshire 93 one is neat too! Glad to see people saving these old ones from being turned into scrap metal.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on August 11, 2020, 07:39:34 PM
I have a couple more I'm looking at, but don't know if I'll win them
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 11, 2020, 07:41:10 PM
I forgot I have an I-55 Mississippi too:

https://flic.kr/p/SXb771
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 11, 2020, 07:50:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 11, 2020, 07:41:10 PM
I forgot I have an I-55 Mississippi too:

https://flic.kr/p/SXb771

Gotta love the state named shields, it's sad a lot of states don't do it anymore.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 11, 2020, 08:24:03 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 11, 2020, 07:50:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 11, 2020, 07:41:10 PM
I forgot I have an I-55 Mississippi too:

https://flic.kr/p/SXb771

Gotta love the state named shields, it's sad a lot of states don't do it anymore.

They are still common in California which helps makes them more desirable.  Arizona does the State still but those shields usually are half the price of one from California. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 12, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!

That's the reason I bought it. Very hard to find Illinois state named shields anywhere.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on August 12, 2020, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 12, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!

That's the reason I bought it. Very hard to find Illinois state named shields anywhere.

And it has the state name, too! Win-win!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 13, 2020, 09:02:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 12, 2020, 01:35:59 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 12, 2020, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM
Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)
Not only that but it's massive, 36x36 inches. The only thing I'm dissapointed in is I can't seem to find a date stamp/marking on the back ☹️

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!

That's the reason I bought it. Very hard to find Illinois state named shields anywhere.

And it has the state name, too! Win-win!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kphoger on August 14, 2020, 10:40:52 AM
Quote from: Jacob on August 13, 2020, 09:02:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 12, 2020, 01:35:59 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 12, 2020, 01:26:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM

Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!

That's the reason I bought it. Very hard to find Illinois state named shields anywhere.

And it has the state name, too! Win-win!

Not only that but it's massive, 36x36 inches. The only thing I'm dissapointed in is I can't seem to find a date stamp/marking on the back ☹️

Fixed your quote string.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on August 14, 2020, 07:29:20 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 14, 2020, 10:40:52 AM
Quote from: Jacob on August 13, 2020, 09:02:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 12, 2020, 01:35:59 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 12, 2020, 01:26:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 12, 2020, 11:46:26 AM

Quote from: US71 on August 09, 2020, 08:30:09 PM

Quote from: Jacob on August 09, 2020, 08:06:22 PM
I picked up this very rare Illinois state named Interstate 80 shield off of Facebook Marketplace today.

State Named, too :)

Plus it has the state name on there, so double bonus!

That's the reason I bought it. Very hard to find Illinois state named shields anywhere.

And it has the state name, too! Win-win!

Not only that but it's massive, 36x36 inches. The only thing I'm dissapointed in is I can't seem to find a date stamp/marking on the back ☹️

Fixed your quote string.

Thanks, I didn't even notice 😂
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 26, 2020, 10:29:49 PM
Picked up a rare bird in the form of a US Route 312 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50273006746_bdf7120e98_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jAsiqo)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jAsiqo) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on August 27, 2020, 09:37:17 AM
That is a rare bird...and nicely weathered too! 👍👍
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: spitball on September 02, 2020, 01:58:49 PM
I had to Wiki US 312; that's a great find!

I've expanded my New Jersey collection recently with some help from Jake B, who posted this circa 1960 23" US 46 / JCT pair a long time ago in the Facebook Historic Road Signs group.  By the time I saw it over a year later, I figured some other collector had gotten it, but luckily it was still in his shed somewhere, so we did a trade/purchase.  This is the road I learned to drive on, and I have not seen a green-period NJ shield for sale ever before, so I was delighted to bring this set home:

(https://gardenstatesignals.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/jct46_00.jpg)


More recently, I stumbled across this early '50s 18" cast aluminum NJ-69 shield; one of the more stolen routes known.  NJ-69 only existed under that number for 14 years, but spanned three shield specifications;  cast aluminum like mine, then a green flat circle (same period as the US shield above), then the white circle on black square until 1967, when the route was re-designated as NJ-31.

(https://gardenstatesignals.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/nj.69.round_-3.png)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 11, 2020, 12:11:48 AM
Fresh arrival in the form of an oversized (probably 1970s era) CA 163 shield.  This one is notable given CA 163's association with the Cabrillo Freeway and US 395:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50328901086_4aed6be4b3_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jFoLRU)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jFoLRU) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on September 11, 2020, 12:35:13 AM
Jelly. Always wanted a 163.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on September 14, 2020, 09:39:58 PM
You think this guy (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1158065,-97.4817889,3a,15y,130.88h,89.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so8VmosHLYk78fz-CYqlxwg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) knows how lucky he is to have this?

(It's kind of hard to see in Street View, but that's a legitimate BGS-mount US 66! Been stuck to the front of that hangar since at least 1996 or so; I remember seeing it as a kid.)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 14, 2020, 09:49:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2020, 09:39:58 PM
You think this guy (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1158065,-97.4817889,3a,15y,130.88h,89.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1so8VmosHLYk78fz-CYqlxwg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) knows how lucky he is to have this?

(It's kind of hard to see in Street View, but that's a legitimate BGS-mount US 66! Been stuck to the front of that hangar since at least 1996 or so; I remember seeing it as a kid.)

