Signs of the times

• By Franklin Junior Journalist Rose Fuller

Will Britton is eagerly preparing for his next online Collector Auctions event, and bidders may be surprised by the content.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Pukekohe, Britton’s storage unit is lined with all sorts of vintage signs, advertising petrol and oil companies. Some of them even date back to the 1920s.

“Old signs like these are very valuable due to their growing scarcity,” Britton says. “This form of advertising won’t exist in the next five years. Bus stops already have TV screens, and people can now receive adverts on their phones.”

So, Britton is expecting top dollar for some of his lots.

“You can only find ‘Big Tree’ in New Zealand, which is really good for collectors. That sign is probably worth around $5000 on its own,” Britton says.

Most of the signs are crafted from enamel, which is part of the reason they’re still here today.

“I think that’s why people get so invested in them, because they will never fade or break over time. However, age can still affect some.”

Britton says the more damage there is a to sign, the less it is worth. So, even with the enamel in place there will still be some dents and rust.

Although this auction lot is from a personal collection in Pukekohe, Britton often travels the country buying, selling and looking for rare collectibles that might be of value – signs, petrol pumps, bottles and items from the 1950s or earlier.

“These days most people don’t even know what might be worth thousands of dollars. Items such as your grandad’s old oil containers (for example) – people will go crazy for those.”

Throughout his years in the trade, this Pukekohe businessman has heard many stories sbout treasures found in local fields.

“I’m told there’s a sheep race that is lined with old signs instead of timber. I’ve searched everywhere, but I still haven’t tracked it down.

“When the old Atlantic service station in Pukekohe was closed, I understand all the old pumps and signage also ended up on a local site. I’ve never found that either.”

Now with his auction imminent, Britton says he is happy to give free appraisals to anyone who thinks they might have something of value to sell. His latest collection is up for auction online from today (July 2) until July 16.