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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But here's what most collectors don't realize: your collection isn't random. There are threads connecting every piece; aesthetic choices, nostalgic triggers, cultural moments that resonate with you personally. Understanding these patterns isn't just intellectually satisfying. It's the key to making smarter acquisition decisions, identifying which pieces truly belong in your portfolio, and knowing when you've found something worth investing in.
Discovering What Your Collection Really Means
Whether you're looking to validate what you've built, planning to sell strategically, or refining your focus, it starts with understanding what your collection is actually saying about you and your values.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATTERNS IN YOUR COLLECTION
WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR COLLECTING JOURNEY?
1
The Validator
"I want to know what I've built"
You've been collecting for years, maybe decades. Your collection represents significant investment (both financial and emotional), and you want professional insight into what you've assembled.
You're wondering:
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What's this actually worth for insurance purposes?
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Am I leaving a meaningful legacy for my family?
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Have I made smart acquisition decisions?
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How does my collection compare to serious collectors?
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 to a new passion, you want to ensure your collection finds the right homes and achieves fair market value.
You're wondering:
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What's the smartest way to sell?
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Which pieces should I keep vs. sell?
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How do I avoid leaving money on the table?
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What's realistic to expect in today's market?
We help you: Create strategic exit plans, identify optimal selling venues, and coordinate sales that maximize both value and proper placement.
3
"I want to refine what I have"
The Optimizer
You've built a collection, but now you're ready to be more strategic. Maybe you want to focus on a specific niche, upgrade quality, or fund new acquisitions by selling pieces that no longer fit your direction.
You're wondering:
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Which pieces should I keep vs. 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 value for acquisitions?
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What holes exist in my collection theme?
We help you: Analyze your portfolio strategy, identify opportunities for refinement, and source specific pieces that strengthen your collection's coherence and value.
EXPERT ASSESSMENT
BEYOND AUTHENTICATION
Unlike generic authentication services that provide pass/fail reports, our portfolio assessment helps you understand the full context of your collection, from individual piece significance to overall portfolio strategy.
EXPERT VERIFICATION
30+ years of hands-on experience with European and American signs means Robert can authenticate pieces, identify manufacturing details, and spot restoration or reproduction immediately - no lab equipment needed for most assessments.
CONDITION ASSESSMENT
Honest evaluation of condition issues, restoration quality, and how condition affects value. We'll identify which pieces are investment-grade vs. decorative display pieces.
AUTHENTICATION COORDINATION
When formal documentation is needed (insurance, high-value sales, estate purposes), we coordinate with trusted authentication partners and ensure you're getting legitimate expert analysis.
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SPECIALIST CONSULTATION
When your collection includes categories outside our primary expertise (oil cans, globes, specialty items), we coordinate with recognized experts to ensure comprehensive assessment.
MARKET VALUATION
Current market analysis based on recent auction results, private sales data, and regional demand trends. You'll understand not just what a piece "should" be worth, but what it would actually sell for today.
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PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
Strategic recommendations on pieces to acquire, hold, sell, or upgrade based on your collecting goals. This isn't generic advice - it's tailored to YOUR collection philosophy and financial objectives.
PROVENANCE DOCUMENTATION
When acquiring pieces for your portfolio, document the history and story of significant pieces - where acquired, from whom, and any historical significance. This documentation increases both cultural and financial value.
A PROCESS DESIGNED AROUND
YOUR
COLLECTION
Every collection is unique in size, focus, geography, and goals. Our assessment process adapts to your specific situation rather than forcing you into a rigid framework.
1
INITIAL CONVERSATION (Complimentary)
We start with a phone or video consultation to understand your collection scope, goals, and what you're hoping to accomplish. No obligation - just expert conversation to determine if portfolio assessment makes sense and which service level fits your needs.
2
ASSESSMENT APPROACH
Based on our initial conversation, we'll recommend the right approach: photo-based review for smaller collections or initial consultations, on-site assessment for large collections or high-value pieces (especially when located near our travel schedule), or specialist coordination when your collection includes categories requiring additional expertise.
3
COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION
Robert examines your collection with attention to authentication, condition, market positioning, and strategic fit with your collecting goals. This isn't a rushed inspection - it's thoughtful analysis informed by decades of experience.
4
STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATION
You receive detailed guidance tailored to your situation, whether that's validation of your collection's value, exit strategy planning, or recommendations for portfolio optimization.
5
ONGOING PARTNERSHIP
Many collectors continue working with us as their trusted advisor for future acquisitions, market questions, and portfolio management. You gain a long-term relationship with someone who understands your collection and investment objectives.
Every collection is unique, and so is every collector's situation. We offer flexible service levels to match your specific needs, from initial expert consultation to comprehensive documented assessment.
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COST
TRANSPARENT PRICING FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Is PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
​Right for Your Collection?
You've been collecting for 10+ years and want to understand what you've built​
You're considering selling and want to understand true market value before making decisions
You're planning your estate and need professional documentation for heirs
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You're ready to move from casual accumulation to strategic portfolio building
You inherited a collection and need expert guidance on value and next steps
You want to refine your collection focus and need strategic direction
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You need insurance documentation but want more than generic appraisal services
You want access to expert knowledge without committing to formal authentication services
FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
Let's Start a Conversation About Your Collection
The first step is simply a conversation - no pressure, no obligation, just expert insight to help you understand your options. Whether you're ready for a comprehensive assessment or just exploring what's possible, we're here to help.
30+ YEARS EXPERTISE
CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
NO OBLIGATION