Probably not, because if he did it would be kept inside. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kendancy66 on September 15, 2020, 12:17:53 AM
When I was moving west to CA in 2003, I passed through Albuquerque on I-40.  There was still a BGS there that still had a US-66 shield.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ozarkman417 on October 07, 2020, 04:12:00 PM
This is the first sign I've collected. I received this nearly 200 dollar sign for my birthday. It is an old 1950s MO secondary route shield. It almost looks like paper, but it is a square foot of worn sheet metal. It was bought off EBay.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201007/c85b6f9de4f4f50abb138f9b41c60838.jpg)

SM-G965U

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 07, 2020, 05:24:43 PM
I picked up an AZ a few years back.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/697/31204275813_1a3d347101_w_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 08, 2020, 12:00:48 AM
I added this last week:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50412549863_4432865d62_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kphoger on October 08, 2020, 09:47:09 AM
Wow, I guess those US-666 signs stay in good shape when they get stolen eleven days after being installed...   :spin:
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 08, 2020, 09:49:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 08, 2020, 09:47:09 AM
Wow, I guess those US-666 signs stay in good shape when they get stolen eleven days after being installed...   :spin:

Mine is actually a replica
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 08, 2020, 10:43:27 AM
Quote from: US71 on October 08, 2020, 09:49:54 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 08, 2020, 09:47:09 AM
Wow, I guess those US-666 signs stay in good shape when they get stolen eleven days after being installed...   :spin:

Mine is actually a replica

I have a steel replica myself which has gotten a couple dings in two cross country moves:

https://flic.kr/p/SxYTqY

The problem with real US 666 shields is two fold; the almost certainly are stolen property, and people way too much for them.  I'm not comfortable buying something I think was probably stolen (which I'm sure happens more than I would like) but I'm not also paying a fortune either.  If I can get a real US 312 for $29.99 then I'd be a fool to pay something stupid like $600 dollars some people want for a real US 666 shield.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2020, 10:20:43 PM
Picked up three replica Jake shields; CA 190, CA 440, and CA 740:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50517878302_a8ac2631ce_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kcL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kcL) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50517878267_026907b36f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kca)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kca) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50517878307_19c7e6693d_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kcR)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2jY6kcR) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

The CA 440 and CA 740 shields are mock ups of what they would have looked like had they actually been field signed.  Both routes existed briefly in 1934 before being replaced by the second CA 44 and an extended CA 74.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 22, 2020, 10:35:58 PM
Another Jake shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50510818316_aef7a74b06_c_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Jacob on November 09, 2020, 01:29:02 PM
Here's my latest acquisition: An Illinois state named Interstate 90 sign. A huge thanks goes to Jake Bear for finding this sign and selling it to me. I believe this one was posted somewhere in Chicago due to the writing on the back.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50583514903_b77a3ecc12_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k4TJFi)28161A45-29D6-44BE-98B4-7A2879043730 (https://flic.kr/p/2k4TJFi) by jdenk82203 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50584257096_e795c1dff0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k4XxiJ)42363C6F-44AB-41F5-9B7F-9308C5BD7686 (https://flic.kr/p/2k4XxiJ) by jdenk82203 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/182395852@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 11, 2020, 12:13:25 AM
Fresh sign haul from a scrap store on eBay.

CA 2

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50589163076_b5571f8a4b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k5oFFA)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k5oFFA) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

CA 57

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50589282717_2dc30d3031_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k5pifn)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k5pifn) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

CA 71

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50589163061_758e472a12_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k5oFFk)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k5oFFk) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: SoDakInterstateEnthusiast on November 17, 2020, 12:44:38 PM
I'm not sure if this counts, but recently I purchased a state name South Dakota I-29 shield from one of those sites where it's a sign generator and then there's the option to buy it (it's actually really good, correct thickness, reflective sheeting specs, etc.) but since it wasn't an actual sign used on the highway I doubt it counts. :\

However, there's a good chance I might have a SD-10 shield in a little bit. They had detour signs up due to bridge work going on on the stretch immediately west of US-281, but I guess somehow one of the posts snapped and the sign fell over, and the construction's been done for a while now, so it seems they've forgotten about them. I guess I don't know how the DOT works as far as when they pick up their signs after a construction project and stuff like that, but it's been over a month so...

Obviously I'll look into it more and make sure whatever I do isn't... illegal... but we'll see.

I don't really collect because I don't have any room to put them, but I compromise by drawing smaller, scale models instead. If I were to collect, it would probably be for aesthetic pleasure to have them hanging on a wall somewhere rather than the historical stuff behind it or whatever, but that's just me.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ozarkman417 on November 17, 2020, 12:55:52 PM
Quote from: SoDakInterstateEnthusiast on November 17, 2020, 12:44:38 PM
I'm not sure if this counts, but recently I purchased a state name South Dakota I-29 shield from one of those sites where it's a sign generator and then there's the option to buy it (it's actually really good, correct thickness, reflective sheeting specs, etc.) but since it wasn't an actual sign used on the highway I doubt it counts. :\

However, there's a good chance I might have a SD-10 shield in a little bit. They had detour signs up due to bridge work going on on the stretch immediately west of US-281, but I guess somehow one of the posts snapped and the sign fell over, and the construction's been done for a while now, so it seems they've forgotten about them. I guess I don't know how the DOT works as far as when they pick up their signs after a construction project and stuff like that, but it's been over a month so...

Obviously I'll look into it more and make sure whatever I do isn't... illegal... but we'll see.

