Ford Motor neon Porcelain sign

[Barbdras]

I’m not sure if anyone can help me but someone told me to turn here for some advice. My father, 91 years old has a Ford Motor neon porcelain sign he wants to sell. We are trying to determine how to sell it and how much it is worth. It is still in a frame. When plugged in it lights up right away. Very good condition. It’s been hanging in his shed for years. I will attach a picture. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you for any help we can get.

[Scott_Conger]

A lot.

this one is a stretch, especially considering it needs to be completely re-tubed, and that isn't cheap. On the otherhand, it has generated a lot of interest.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Ford- ... SwB-1YyvgP

good luck, and don't give it away.

[Rich Eagle]

These may not be realistic prices but here is what is out there:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Ford- ... 2398468351
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-FORD-P ... 3759516726
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1236726
The one selling for $415 may be close to what they are worth. The sky high asking prices are what some would like to get.
Rich

[StanHowe]

If it is an original -- and the photo is not high enough resolution to be able to blow it up and see it better - based on what I have sold a couple for at our auctions and what I have seen them bring at other auctions, my best guess in the $3000 to $5000 range. I would consign it to one of the big tractor auction such as the Mecum Tractor spring or fall auction. Whatever you do, don't take it out of the crate.

If it is a reproduction - which it well may be -- most likely made in the 90's, 5-600 bucks.

Just FYI, Ford in general was on a neon sign roll in the 50's, there were neon signs for Ford Cars, Ford Trucks and the one you have for the Ford Tractors. Other companies were also doing it, it was pretty much the golden age of Neon.

[Barbdras]

Thank you for your help. Dads is an original. He doesn’t remember exactly how much he paid for it but he thought around 6k. He has some dementia but we remember that it was a few thousand. It has Mulholland Sign Co on it. I appreciate the information. We will research Meccam auctions.

[Scott_Conger]

Rich

the cheap one is a simple wall hanger...not neon

Stan

if you blow up the photo there is some sort of Mfg signature. No way of knowing for sure, but I'd suspect this is original to the '50's.

OP:

In central FL in my old stomping grounds, this would be a very expensive sign...just what that means is between buyer/seller.

Where I am now, I suspect not so much. Location/demand is everything as I know you are probably aware

[Scott_Conger]

Barbara

we posted about the same time
best of luck to you on the sale

[70shovelhead]

My dad (84) is s huge sign collector. We have traveled to alot of sign auctions through the years. He and I currently have several Ford neon faces that are not finished in neon but I can tell you they bring more than non neon signs. And especially if yours is original and working. Dad paid $5000 for this v8 sign about 15 years ago. The man you need to talk to about sign values is Richard Armistadi. He had a book out currently called "Armistadis Antique Advertising"

[schwabd1]

This spring I went to an auction just up the road from me. The guy had an extensive collection of restored Ford tractors with all of the tools, gasket boards etc. He had two of these signs and they sold in the $9,000 - $10,000 range.

[FreighTer Jim]

Neon signs are fragile and relatively expensive to ship.

A serious prospective Buyer will pick it up in person or arrange for shipping.

Top dollar will be had if you put a classified ad
where it will get you the best bang for your buck.

Do some internet research.

Be sure to include in your ad “ local sale only “.

Your prospective buyer should be prepared to pick up in person or handle all the shipping details.

FJ

[Farmer J]

Boy that sure would look good in the ag room in the Model T Museum! Someone could get a very nice donation deduction on their taxes.

[Dollisdad]

. This double sided one sold for $8750 in 2014. Today I would say $12-15000. If it’s one sided, cut the price in half.

[Barbdras]

Thank you to everyone who gave me advice on my dads Ford Motor neon sign. It was very helpful. My dad has decided to put it on his auction to sell the remainder of his personal collection. He was an avid John Deere tractor collector and other “stuff” over his lifetime and had a huge two day auction in 2014. He’s selling the rest of his personal favorites. Here is a link to his auction which lists the Ford Motor sign. He’s sad to see it go but he knows it’s time. Feel free to share this with anyone you know may be interested. https://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/3349702.html

[WayneJ]

Consider posting the link to the auction listing in the classified parts section of the forum. While the auction doesn't appear to have Model T parts per se, the ad might still be of general interest to forum members.