Advertising & Signage category fields
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Type | Dropdown | Options: Porcelain Enamel, Tin/Steel, Neon, Reverse-Painted Glass, Cardboard/Paper, Wood, Plastic/Acrylic, Light-Up/Backlit, Clock Sign, Thermometer Sign, Chalkware, Other |
| Brand/Product | Text | The company, product, or service being advertised |
| Industry | Dropdown | Options: Automotive/Gas & Oil, Tobacco, Beverage/Soda, Beer & Spirits, Food/Grocery, Pharmacy/Patent Medicine, Farm & Agriculture, Insurance/Banking, Transportation, Retail/General Store, Entertainment, Other |
| Date/Era | Text | Approximate year or date range (e.g., "1940s", "c. 1955") |
| Country of Origin | Text |
|
| Manufacturer/Maker | Text | Sign maker if known (e.g., "Stout Sign Co.", "Veribrite Signs") |
| Shape | Dropdown | Options: Rectangular, Square, Circular, Die-Cut/Figural, Oval, Shield, Flanged (double-sided), Irregular, Other |
| Mounting Style | Dropdown | Options: Flat/Wall Mount, Flanged/Bracket Mount, Hanging, Freestanding/Easel, Pole/Post Mount, Window Display, Ceiling Hang, Other |
| Display Text | Textarea | Key wording or slogan on the sign |
| Primary Colors | Text | Main colors used in the sign |
| Primary Material | Dropdown | Options: Porcelain on Steel, Tin, Steel, Aluminum, Cardboard, Paper, Wood, Glass, Plastic, Neon Tubing, Mixed Materials, Other |
| Embossed/Raised Elements | Boolean |
|
| Working (if applicable) | Dropdown | Options: Fully Functional, Partially Working, Not Working, Not Applicable (non-electric), Untested |
| Marked/Signed | Boolean |
|
| Mark Details | Textarea | Description of any marks, stamps, or identifying info |
| Original vs Reproduction | Dropdown | Options: Confirmed Original, Likely Original, Known Reproduction, Fantasy Piece (never existed originally), Uncertain |
| Reproduction Concerns | Textarea | Notes on authenticity indicators or red flags |
| Surface/Finish Condition | Dropdown | Options: Excellent (95%+), Very Good (85-95%), Good (70-85%), Fair (50-70%), Poor (<50%) |
| Damage Present | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor (edge chips/light wear), Moderate, Significant, Severe |
| Damage Details | Textarea | Describe specific damage: chips, rust, fading, bends, cracks, tears, etc. |
| Touch-Up/Restoration | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor Touch-Up, Moderate Restoration, Significant Restoration, Fully Restored |
| Mounting Hardware | Dropdown | Options: Original Hardware, Replacement Hardware, Hardware Missing, None Required |
| Provenance Summary | Textarea | Brief ownership history or origin story if known |
Advanced fields (Premium-only)
Porcelain & Metal Signs
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Metal | Dropdown | Options: Heavy Gauge Steel, Light Gauge Steel, Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Other |
| Enamel Type | Dropdown | Options: Single-Sided, Double-Sided, Convex/Curved, Flat |
| Enamel Layers | Dropdown | Options: Single Layer, Multiple Layers, Unknown |
| Enamel Colors | Text | List all colors present |
| Rolled Edge | Boolean |
|
| Flange Width | Text | If flanged, width of flange |
| Grommet Count | Text | Number of mounting holes/grommets |
| Grommet Condition | Dropdown | Options: All Original, Some Missing, Replaced, None Present |
| Embossed Details | Textarea | Description of any raised/embossed elements |
| Chips Location | Textarea | Where chips are located (edges, field, graphics) |
| Rust Type | Dropdown | Options: None, Surface Rust, Pitting, Through-Rust, Edge Rust Only |
| Bend/Warp Description | Textarea |
|
| Bullet Holes | Boolean |
|
| Touchup Locations | Textarea | Where restoration work is visible |
| Maker's Mark Location | Text | Where manufacturer stamp appears |
Neon & Lighted Signs
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting Type | Dropdown | Options: Neon Tube, Fluorescent, Incandescent, LED (later/replacement), Combination |
| Tube Colors | Text | List neon tube colors (e.g., "Red, Blue, Green") |
| Tube Diameter | Dropdown | Options: Standard, Slim, Wide, Mixed |
| Tube Condition | Dropdown | Options: All Original, Some Replaced, Mostly Replaced, All Replaced |
| Gas Fill | Dropdown | Options: Neon (red/orange), Argon (blue family), Mercury (other colors), Unknown |