I don't really collect because I don't have any room to put them, but I compromise by drawing smaller, scale models instead. If I were to collect, it would probably be for aesthetic pleasure to have them hanging on a wall somewhere rather than the historical stuff behind it or whatever, but that's just me.
I have one from a shield generator, as well. Some of the signs shown above are replicas, so I would say it counts.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on November 17, 2020, 04:37:11 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on November 17, 2020, 12:55:52 PM
Quote from: SoDakInterstateEnthusiast on November 17, 2020, 12:44:38 PM
I'm not sure if this counts, but recently I purchased a state name South Dakota I-29 shield from one of those sites where it's a sign generator and then there's the option to buy it (it's actually really good, correct thickness, reflective sheeting specs, etc.) but since it wasn't an actual sign used on the highway I doubt it counts. :\

However, there's a good chance I might have a SD-10 shield in a little bit. They had detour signs up due to bridge work going on on the stretch immediately west of US-281, but I guess somehow one of the posts snapped and the sign fell over, and the construction's been done for a while now, so it seems they've forgotten about them. I guess I don't know how the DOT works as far as when they pick up their signs after a construction project and stuff like that, but it's been over a month so...

Obviously I'll look into it more and make sure whatever I do isn't... illegal... but we'll see.

I don't really collect because I don't have any room to put them, but I compromise by drawing smaller, scale models instead. If I were to collect, it would probably be for aesthetic pleasure to have them hanging on a wall somewhere rather than the historical stuff behind it or whatever, but that's just me.
I have one from a shield generator, as well. Some of the signs shown above are replicas, so I would say it counts.

FWIW, there was someone on e-bay a month ago selling small route signs. Around $30 for 12 inches.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2020, 08:09:17 PM
Every time I clinched a route, I used to print off a 6" route shield, using the Wikipedia graphics. Then I pasted it to corrugated cardboard and hung that up on the wall.

Eventually I got tired of doing it, but it did make clinching a route more exciting knowing it'd get to go up on the wall when I got home. And it led to me going out of the way to clinch stuff in other states to add some variety to the collection.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 19, 2020, 12:15:31 AM
Picked up a CA 24 shield, this one is reflective paint with vinyl numerals:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50618743048_3b843db6bb_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2k81hM7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2k81hM7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2020, 10:31:57 PM
Picked up an unused and apparently run over CA 227:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50708178946_e639dc681b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on December 13, 2020, 12:57:37 PM
I've added a few more Kansas mini's.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50668441758_583ed69731_w_d.jpg)(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50669266807_e38e32bbd8_w_d.jpg)(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50669266722_bdf9e6de94_w_d.jpg)

I've got my eye on a few full size signs, but they will have to wait until after the holidays.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 26, 2020, 05:55:03 PM
Picked up a brown AZ Loop 202 shield.  This was the last one I needed to finish the colored Loop Freeway set:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50764227926_84cb3bd122_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kkRWn5)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kkRWn5) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 30, 2020, 06:01:11 PM
Picked up a AZ 51 shield (layered over a not so well hidden US 60) recently.  This just leaves AZ 153 and AZ 24 to finish a Phoenix Freeway set:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50777920941_a8ea555bd2_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kn57Px)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kn57Px) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Baseballguy247 on January 09, 2021, 06:24:17 PM
https://www.flickr.com/gp/191699673@N07/79B716

Here are the highlights of my interstate shield collection!

SM-G970U1

Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 05, 2021, 09:57:35 PM
Picked up a reproduction US Route 199 shield someone had made.  Basically it is spot on for the previous Caltrans spec:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51007662256_f611d5a8f4_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHnAUG)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kHnAUG) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on March 05, 2021, 10:07:38 PM
I ordered this recently:  Alt US 30 in Nebraska

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50899413158_35a2c8a75e_z_d.jpg)

I'm lying low for now and don't expect any more acquisitions until at least Summer.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 01, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
I received this in today's mail:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:24:37 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 01, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
I received this in today's mail:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)

Reminds me of the time a certain forum member here had an Oklahoma I-45 printed up because he wanted to be able to say he had the first one ever made in the event US-69 ever gets upgraded.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 01, 2021, 08:03:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 01, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
I received this in today's mail:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)

That looks quite sharp. Where, if you don't mind, did you get that from?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 01, 2021, 08:06:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 01, 2021, 08:03:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 01, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
I received this in today's mail:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)

That looks quite sharp. Where, if you don't mind, did you get that from?

Starkette /Starcastic Enterprises.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 01, 2021, 08:09:56 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 01, 2021, 08:06:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 01, 2021, 08:03:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 01, 2021, 02:20:40 PM
I received this in today's mail:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)

That looks quite sharp. Where, if you don't mind, did you get that from?

Starkette /Starcastic Enterprises.

I used to pick up signs from them when I lived in Florida.  They do good modern stuff and I believe they are FDOT contractor. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 01, 2021, 08:20:02 PM
Speaking of new shields, I picked up someone's Caltrans spec reproduction US 50 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2kTSUNq
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 01, 2021, 08:24:52 PM
I picked this one up via Jake back in January
.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50899413158_35a2c8a75e_c_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on May 02, 2021, 12:29:04 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 01, 2021, 08:20:02 PM
Speaking of new shields, I picked up someone's Caltrans spec reproduction US 50 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2kTSUNq

I've got a real one of those. My wife posted it with a CA 99 and an I-5.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 02, 2021, 12:39:14 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on May 02, 2021, 12:29:04 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 01, 2021, 08:20:02 PM
Speaking of new shields, I picked up someone's Caltrans spec reproduction US 50 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2kTSUNq

I've got a real one of those. My wife posted it with a CA 99 and an I-5.

