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Old 05-25-2008, 10:41 PM
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Default Need opinion if its authentic or not. thanks

Posted By: davidcycleback

I don't believe modern tin reprints have embossments like yours.

As already noted, if a sports metal sign has been reprinted, there typically will be examples all over the internet. If you can't find a reprint, that's a good sign.

There was a big upfront cost (printer set up, design, etc) to make the modern lithograph reprint metal signs, which means the reprinter had to make lots of reprints to lower the cost per sign. Thus, if it an ad was reprinted, there will be loads of reprints around, and an eBay/internet search will help determine if the sign was ever reprinted.

Also, many of the metal signs are not reprints of vintage metal signs, but of non-metal signs or other types of advertisements. There's a Honus Wagner sign that is a reprint of a tobacco label. Further, the metal signs are often different than the original ad-- including in text, font, dimensions, etc. In a way, the signs are fantasy items and there isn't an exact original in existence.

A good thing for collectors is most of the modern metal signs of Ted Williams for Moxie, Joe Jackson H & B et come in a couple of standard sizes-- a search on eBay, the internet will reveal the sizes. These modern sizes almost always do not correspond to the original ad sizes-- so a simple size comparison can be key. The reprint sizes are typically unique to the reprints, and there was no original in that size. If a sign measures the same as the known reprints, that's more than likely because it's a reprint. For large posters, signs and even fine art prints, looking at the size can offer important information-- both knowing that reprints are often of different size than the originals, and that standard sizes of today (8x11 print, 3x2' dorm poster of Bob Marley) often weren't the standard sizes 100 years ago. Only considering at the dimensions, one might reasonably guess that a 8"x11" printed white paper picture of Ty Cobb is more likely to be the product of someone's home computer printer than a 1909 lithograph factory. I don't know, but a a playing-days 8x11" card, print, postcard or even photo of Ty Cobb may never have been made, as 8x11 was an atypical size back then. On the other hand, if most of us print out a computer picture of Ty Cobb on or computer printer, it will come out as 8"x"11".

Lastly, the big makers of the metal signs weren't being devious or trying to make fakes or forgeries. They marketed their products as modern items and most are still sold as modern.

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