| Transformer Included | Boolean |
|
| Transformer Type | Dropdown | Options: Original, Period Replacement, Modern Replacement, Missing |
| Transformer Working | Boolean |
|
| Voltage | Text |
|
| Animated/Sequential | Boolean |
|
| Animation Description | Textarea | Describe the animation pattern |
| Cabinet/Housing | Dropdown | Options: Original Metal, Original Plastic, Replacement, None/Open Frame |
| Cabinet Condition | Dropdown | Options: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Replaced |
| Porcelain Face | Boolean |
|
| Can Condition | Textarea | For "can" style signs |
| Wiring Condition | Dropdown | Options: Original Safe, Original Needs Work, Rewired, Unknown |
| Last Operational Date | Text | When sign was last known to work |
Paper & Cardboard Advertising
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper/Board Type | Dropdown | Options: Heavy Cardstock, Poster Paper, Cardboard, Die-Cut Cardboard, Lithograph Paper, Coated Stock, Linen-Backed, Other |
| Printing Method | Dropdown | Options: Stone Lithograph, Chromolithograph, Offset Lithograph, Screen Print, Letterpress, Photomechanical, Digital (later), Unknown |
| Print Quality | Dropdown | Options: Sharp/Crisp, Good, Soft/Faded, Poor |
| Easel Back | Boolean |
|
| Easel Condition | Dropdown | Options: Present/Working, Present/Damaged, Missing, None Original |
| String Hanger | Boolean |
|
| Framed | Boolean |
|
| Frame Type | Dropdown | Options: Original Store Frame, Period Frame, Modern Frame, None |
| Linen/Cloth Backed | Boolean |
|
| Backing Condition | Dropdown | Options: Sound, Separating, Torn, Not Backed |
| Folds/Creases | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor, Moderate, Heavy |
| Fold Location | Textarea | Where folds appear |
| Tears | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor Edge, Moderate, Significant |
| Tear Details | Textarea | Location and extent |
| Staining | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor, Moderate, Heavy |
| Foxing | Dropdown | Options: None, Light, Moderate, Heavy |
| Paper Loss | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor, Moderate, Significant |
| Trimmed | Boolean |
|
| Pinholes | Boolean |
|
| Tape/Adhesive Damage | Dropdown | Options: None, Minor, Moderate, Significant |
Authenticity & Dating
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Textarea | How authenticity was determined |
| Authenticator/Expert | Text | Who authenticated the piece |
| Authentication Date | Text | When authenticated |
| Known Reproduction Indicators | Textarea | What was checked for reproductions |
| Dating Evidence | Textarea | Features that help establish date (graphics style, patent numbers, phone numbers, zip codes, etc.) |
| Anachronistic Details | Textarea | Any features inconsistent with claimed age |
| Comparable Examples | Textarea | Reference to similar documented pieces |
| Reference Book Citation | Textarea | Published references (e.g., "Petetti Gas Station Guide p.142") |
| Auction Comparables | Textarea | Similar pieces sold at auction |
| Patent Numbers | Text | Any patent numbers on piece |
| Phone Number Format | Text | Can help date signs (exchange names, area codes, etc.) |
| Address Details | Textarea | Street addresses that help establish origin/date |
Provenance & History
| Field | Type | Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provenance Type | Dropdown | Options: Original Location Documented, Removed from Original Site, Family History, Long-Term Collection, Dealer Stock, Auction Purchase, Estate Find, Unknown |
| Original Business/Location | Text | Where sign was originally used |
| Original Location Documentation | Dropdown | Options: Photographic Evidence, Written Records, Oral History, None |
| Geographic Origin | Text | Region/area where sign was used |
| Removal Date | Text | When removed from original location |
| Previous Owners | Textarea | Known chain of ownership |
| Collection History | Textarea | Notable collections piece has been part of |
| Exhibition History | Textarea | Museum or show appearances |
| Publication History | Textarea | Books, articles, or catalogs featuring this piece |
| Historical Significance | Textarea | Why this piece matters historically |
| Associated Ephemera | Textarea | Related items that came with sign (photos, paperwork, etc.) |