My 101 and 395 are actual Caltrans sourced signs:

https://flic.kr/p/SxZe3J

https://flic.kr/p/RTSn4P

Regarding 99 I have one Caltrans spec and one from the City of Fresno which is substantially more odd:

https://flic.kr/p/RTSjCM

https://flic.kr/p/27hwYaG

I also have one Oregon I-5 and a button copy I-5 from San Juan Capistrano:

https://flic.kr/p/RTSmkV

https://flic.kr/p/2kLTffT
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on May 03, 2021, 02:17:13 PM
My 101 and 395 are also, but I also have a button copy 101 that used to be on an overhead. It was too big to fit in my car; my buddy had to get it to the house for me in his SUthingy. I posted it in the garage.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2021, 09:44:15 PM
Picked up another US Route 202 shield, albeit far more modern than my Maine variant:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51179872613_71a808243a_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kYAe3M)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kYAe3M) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 02, 2021, 07:32:17 PM
A G28-1 variant of a CA 121 shield that I recently picked up:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51283368172_745cac54fb_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m8JEEY)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2m8JEEY) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on July 03, 2021, 11:55:36 AM
I recently acquired an Arkansas I-57 because I'm betting ARDOT wont use state named shields.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51150849521_52b4f5191b_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Brian556 on July 17, 2021, 12:47:05 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2020, 10:31:57 PM
Picked up an unused and apparently run over CA 227:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50708178946_e639dc681b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Max, I see that the mounting holes have not been punched through, meaning that this sign was never mounted, meaning it did not get the opportunity to get run over. I have a few signs with that sort of damage, but nowhere near that bad. I believe that the damage was caused by  the sign rubbing against another sign or object. A likely way for that to happen is that the sign rode around on the truck too long.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 17, 2021, 12:53:49 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on July 17, 2021, 12:47:05 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2020, 10:31:57 PM
Picked up an unused and apparently run over CA 227:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50708178946_e639dc681b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kfUEXm) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Max, I see that the mounting holes have not been punched through, meaning that this sign was never mounted, meaning it did not get the opportunity to get run over. I have a few signs with that sort of damage, but nowhere near that bad. I believe that the damage was caused by  the sign rubbing against another sign or object. A likely way for that to happen is that the sign rode around on the truck too long.

I'm pretty sure it was rubber compound, it largely came off when I hit it with detail spray I use on my car.  The weird thing is that I didn't have really any notable scratches.  I have a couple unmounted orange construction shields which have some scratch marks I suspect came from rubbing against each other.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 19, 2021, 10:50:50 PM
Picked up a FL 50 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51389498786_164c38d380_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mi7BB9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2mi7BB9) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 02, 2021, 10:38:31 PM
Picked up a CA 139 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51420556236_999ac90e0c_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mkRMUq)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2mkRMUq) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 28, 2021, 11:10:11 PM
Picked up a CA 70 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51526191208_232ad45012_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mvccv3)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2mvccv3) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on September 30, 2021, 02:21:42 PM
Two of my signs:

A beat up Maximum 30 sign that I rescued on the Université Laval campus:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51535171267_0c13432c11_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mvZdXD)Maximum 30 sign (https://flic.kr/p/2mvZdXD) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

An ARRÊT/LENTEMENT paddle screwed to my wall:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51536209218_4e96c77de0_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mw5xvm)ARRÊT/LENTEMENT paddle (LENTEMENT side) (https://flic.kr/p/2mw5xvm) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: andrepoiy on October 03, 2021, 11:52:09 AM
I'd like to start collecting signs (shields especially), however I'm not sure where to purchase them. Especially Canadian shields
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 03, 2021, 12:09:15 PM
I check eBay daily, sometimes I see a good price and jump on buying.  Gas and oil shows along with license plate meets are also a good source for signs.  It might be a lot of work but I've had a lot success calling scrap shops. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2021, 11:00:02 AM
Quote from: andrepoiy on October 03, 2021, 11:52:09 AM
I'd like to start collecting signs (shields especially), however I'm not sure where to purchase them. Especially Canadian shields

The signs I've gotten have all come from eBay. I wish I could find other sources though, since eBay doesn't always have what a great variety or great prices.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 06, 2021, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2021, 11:00:02 AM
Quote from: andrepoiy on October 03, 2021, 11:52:09 AM
I'd like to start collecting signs (shields especially), however I'm not sure where to purchase them. Especially Canadian shields

The signs I've gotten have all come from eBay. I wish I could find other sources though, since eBay doesn't always have what a great variety or great prices.

Junk stores are hit and miss, but sometimes have good finds.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2021, 11:55:45 PM
Picked up a CO 347 shield along with a North placard:

https://flic.kr/p/2mQT5pz
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 21, 2022, 09:43:24 PM
36 incher CA 174 shield just in:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52019669412_e56f2f19a9_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nfNpnW)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nfNpnW) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2022, 12:36:28 AM
Pointy...
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2022, 08:30:13 AM
Almost pointy enough to use for digging at the Empire Mine (CA 174 deep reference).
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on April 22, 2022, 01:00:01 PM
I saw that on eBay, I think. I didn't like the look of the proportions.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 22, 2022, 01:02:34 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on April 22, 2022, 01:00:01 PM
I saw that on eBay, I think. I didn't like the look of the proportions.

The seller sent me an offer with a substantial BIN discount.  For what it's worth 174 was a highway I really enjoyed (mostly because of the Empire Mine) and didn't think that would see another.  I barely have enough space in my garage for a 36 inch spade, the next sign will likely need to go in the back yard. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 12:03:34 AM
Current look for the garage.  The signage actually goes around the entire perimeter. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52035786752_1f33d7f94f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 29, 2022, 05:17:58 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 12:03:34 AM
Current look for the garage.  The signage actually goes around the entire perimeter. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52035786752_1f33d7f94f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

That looks amazing. The orange CA-130 shield is probably my favorite since orange is my favorite color. :-P

I don't have anywhere near that amount of shields or signs in my collection, but this makes me want to get a proper display going soon. My plan would be to fill space up by creating assemblies with direction and arrow plaques since those are easier to come by.

