Ask the Expert

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/08/2011 (5386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Mike,

I found this old Sweet Caporal cigarette sign over 10 years ago, hidden in an attic in a house we were renovating. Do you know what something like this would be worth? We have just moved into a new house and does not fit our decor. It has a few dents in it and some minor weathering, but is in pretty good shape and is solid metal.

Just looking for some direction and thought you may be able to help me out.

Thanks.

— Brennan S.

 

Dear Brennan,

Your Sweet Caporal sign dates from the 1930s and is made of tin. Sweet Caporal made signs in tin as well as porcelain. It appears to be approximately five by three feet in size.

Tin signs that have graphics on them (such as the cigarette package) are more desirable than signs without. Larger signs generally have less value than smaller ones, as collectors tend to be limited in the space they have.

Condition is very important in determining the value of a sign. Your sign in its condition would sell for $175 to $200.

 

Mike Huen is an antique dealer and owner of Mike’s General Store in Winnipeg. If you would like to have an item appraised, please include a photo with your question. Email questions to mike@mikesgeneralstore.com, and put ‘Free Press’ in subject line, or write to Mike’s Appraisals, 52 St. Anne’s Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2M 2Y3.