jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Share #1 Posted August 25, 2018 I recently acquired this metal USMC recruitment sign when I bought the library of a Korean vet. This sign was in his library. I believe it dates to between 1917 and 1924 based on the font, style of sign, aging, etc. what are your thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share #2 Posted August 25, 2018 Another view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share #3 Posted August 25, 2018 The reverse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted August 25, 2018 Share #4 Posted August 25, 2018 A google search shows this design introduced in 1919: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share #5 Posted August 25, 2018 Thank you! The address on the sign ceased to be valid in the early 1920s so with that article it can be pinpointed specifically to 1919. Now to figure out a realistic value... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stucky151 Posted August 25, 2018 Share #6 Posted August 25, 2018 If I were selling it, Id ask $500 for it all day. 6000 signs distributed, Ive personally never seen another one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BagmanL6 Posted August 25, 2018 Share #7 Posted August 25, 2018 That is a great sign. Congratulations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerdragon54 Posted August 25, 2018 Share #8 Posted August 25, 2018 I agree with stucky, I’d shoot for $500 but never less than $350. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share #9 Posted August 25, 2018 Thanks so much for the comments! I had a feeling it would be north of $500 but hearing from others definitely helps confirm that. I had one person offer me 150 with the added bonus that it was a limited offer so I better decide quickly. Yeah.... about that. Really appreciate the help confirming a date and the ball park value. I believed it to be circa 1917-1924 and it was especially nice to get documented confirmation of it being 1919. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wake1941 Posted August 25, 2018 Share #10 Posted August 25, 2018 With a piece like this its definitely got the scarce factor. I honestly think it could definitely bring north of $500. Its a super neat piece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted August 25, 2018 Share #11 Posted August 25, 2018 Keep in mind the niche factor too...not quite a recruiting poster, so that will exclude a lot of the poster guys right there. Need a solid recruiting collector interest. The fact that the business lasted a year after the sign does nothing for the value to a militaria collector, that type of thing applies to advertising collectors. At $500 I think you'll be sitting on it awhile, but who knows, the right buyer might stumble upon it early. Buyers will also want well detailed photos...there's no lack of businesses out there churning out repro advertising metal signs, I have a slew of them in my kitchen, and this is in really good shape. Offering a guarantee will increase interest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpipes Posted August 25, 2018 Author Share #12 Posted August 25, 2018 I certainly understand the niche factor but believe early USMC materials like this are highly collectible. But of course it will take the right person to want it. I also dont plan to milk it for every penny but will find a point I am happy and a seller is motivated. As for authenticity I will guarantee it unconditionally as I do with everything I sell. I dont have a shop but I am increasingly selling higher end pieces and I guarantee them alll or I wont sell them. I am a collector first and buy stuff for myself all the time and having peace of mind is critical. If I dont believe an item to be legit I wont offer it for sale and I will document it as much as I can as well as often provide letters of provenance. This came from a USMC veteran and I have no doubts about its originality. It has corrosion and proper aging, is made of the correct tin, is stamped not just printed, etc. Again thanks to all for the thoughts and great conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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