Are those mostly eBay finds, from shops, or just from knowing the right people?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 05:19:48 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 29, 2022, 05:17:58 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 12:03:34 AM
Current look for the garage.  The signage actually goes around the entire perimeter. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52035786752_1f33d7f94f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

That looks amazing. The orange CA-130 shield is probably my favorite since orange is my favorite color. :-P

I don't have anywhere near that amount of shields or signs in my collection, but this makes me want to get a proper display going soon. My plan would be to fill space up by creating assemblies with direction and arrow plaques since those are easier to come by.

Are those mostly eBay finds, from shops, or just from knowing the right people?

A little bit of everything over the course of about 15 years.  SB1 signage replacements put a lot of old California spaces in a scrap shop in Bakersfield.  Prior to that I had a bulk purchase of signs from an estate sale.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on April 30, 2022, 02:55:06 PM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52040465166_25bbd1d285_d.jpg)

I recently got this through Jake. Replica US 71 cutout. This style was primarily used in Texas in the 1950'ss
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on April 30, 2022, 03:16:25 PM
QuoteA little bit of everything over the course of about 15 years.

Your garage is too clean. Fix this immediately.

(Also: jealous. I "just" have a FREEWAY ENTRANCE, an ACSC STOP, a regular STOP, a button-copy I-8, a button-copy US 101 and a couple reproduction signs up in my garage, though there are others waiting to find a place and several others in the house. You can see a few here: http://www.floodgap.com/software/huepl/ )
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 30, 2022, 03:23:38 PM
^^^

Out of curiosity do you know what National Forest that Forest Route 30 shield came from?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on May 02, 2022, 12:23:37 AM
No idea, chance find. It's wooden, though, not sheet metal (seems appropriate for a forest).
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 04, 2022, 05:40:34 PM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on April 30, 2022, 03:16:25 PM

Your garage is too clean. Fix this immediately.


I freaked out my neighbors with all my signs. They helped set up  th e washer & dryer and saw all my signs. They were half freaked out/half "oh cool".
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on May 07, 2022, 06:54:16 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 12:03:34 AM
Current look for the garage.  The signage actually goes around the entire perimeter. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52035786752_1f33d7f94f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

At least you have a garage.  :-D My collection sits in 2 groups in my laundry room.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on May 07, 2022, 07:52:55 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 07, 2022, 06:54:16 PM


At least you have a garage.  :-D My collection sits in 2 groups in my laundry room.



Some of mine are in the bedroom, some are in the living room.  I have 4 or 5 still hiding in storage. . ;)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4492/38071466092_f824427f1f_n_d.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49579645708_971144c9f1_w_d.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/8190/8366312824_b2d607e42d_w_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 07, 2022, 08:05:42 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 07, 2022, 06:54:16 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 29, 2022, 12:03:34 AM
Current look for the garage.  The signage actually goes around the entire perimeter. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52035786752_1f33d7f94f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nhe1v7) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

At least you have a garage.  :-D My collection sits in 2 groups in my laundry room.

I have a ton out in the back yard also.  My wife's only two stipulations was that none of it was visible from the from the front yard or the the living spaces of the house.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 07, 2022, 08:12:08 PM
My signs are either in my hometown at my sister's house (most of them, actually) or in my room where I live.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 12:00:27 AM
Picked up a CA 243 shield.  It's a newer shield but the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway is worth celebrating in my garage:

https://flic.kr/p/2nmhWBb
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 14, 2022, 10:31:37 PM
I took pictures of what I brought back from my hometown:

Two ARRÊT signs rescued on Chemin de la Pointe-des-Canots:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52216034742_95c3cc707d_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ny9PX5)Arrêt signs from Pointe-des-Canots (https://flic.kr/p/2ny9PX5) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

A strange sign telling snowmobiles to slow down. I believe I acquired that sign at the snowmobile club in 2018:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52217313339_8e7fd630a9_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nygo2R)Lentement sign for snowmobiles (https://flic.kr/p/2nygo2R) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

An odd speed limit sign, likely an old FCMQ (provincial snowmobile club association) standard. This one I definitely acquired at the snowmobile club in 2018:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52217525090_d9c3b252f9_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nyhsYJ)Pour ta sécurité, 60 km/h (https://flic.kr/p/2nyhsYJ) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

Also, a street blade for Chemin Lapierre, though this one has been with me since I moved back to Québec City:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52217074753_25cd19371c_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nyfa7i)Chemin Lapierre street blade (https://flic.kr/p/2nyfa7i) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on July 16, 2022, 12:27:14 AM
Just picked up an Australian National Route 32 shield (Mitchell and Barrier Hwys). This makes my wife happy because in Dubbo NSW her old apartment and her parents' house are just a stone's throw from the highway on Cobra St. Now that NSW has replaced everything with alphanumerics it's a real treat to have in the collection (along with an NR 1, an NH 87 and a TD 1).
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: MisterRoadgeek on July 26, 2022, 01:42:34 AM
Signs I bought at bulk at a garage sale

(https://i.imgur.com/grHuH4X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w9i6KsC.jpg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on July 26, 2022, 05:32:00 PM
Interesting. Those look...small. I'm guessing maybe they were posted on a bike trail or something like that?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2022, 11:46:48 PM
Not quite faded beyond recognition CA 35 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2nBPpUL

I wasn't passing up something from the non-Alanland variant of the Goat Trail.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: jmp367 on August 29, 2022, 04:48:14 PM
My most recent acquisition, a 1935 specification N.Y. state route marker.

