Whether you want to light up a window bar, add a funky touch to your apartment, or decorate a dorm room with party favors, vintage neon signs are eye-catching (if expensive) additions to any environment. If you want an old beer sign – or a beer sign that just looks old – these pages may have what you’re looking for. And if you’re not into beer, fear not. There are many vintage neon signs that are available for soda, gas, and highway services. Vintage neon selections and prices vary, as does the degree of authenticity.
1. www.neonsign.com
That’s real estate signs for sale, some with a vintage look. Although the signs are all new, many of them hearken back to the halcyon days with an old logo or theme, including 7-Up and Coca-Cola signs that evoke ’50s dinner parties. The primary focus is on alcoholic beverage brands, with the bulk of their 900+ list dedicated to beer. Some neon signs refer to specific events, such as the “Rolling Stones ’94 Tour” guitar-shaped Budweiser sign. Other well-known beer brands are not common, such as Blatz. In business since 1995, www.neonsign.com claims to have “demanding commercial models” that have been seen in bars and stores, and their prices seem quite reasonable, often under $400. However, this is a company that works with a variety of suppliers, but they do not hold a true catalog of inventory. Availability is not guaranteed and prices are subject to change. The ordering process involves sending them an inquiry to which they will answer a call or email to settle on the details and close the deal. While this may seem overwhelming, it does offer one advantage, especially for those looking for vintage neon signs: you can submit a special request and dealers will try to locate your item in their networks.
2. www.roadhouserelics.com
I liked the vintage neon signs at this point, as they had some signs that really look like Eisenhower-era throwbacks. They feel happy fathers day except when it turns dusty on Route 66. The selection of Roadhouse Relics is limited, but the signs are “excellence for the appearance of aging” and simple descriptions such as Beer, Diner, Bar, Café, Eat and Grill – all done in classic letters. They also have some non-verbal signs, like crown cowboys and boots that also spot-in for a vintage Neo look. The only downside is that the prices were relatively high for the old and not true standards. All the signs I looked at were either $700 to $750.
3. www.antiquemystique.com
This site offers real vintage neon signs, as it sells a large amount of antiques. To locate the options, use their feature and type in “neon”. So you will have a total of results – very limited but worthwhile if you are looking for vintage signs that are decades old. When I searched, I found a special neon sign featuring a George Strait hat and the Bud Light logo. I also spotted some neon clocks that looked like they came from bowling alleys. In addition to working signs, Antique Mystique sometimes has vintage neon signs from which the illuminating glass has been removed. As more items are sold, you’ll have to explore the inventory itself, but be warned it’s pricey because of the uniqueness of the vintage neon signs.
4. www.nostalgiaonline.com
Selling neon signs along with other merchandise, Nostalgia Online has a very short list of vintage items, all priced at $525. All these signs take a similar shape, appealing and different from signs in other places (not beer though!). They offer an old-school Pepsi fountain sign, throwback Texaco and Mobil signs, and a Ford garage display. While they are not original, they look quite authentic.
5. www.omnia-neon.com
This beefy site claims to have “the largest neon beer sign selection available anywhere”, but I’m inclined to argue that it’s behind www.neonsign.com (mentioned above). I’ve made a few spot neon signs with a vintage looking logo (including a 1980s Spuds MacKenzie beer sign that brought back my childhood). Although there are few signs that could qualify as vintage neon signs, the obvious focus of this site is commercial and custom signs. If you’re looking for something with an old feel, maybe look elsewhere.
