retr0brite not so right?

As a highway sign collector, I will add that highway signs with obvious repainting also similarly seriously depress their collectability value. While work done by the local DOT on the sign while it was up is generally accepted, restoration post retirement is frowned upon, and extensive repainting basically makes it a whole different sign anyway. Small touchups may be acceptable for small scratches, and structural repairs are probably kosher, but even those are arguable to really rabid fans. One of the most well-preserved items in my collection is a (probable) late 1930's embossed US Highway 1 shield from Maine. This is all original paint, which you can tell by the reflection. A similar shield that had extensive restoration sold for about half the estimated value of mine, simply because it was perceived to be less authentic (and I'd argue that it is indeed less authentic). -- ------------------------------------ personal: http://www.cameronkaiser.com/ -- Cameron Kaiser * Floodgap Systems * www.floodgap.com * ckaiser at floodgap.com -- I am the Eye in the Sky. -- Alan Parsons -----------------------------------