(https://i.imgur.com/LSGYKyB.jpeg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on August 30, 2022, 01:31:15 PM
Nice catseyes!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 28, 2022, 10:40:29 PM
Fresh delivery, Interstate 880 (presumably the Nimitz Freeway):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52392130785_53582ddf83_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nPHnaK)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nPHnaK) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 10:25:57 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)
Joking like this doesn't make you immune from the crime of stealing a sign.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: formulanone on October 07, 2022, 10:27:30 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)

I have to admit I was tempted to make off with some local twisted street signs that landed about 100 feet from my house after a hurricane, but decided against it amongst other necessities at the time.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 10:28:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 07, 2022, 10:27:30 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)

I have to admit I was tempted to make off with some local street signs that landed about 100 from my house after a hurricane, but decided against it amongst other necessities at the time.
Heh...like getting to safety in a hurricane?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: formulanone on October 07, 2022, 10:29:08 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 10:28:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 07, 2022, 10:27:30 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)

I have to admit I was tempted to make off with some local street signs that landed about 100 from my house after a hurricane, but decided against it amongst other necessities at the time.
Heh...like getting to safety in a hurricane?

I'm not a weather expert but I'm obviously talking about post-storm cleanup.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 07, 2022, 11:18:40 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 10:25:57 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)
Joking like this doesn't make you immune from the crime of stealing a sign.

If a street sign is blown off its mounting and somehow lands in your yard, what should you do? Take it, or report it to the jurisdiction that it belongs to?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:26:16 AM
I doubt anyone is going to running around for a missing street blade that happened to land in a yard.  I'm fairly certain a significant portion of my Florida signs have come from storm damage of some kind. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on October 07, 2022, 10:33:06 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:26:16 AM
I doubt anyone is going to running around for a missing street blade that happened to land in a yard.  I'm fairly certain a significant portion of my Florida signs have come from storm damage of some kind. 

I'm also pretty sure that most of the signs that have been blown down in a storm aren't suitable for reinstallation anyway.

One thing I've learned from the tornadoes we get here is that street signage is a top priority following a big storm like an EF5 tornado. At the level of destruction a large storm wreaks, it becomes practically impossible to find any particular street or lot because all of the landmarks used for navigation (like house numbers or distinctive manmade structures) have been wiped clean. That makes recovery efforts like directing cleanup contractors or insurance adjusters to any given lot more difficult, so replacing street signage is one of the first parts of the cleanup procedure. When the big tornado hit Moore OK in 2013, the city of Norman quickly ran off a bunch of signs to Norman spec and installed them extrajurisdictionally just to give Moore a leg up on recovery.

I can't imagine a road agency in that situation would take the time to inventory all of the signs that are missing, canvass the area to look for any signs that might be recoverable, and take the time to get them in an acceptable state for reinstallation (unbending them, reinforcing damaged bolt holes, etc.). Maybe if it's just a post that's knocked over and just needs to be propped back up, but a missing blade could end up several miles away from where it started. Not really worth the time or money to go on a manhunt for them when the pressing need is to have something on a post for people to orient themselves with.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 11:21:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 07, 2022, 11:18:40 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 07, 2022, 10:25:57 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 07, 2022, 10:22:43 AM
Not posting for safety reasons, but when Hurricane Ian blew through my area, it blew the street sign off of the top of the stop sign at my nearest cross road. Now I have a county-made street sign of the street that I live on hanging up in my room :-D (for legal reasons this is a joke)
Joking like this doesn't make you immune from the crime of stealing a sign.

If a street sign is blown off its mounting and somehow lands in your yard, what should you do? Take it, or report it to the jurisdiction that it belongs to?
Just saying in general that "I stole this! (j/k)" doesn't work the legal magic stated.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: J N Winkler on October 08, 2022, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PMOut of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

I haven't come across a report of a court case, but this Quora thread (https://www.quora.com/How-come-people-dont-get-in-trouble-for-stealing-street-signs) has a post from someone identifying himself as a "criminal investigator" who claims to have busted a bunch of spring breakers for stealing more than $1000 worth of signs.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 08, 2022, 05:24:47 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.

I wouldn't be so sure, I've found that sign theft in the road community is way more common than a lot of us would probably like to believe.  Locally I tend to notice when certain desirable signs all of the sudden disappear and end up on eBay or a gas/oil show for inflated prices.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Big John on October 08, 2022, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.
Especially Virgin Ave. in a college town.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on October 10, 2022, 01:08:30 PM
Quote from: Big John on October 08, 2022, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.
Especially Virgin Ave. in a college town.

Stoner Ave., Centenary College, Shreveport, LA.

2198 Market St
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ku1EHMjKdkvragHR6
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 10, 2022, 02:54:53 PM
Quote from: Big John on October 08, 2022, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.
Especially Virgin Ave. in a college town.

:nod:

I'm assuming you've been to Platteville.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Big John on October 10, 2022, 04:54:43 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 10, 2022, 02:54:53 PM
Quote from: Big John on October 08, 2022, 05:28:49 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 08, 2022, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 07, 2022, 11:39:33 PM
Out of curiosity does anyone even know of an actual case where someone was prosecuted for stealing signage as collectibles?

It wouldn't surprise me. It's not so much like the people on this forum that would do that (I hope), but more so college or high school kids. There were numerous guide signs missing from Platteville over the couple years I was there. I think their policy was to only replace them once per semester or so. So once they were gone, that intersection just had no guide signs. Not ideal, but understandable.
Especially Virgin Ave. in a college town.

