The first neon advertising sign was used for a Parisian barber in 1912. Since then, neon has been used to add color highlights to porcelain signs and advertising clocks, and to create highly ornate and even 'animated' neon signs for a wide variety of brands and retail establishments.

Some of the most collectible neon signs were custom-made or produced in small quantities in the 1940s and 50s for restaurants, shops, clubs, bars, hotels, burger joints, ice cream parlors, auto dealerships, gas stations, you name it. Then there are the more recent mass-produced neon signs, both outdoor and indoor, often representing beverage companies like Budweiser, Coca Cola, Pepsi, and other beer and soda brands.

As with all signs, condition is key, but especially with neon, since replacing it can be an expensive custom job, don't forget to find out if the neon still works!

Interviews & Articles

Neon Lost and Found: Where New York City Still Burns Bright

This time of year, when the sun goes down early, neon comes into focus. While neon lighting may be losing out to LED and lighted p… [more]

The Disappearing Art of Porcelain Signs

I liked to collect things even as a child. Things that didn’t cost anything, like different colors of stones. There was somethin… [more]

Signs, Tins, and Other Advertising Antiques

How did I get started collecting advertising antiques? My dad was a lecturer and tutor in graphics and art from the 1960s onwards,… [more]



Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)

Advertising Antiques

Advertising Antiques

This classy looking British site features hundreds of high resolution photos of antique porcelain pre-war (enamel) … [read review or visit site]

Historical Marker Database

Historical Marker Database

If you're the type who pulls over when you see a 'historic marker ahead' sign, you'll love this site. Orchestrated … [read review or visit site]

Pittsburgh Signs Project

Pittsburgh Signs Project

This group artistic effort to catalog the signs of Pittsburgh captures many vintage signs (porcelain, neon, wood, t… [read review or visit site]

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Falvo Collectables Gallery

Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [read review or visit site]



Other Great Reference Sites: Signs

Top eBay Auctions

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Recent News: Neon Signs

Source: Google News

150 Boise icons to celebrate the city's sesquicentennial: Smoky Davis
The Idaho Statesman, May 20th

Smoky Davis' iconic neon sign — some of the most recognizable script around for longtime Boiseans — is grandfathered. Were the business to open today, the Davises couldn't advertise with such a big sign, said Dee Davis. Provided by Smoky Davis...Read more

Pritzker Snub of Women Cuts Deep With 1991 Venturi Award
Bloomberg, May 20th

starting in the 1960s. The couple's signature accomplishment was to take architecture beyond the obsessive heroic statement. They argued that popular culture, famously the neon-sign landscape of Las Vegas, could be a rich source of inspiration...Read more

Photos: The Sign Comes Down at Terrible's to Make Way for Silver Sevens
Haute Living, May 20th

Terrible's Hotel & Casino began uninstalling its iconic Terrible's Cowboy neon sign in preparation for the property's transition to a new name with the launch of Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino in July 2013. After an extensive renovation that included...Read more

Time to abolish the IRS … and the income tax, too!
Daily Caller, May 20th

How many times has the IRS avoided criticism because the word “AUDIT” flashed like a neon sign in the critic's mind's eye? Unfortunately, it took a scandal to bring this fact to the political foreground. The income tax code is so notoriously complex...Read more

Made in the Valley: Fresno Neon Sign Company
ABC30.com, May 15th

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Neon Sign Company has made many memorable neon signs over the years -- from the Security Bank sign in Downtown Fresno to the original Manchester Center sign...Read more

After 30 Years, Historic Manor Neon Sign to Shine Again
Patch.com, May 14th

The historic Manor Shopping Center neon sign on the corner of Manor Boulevard and Farnsworth Street will be lit on May 24. Posted by Analisa Harangozo (Editor), May 14, 2013 at 03:34 pm. Comment Recommend. Flag as Inappropriate. The historic Manor...Read more

New Owner of Former Lord's Says He Will Work with Town Regarding Neon Sign
Patch.com, April 29th

The owner of the former Lord's Department Store says he plans to work cooperatively with the town to save the neon sign that sat above the front door for the majority of time the store was in business (1940-2013). "We understand the sign has some...Read more

Second South Windsor Neon Sign Deemed Historic
windsoriteDOTca, April 22nd

The owner of the business has requested the heritage addition because of the sign's neon letters, small lights along the perimeter and large arrow. This would be the second neon sign to be considered historic in Windsor. The other, also in South...Read more