SERVICE NO. 01
UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU'VE BUILT
You've spent years acquiring. Now the question isn't what you have, it's what it means. Portfolio assessment is how we look at the collection as a whole.
It Always Starts With One Sign...
Maybe it was your grandfather's Mobil station sign hanging in the garage. Or that first enamel piece you spotted at a flea market that reminded you of summer road trips. One sign became two, then five, then suddenly you're building a building to house them all.
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The collection isn't random. There are threads running through it: aesthetic choices, nostalgic anchors, the cultural moments that mattered to you specifically. Most collectors feel those threads without naming them. Naming them is part of the work.
Where you go from there depends on where you are.
THE COLLECTOR
THREE PLACES MOST COLLECTORS FIND THEMSELVES
1
"I want to know what I've built"
The Validator
You've been collecting for years. The collection represents real investment, financial and emotional. You want a clear-eyed read on what you've built.
You're wondering:
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What's this actually worth for insurance purposes?
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Am I leaving something meaningful for my family?
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Have my acquisition decisions been smart ones?
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How does the collection compare to others at this level?
We help you: Understand the true value, identify your strongest pieces, and document what you've built for insurance and estate planning.
2
"I need to sell, but do it right"
The Transitioner
Life circumstances change. Whether it's downsizing, estate settlement, or simply moving on, you want the collection to find the right homes at fair value.
You're wondering:
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What's the smartest way to sell?
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Which pieces should I keep and which should I let go?
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How do I avoid leaving money on the table?
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What's realistic in today's market?
We help you: Decide what to sell, where to sell it, and how to make sure pieces land with the right new owners.
3
"I want to refine what I have"
The Optimizer
You've built a collection and you're ready to be more deliberate about what comes next. Pick a specific focus, upgrade quality, or fund new acquisitions by releasing pieces that no longer fit.
We help you: See the patterns, identify what's not pulling its weight, and source the pieces that strengthen the collection's coherence.
You're wondering:
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Which pieces should I keep, and which should I upgrade?
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How do I sell my Texaco signs to fund my Esso focus?
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Am I paying fair market on new acquisitions?
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What holes exist in the theme I'm building?
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT ASSESSMENT COVERS
Authentication answers one question: is it real? Assessment answers what comes after.
AUTHENTICATION
European and American porcelain enamel signs: maker, date, origin, and the manufacturing details that confirm or contradict each.
MARKET VALUATION
What pieces would actually sell for today, based on recent auction results, private sales data, and regional demand. Not theoretical value. Real numbers.
DOCUMENTATION
Written records of authentication, condition, valuation, and provenance, suitable for insurance, estate planning, or sale.
CONDITION ASSESSMENT
Surface state, restoration quality, and how condition affects what a piece is worth and where it fits in the collection.
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STRATEGIC GUIDANCE
What to keep, sell, upgrade, or release, based on where you're trying to take the collection. Not generic advice. Specific to what you've built.
For collections that include categories outside our expertise (oil cans, globes, specialty items), we coordinate with recognized specialists. You get a comprehensive assessment without managing multiple appraisers yourself.
THE PROCESS
HOW EACH ENGAGEMENT MOVES
The shape of the work adapts to the collection. The four steps stay consistent.
1
INITIAL CONVERSATION
Phone or video. We understand the collection's scope and what you're trying to accomplish. From that, we recommend the assessment approach: photo-based for smaller collections or initial reviews, on-site for larger or higher-value collections (often coordinated with our travel schedule to keep costs down), specialist coordination when categories outside our primary expertise are involved.
2
RESEARCH & EVALUATION
The work itself. Authentication, condition, market data, and provenance research. Thoughtful pace, not rushed. Accuracy is the goal.
3
FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS
You receive detailed guidance tailored to your situation. Validation of value, an exit strategy, or recommendations for refining the collection. Verbal or written, depending on the engagement.
4
ONGOING ACCESS
Many collectors stay in touch for future questions, market updates, and acquisitions. No retainer required. A known resource to return to.
PRICING
PRICING
WHAT THIS
COST
Four tiers. The right one depends on the collection: size, complexity, and what you're trying to accomplish. The conversation determines which fits.
Initial Consultation
Complimentary
A 30-minute call. We understand the collection's scope, your goals, and what work makes sense. Often, that's the right starting point. Sometimes it's the only step needed.
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Documented Assessment
Starting at $1,500
Written documentation with photo inventory, individual valuations, and records suitable for insurance, estate planning, or future sale. Pricing scales with collection size.
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Verbal Portfolio Review
Starting at $500
For collectors who want findings without formal documentation. We work through the collection in depth: authentication, condition, market context, and recommendations. The findings come verbally, not as a written report.
On-Site Assessment
Starting at $2,500
In-person evaluation at your location. For large collections or high-value pieces that benefit from hands-on examination. Travel costs often reduced when coordinated with the show schedule.
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FAQ
COMMON
QUESTIONS
FAQ