:nod:

I'm assuming you've been to Platteville.
yes
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: chrisdiaz on October 12, 2022, 10:25:14 AM
I didn't realize my post would've stirred up this much talking. My dad remounted whatever he could for the street sign, and it was mangled from the hurricane force winds.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: US71 on October 12, 2022, 10:31:13 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on October 12, 2022, 10:25:14 AM
I didn't realize my post would've stirred up this much talking. My dad remounted whatever he could for the street sign, and it was mangled from the hurricane force winds.

Slow week ;)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2022, 04:25:21 PM
New acquisition:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52427678769_1ee4287254_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nSRym2)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2nSRym2) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 30, 2022, 08:23:37 PM
Picked up a CA 269 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52534668229_c108549aae_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o3iUzT)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2o3iUzT) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 08, 2022, 10:45:25 PM
Some new additions:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551393467_7fb0925d6f_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MCq4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MCq4) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551852676_608f27612e_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4PYVs)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2o4PYVs) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: cjk374 on December 09, 2022, 04:50:32 PM
I don't know why specifically, but I really like that US 95 shield. Very sharp.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on December 09, 2022, 06:32:06 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 09, 2022, 04:50:32 PM
I don't know why specifically, but I really like that US 95 shield. Very sharp.

My guess is that it's because it's a 1961-spec shield. Looks a lot like the modern (1970) issue, but there are some slight differences in the shield shape that give it that retro feel. (The 1970 spec has the curves bowed outward more so that it can fit two Series D digits; the 1961 could usually only handle Series C.)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 09, 2022, 06:35:57 PM
Considering it was 1961 spec I had to have it.  I actually bought it off Alps after he got a pretty big haul recently. The only state I haven't clinched US 95 in is Idaho, lots of nostalgic reasons to get a good sign to represent the highway.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:30:34 PM
I don't just have the Route shield, I have the directions as well:

(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/44C47F19-0587-48D1-B6A2-506B03481AFC.jpeg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 09, 2022, 08:32:48 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:30:34 PM
I don't just have the Route shield, I have the directions as well:

(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/44C47F19-0587-48D1-B6A2-506B03481AFC.jpeg)
Good lord, did you dig out the pole or what?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 09, 2022, 08:32:48 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:30:34 PM
I don't just have the Route shield, I have the directions as well:

(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/44C47F19-0587-48D1-B6A2-506B03481AFC.jpeg)
Good lord, did you dig out the pole or what?

Found it lying on the ground, got it and took it home with me. I'm pretty sure the empty pole is still there.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:43:54 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 09, 2022, 08:32:48 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:30:34 PM
I don't just have the Route shield, I have the directions as well:

(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/44C47F19-0587-48D1-B6A2-506B03481AFC.jpeg)
Good lord, did you dig out the pole or what?

Found it lying on the ground, got it and took it home with me. I'm pretty sure the empty pole is still there.

Google Maps, 4 months ago:
(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/77400DD0-396B-424E-BE64-C76BC8CF5736.jpeg)
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 09, 2022, 09:00:58 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:38:17 PM
Found it lying on the ground, got it and took it home with me. I'm pretty sure the empty pole is still there.

This reminds me, I got two Maximum 30 km/h signs in separate roadkill instances years apart.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on December 10, 2022, 07:04:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 09, 2022, 06:35:57 PM
Considering it was 1961 spec I had to have it.  I actually bought it off Alps after he got a pretty big haul recently. The only state I haven't clinched US 95 in is Idaho, lots of nostalgic reasons to get a good sign to represent the highway.

I have a Nevada US 95 with the state "bar" on Scotchlite. Small version here (along with my BC 395, embossed Maine US 1 and NF 30): http://www.floodgap.com/software/huepl/scene2.jpg
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 11:04:40 PM
Fresh delivery in the form of a I-580 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2oc6xu8
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on January 17, 2023, 11:25:18 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 11:04:40 PM
Fresh delivery in the form of a I-580 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2oc6xu8

I really hate how the red fades first on these things.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: amroad17 on January 18, 2023, 03:08:23 AM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:43:54 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 09, 2022, 08:32:48 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 09, 2022, 08:30:34 PM
I don't just have the Route shield, I have the directions as well:

(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/44C47F19-0587-48D1-B6A2-506B03481AFC.jpeg)
Good lord, did you dig out the pole or what?

Found it lying on the ground, got it and took it home with me. I'm pretty sure the empty pole is still there.

Google Maps, 4 months ago:
(https://www.linkpicture.com/q/77400DD0-396B-424E-BE64-C76BC8CF5736.jpeg)
Why does that look like the empty pole is at the end of a cul-de-sac?  Anyway, that is the way the entire assembly should look!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 07, 2023, 11:25:30 PM
Fresh arrival:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675964941_e244a72471_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ofN6b6)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2ofN6b6) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 14, 2023, 11:32:36 PM
New CA 145 shield:

https://flic.kr/p/2oh53po
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2023, 11:34:29 PM
New arrival, a deceptively large US Route 550 sign:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52767568629_25ca3cc35a_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ooTzL2)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2ooTzL2) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: thenetwork on March 25, 2023, 12:59:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2023, 11:34:29 PM
New arrival, a deceptively large US Route 550 sign:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52767568629_25ca3cc35a_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ooTzL2)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2ooTzL2) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr

Is that from Colorado or New Mexico?  I'm trying to visualize where that might have been seen originally.  With the peeling shield numbers, I'd go with NM.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 25, 2023, 02:29:11 PM
I'm not quite sure.  The guy I buy a lot of these signs from lives in Colorado and doesn't usually have a lot of state signs.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 11, 2023, 11:58:09 AM
My first Autoroute shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52889500049_de65acb4e4.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ozEvHT)A-20 shield (https://flic.kr/p/2ozEvHT) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on May 11, 2023, 04:44:18 PM
^^^
Very nice!
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 23, 2023, 06:10:23 PM
Large size CA 128 shield was large placard:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53065010613_1ca92f7224_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oRb3U6)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2oRb3U6) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2023, 09:22:13 PM
CA 152 shield just arrived today:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53094164196_39d7d923e9_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKtf5)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2oTKtf5) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Hunty2022 on October 11, 2023, 01:52:23 PM
Bringing this thread back with a VA-388 sign I got from a store today:

(https://i.postimg.cc/qR4MYWtq/IMG-3896.jpg)

This sign used to be on VA-20 SB, before getting removed between 2006 and 2008. At one point, possibly this year, the sign was taken to the store I got it from.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on October 31, 2023, 11:37:10 AM
Noticed a CA 30 come up on eBay (I have one given to me by SANBAG plus the old Temporary 30, both of which used to be in the City of San Bernardino), but it looked odd.

The seller said it had never been posted. That seemed plausible enough, but you look through their other stuff and nothing is CA MUTCD, though they all carry PROPERTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA (but even that stamp doesn't look *quite* right). I'm wondering if these are actually fake replicas. Anyone know this person?

https://www.ebay.com/usr/authentic_ca_sign_guy
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2023, 11:49:35 AM
Quote from: ClassicHasClass on October 31, 2023, 11:37:10 AM
Noticed a CA 30 come up on eBay (I have one given to me by SANBAG plus the old Temporary 30, both of which used to be in the City of San Bernardino), but it looked odd.

The seller said it had never been posted. That seemed plausible enough, but you look through their other stuff and nothing is CA MUTCD, though they all carry PROPERTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA (but even that stamp doesn't look *quite* right). I'm wondering if these are actually fake replicas. Anyone know this person?

https://www.ebay.com/usr/authentic_ca_sign_guy

This guy is peddling home made signs.  The numeric font is way off (it has improved since he started selling) and I don't think the shade of green is quite right.  I don't necessarily have an issue with selling modern replicas but his posting says that they are "authentic" when they clearly aren't. 
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: kphoger on October 31, 2023, 12:17:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2023, 11:49:35 AM

Quote from: ClassicHasClass on October 31, 2023, 11:37:10 AM
Noticed a CA 30 come up on eBay (I have one given to me by SANBAG plus the old Temporary 30, both of which used to be in the City of San Bernardino), but it looked odd.

The seller said it had never been posted. That seemed plausible enough, but you look through their other stuff and nothing is CA MUTCD, though they all carry PROPERTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA (but even that stamp doesn't look *quite* right). I'm wondering if these are actually fake replicas. Anyone know this person?

https://www.ebay.com/usr/authentic_ca_sign_guy

This guy is peddling home made signs.  The numeric font is way off (it has improved since he started selling) and I don't think the shade of green is quite right.  I don't necessarily have an issue with selling modern replicas but his posting says that they are "authentic" when they clearly aren't. 

"This is a 100% authentic sign that has not yet had the chance to make it on the roadway."

Someone needs to report this guy.  I don't use eBay;  is there a way to do that?
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2023, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 31, 2023, 12:17:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2023, 11:49:35 AM

Quote from: ClassicHasClass on October 31, 2023, 11:37:10 AM
Noticed a CA 30 come up on eBay (I have one given to me by SANBAG plus the old Temporary 30, both of which used to be in the City of San Bernardino), but it looked odd.

The seller said it had never been posted. That seemed plausible enough, but you look through their other stuff and nothing is CA MUTCD, though they all carry PROPERTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA (but even that stamp doesn't look *quite* right). I'm wondering if these are actually fake replicas. Anyone know this person?

https://www.ebay.com/usr/authentic_ca_sign_guy

This guy is peddling home made signs.  The numeric font is way off (it has improved since he started selling) and I don't think the shade of green is quite right.  I don't necessarily have an issue with selling modern replicas but his posting says that they are "authentic" when they clearly aren't. 

"This is a 100% authentic sign that has not yet had the chance to make it on the roadway."

Someone needs to report this guy.  I don't use eBay;  is there a way to do that?

There is, but chances are they won't act.  There are some other scammers I have reported over the years.  I've found eBay is very cautious dealing with them lacking overt evidence.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2023, 09:20:10 PM
Picked up a CA 176 shield.  This highway was relinquished in 1984:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53399025885_2bbc40d79c_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pmFY16)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2pmFY16) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on December 17, 2023, 11:06:31 PM
Nice find. The decommissioned shields in my collection are a TEMPORARY CA 30 (still has the green TEMPORARY tab) and a CA 274.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 12, 2024, 10:33:16 PM
Picked up a Plumas County Route A15 shield:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53583991999_54484c55f3_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pD2XZ2)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2pD2XZ2) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on March 14, 2024, 11:20:07 PM
That's a nice one. I have a San Diego S15 with an END assembly.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:35:27 PM
For some reason I have several A range County Route signs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4869/46945257561_06d63359a1_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewoHwr)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2ewoHwr) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51391842433_3907e97c92_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mijChR)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2mijChR) by Max Rockatansky (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: ClassicHasClass on March 15, 2024, 11:41:06 PM
How old is that A25? That looks 1960s-ish.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 16, 2024, 01:00:57 AM
I suspect it is one of the original signs.  Lassen County did a bunch of sign replacements a couple years back and pulled a lot of older and smaller stuff.
Title: Re: Sign Collecting
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 05:53:25 PM
Neat sort-of-not-quite-right custom font on the A25.